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An Introduction to Relational Frame Theory

Eric Fox
4.33 out of 5
(1311 customer reviews)

$16.99

Learn the key concepts, terms, and approach of Relational Frame Theory (RFT), a behavioral account of human language and cognition. RFT provides the theoretical basis for promising new interventions in applied behavior analysis (e.g., PEAK Relational Training System) and clinical psychology (e.g., Acceptance and Commitment Therapy).

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Description

Includes
  • 15 self-paced lessons, 1 final quiz
  • Certificate of completion
  • Unlimited access
Format
Estimated Duration
  • 5-6 hours

Relational Frame Theory (RFT) is a behavioral account of human language and cognition that emerged primarily from converging lines of research on rule-governed behavior and derived stimulus relations. It is an extension of B.F. Skinner’s analysis of verbal behavior in some respects, but also directly challenges some of the basic tenets of that analysis. More importantly, it has drastic implications for how we conduct a science of human behavior, as it explains how stimulus functions can be altered in ways that are not directly predictable from a traditional contingency analysis. RFT provides a framework for an analysis of complex human behavior, and serves as the basis of promising new interventions in applied behavior analysis (e.g., PEAK Relational Training System) and clinical psychology (e.g., Acceptance and Commitment Therapy). This tutorial, first published in 2004, helps the learner master the key concepts, terms, and approach of RFT.

About the Author

Dr. Eric FoxAn Introduction to Relational Frame Theory was written and developed by Eric J. Fox, Ph.D. (Doc Fox), the Founder and CEO of FoxyLearning. Doc Fox was a contributing author to the first book-length treatment of Relational Frame Theory (RFT), developed the original Association for Contextual Behavioral Science (ACBS) website (and the RFT and ACT websites that preceded it), was a founding member of the ACBS Board of Directors, and has presented and published on RFT numerous times. He holds a doctorate in Learning & Instructional Technology from Arizona State University and a master’s degree in behavior analysis from the University of Nevada, Reno. He has over two decades of experience in instructional design and previously served as a faculty member in the psychology department of Western Michigan University, Dean of Instruction at Saybrook University, Director of Instructional Design for Altius Education, Senior Content Developer at Cengage Learning, and Director of Educational Technology for The Ohio State University College of Medicine. His love of learning, technology, and behavioral science is coupled with an unhealthy affinity for Batman.

Learning Objectives

This tutorial introduces a conceptual framework (RFT) for analyzing human language and cognition that is more functional and pragmatic than the structural analyses of traditional linguistics or cognitive psychology. It will be particularly beneficial to those wishing to understand the theoretical basis of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy or Training (ACT) or those working to establish verbal repertoires with children or adults who have language delays. This tutorial will not provide you with training in specific interventions or methods based on RFT, but it will provide you with a conceptual understanding of the theoretical basis of such interventions and methods. Upon completing the tutorial, the learner should be able to:

  1. Identify two of the distinguishing characteristics of human language and how they are accounted for by Relational Frame Theory (RFT)
  2. Identify definitions and examples of key theoretical concepts in RFT (including derived stimulus relation, functional contextual theory, relational responding, generalized operant, multiple exemplar training, mutual entailment, combinatorial entailment, transformation of stimulus functions, and contextual cues)
  3. Specify the process by which relational responding leads to derived stimulus relations
  4. Analyze samples of natural language using the terms and concepts of RFT

History

This tutorial was initially developed as part of the author’s dissertation research at Arizona State University. The topic was selected to introduce the complex concepts of RFT to a broad audience. The content of this tutorial should be considered quite accurate, as it was written by an expert in the field and reviewed for accuracy by Dr. Steven C. Hayes, who led the development of RFT and ACT, and Dr. Dermot Barnes-Holmes, who is one of the most prolific RFT researchers and scholars in the world. A beta version of the tutorial was introduced in 2003, with the first full release in 2004. The tutorial earned the author the Nova Southeastern Award for Outstanding Practice by a Graduate Student in Instructional Design from the Design & Development division of the Association for Educational Communications & Technology. With an award name that long, you know it’s got to be good. The first commercial version (developed in Adobe Flash) was launched on FoxyLearning in January 2010 and the first HTML5 version was launched in May 2012. The tutorial is updated on an ongoing basis, with with significant updates occurring in June 2013, June 2019, January 2020, and August 2022.

