Sketch The Psychological Record, 2010, 60, 527–542 A Sketch of the ImplIcIt RelAtIonAl ASSeSSment pRoceduRe (IRAp) And the RelAtIonAl elAboRAtIon And coheRence (Rec) model

The current article outlines a behavior-analytic approach to the study of so-called implicit attitudes and cognition. The Implicit Relational Assessment Pro-cedure (IRAP), the conceptual basis of which was derived from relational frame theory, is offered as a methodology that may be used in the experimental anal-ysis of implicit attitudes and beliefs. The relational elaboration and coherence (REC) model provides a possible relational-frame account of the findings that have emerged from the IRAP. The article first outlines the research history that led to the development of the IRAP, followed by a description of the method. The REC model and how it explains a range of IRAP data are then considered. The article also outlines how both the IRAP and the REC model overlap with, and differ from, similar research found in the non-behavior-analytic literature. Key words: Implicit Relational Assessment Procedure, relational frame theory, network, elaboration, coherence, attitudes Imagine if you were asked, “Do you prefer 7UP or Pepsi? ” Assuming that you do have a particular preference, you would likely respond quickly and with little thought or deliberation. Furthermore, your answer would almost certainly correspond to the drink you typically choose. Imagine, however, if you were asked, “Do you prefer white or black people? ” Responding to this question seems to differ quite dramatically from the first question. Indeed, the question itself may be considered inappropriate or even insulting Preparation of this article was supported by funding awarded to the first three authors fro