Wirth, O., Chase, P. N., & Munson, K. J. (2000).
Experimental analysis of human vocal behavior: Applications of speech-recognition technology.
Journal of the Experimental Analysis of Behavior,
74, 363-375.
Recent developments in speech recognition make it feasible to
apply the technology to study vocal behavior. The present study
illustrates the use of this technology to establish functional
stimulus classes. Eight students were taught to say nonsense
words in the presence of arbitrarily assigned sets of symbols
consistent with three three-member experimenter-defined stimulus
classes. Computer-controlled speech-recognition software was used
to record, analyze, and differentially reinforce vocal responses.
When the stimulus classes were established, students were taught
to say a new nonsense word in the presence of one member of each
stimulus class. Transfer of function was tested subsequently to
determine if the novel stimulus names transferred to the
remaining stimulus class members. Most subjects required two
iterations of the training and testing procedures before transfer
occurred. The data illustrate the usefulness of recording vocal
behavior during stimulus control procedures and demonstrate the
use of speech-recognition technology. The paper also describes
the current state of speech-recognition technology and suggests
several other areas of research that might benefit from using
vocal behavior as its primary datum.
Key words: transfer of function, functional equivalence, speech
recognition, naming, vocal behavior, humans