Content

You can access several sample lessons for free below. Please note that your progress on sample lessons is not tracked or recorded.

Module Content

Lesson 5: Human Language and Cognition 4 Pages
Lesson 7: Relational Responding 45 Pages
Lesson Content
0% Complete 0/45 Steps
Lesson 12: Transformation of Stimulus Functions 45 Pages
Lesson Content
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Lesson 15: Implications and Applications 62 Pages
Lesson Content
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Final Quiz for An Introduction to Relational Frame Theory (Standard)

1311 reviews for An Introduction to Relational Frame Theory

  1. Elisabeth Almeidanelson_almeida
    5 out of 5
    June 19, 2026
    I’m glad the course has been so helpful! RFT really is dense material — full of interlocking concepts (Crel, Cfunc, mutual and combinatorial entailment, transformation of functions, functional contextualism) — so it makes a big difference when the material uses concrete everyday examples (like the dessert carbs comparison, or Akshay hiding) to anchor each idea before moving to the next one.
    Nneka UgwuNnekaugwu
    5 out of 5
    April 11, 2026
    I like how it uses relatable events and language to teach complex and dense topics. Thank you for helping me understand the academic theory of RFT.
    Bethany Koenbethanyk.work.24
    5 out of 5
    March 28, 2026
    Very reasonable price for the training and quality of content. I enjoyed the pop culture references, conversational tone, and the breakdown of each section. If you are interested in learning the basics of RFT I would go through this module.
    Vanessa Gilliamvanessa.gilliam
    5 out of 5
    March 26, 2026
    Very fun and engaging! Definitely made some dense work lighter with relatable and funny examples to apply to.
    Amy G.amy
    5 out of 5
    July 1, 2025
    This is the most accessible intro to RFT out there. A well explained and thorough focusing.
    Natasya Jaslynen.jaslyne1
    5 out of 5
    November 29, 2023
    Enjoyable course! There are a lot of funny details and questions given by the author which makes it not boring (Gen-Z approved). I really struggled with this course because it was too technical for me to understand, but I literally finished this course in less than a day because I had so much fun doing it. Thanks!
    Amanda Weaveraweaver222
    5 out of 5
    November 28, 2023
    Examples and explanations are clear and helpful. The infographics are also extremely helpful. I enjoyed that humor was incorporated into the training without taking away from the learning. I highly recommend this training.
    Amber Hughesamber.hughes1005
    4 out of 5
    November 7, 2023
    This is a good introduction to the topic and was helpful during my schooling.
    Verified BuyerPatrick.cyhui
    5 out of 5
    October 5, 2023
    The training course is comprehensive and interactive.
    Katrina JeffersonKatrina Jefferson
    5 out of 5
    August 16, 2023
    Very informative on new approaches to teaching in the natural environment!
    Edward Hunternedhunter111
    5 out of 5
    March 12, 2023
    Most clear description of RFT I have ever seen.
    kblackKblack
    5 out of 5
    February 26, 2023
    This course was a great introduction to a complex topic! I like that I was able to go back and refer to prior lessons. I continue to refer to this after finishing my school course
    ericaelizabethandersonericaelizabethanderson
    3 out of 5
    February 15, 2023
    kind of confusing
    Gerard Mc Cormackgmccorma
    4 out of 5
    January 25, 2023
    Informative. Made a difficult concept easy to grasp.
    Andrea Matamataand1
    5 out of 5
    December 11, 2022
    Great course!
    Natalie Yatesnatalieyates0114
    5 out of 5
    December 9, 2022
    Made a complex concept easier to understand by breaking it down into appropriate sizes
    Tori Wilson Hopkinstori.hopkins
    5 out of 5
    December 2, 2022
    Very easy to follow along! I enjoyed the material! Learned a lot!
    Jessica Wilcoxjwilcox3
    5 out of 5
    November 9, 2022
    This module was informative and easy to learn. There were frequent knowledge checks that related well to the material and lots of great examples.
    Kristin Leonkleonskye
    5 out of 5
    September 22, 2022
    Great course overall.
    Tiffany Lutektitijoan4
    4 out of 5
    August 11, 2022
    Very informative!
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An Introduction to Relational Frame Theory
4.33 out of 5
(1311)

$16.99