Mathematical Prediction of Emergent Relations in the Merger of Equivalence Classes

Abstract

Two distinct equivalence classes can be merged by teaching one relation between one member of each class. This association between the classes has the potential to generate emergent relations among all members of each class. The present study proposes an equation that allows prediction of the total number of emergent relations among classes when they are merged. The equation was tested in two situations and reliably predicted the number of emergent relations when two classes were merged into one. Some functional implications of the findings for the merger of equivalence classes are discussed.