This study investigates the constructs of Derivation and Complexity and how they relate to latency. Derivation and Complexity are theoretical constructs that have been posited as two of the main factors in differences in latency to responding in implicit measures such as the Implicit Relational Assessment Procedure (IRAP) and the Implicit Association Task (IAT). This study trained participants to relate two groups of novel stimuli in a linear fashion and then tested their latency to responding to derived relations (relations based on previously trained relations, but not directly trained themselves). The study then analyzed participant's latency to responding after dividing the responses based on derivation, complexity, and phase. The study found a significant relationship between phase and latency (p=.01), derivation and latency (p=.01), and complexity and latency (p=.04). This indicates that brief, immediate relational responses are influenced by both derivation and complexity as well as practice responding and these variables should be considered in future investigations into implicit attitudes.

The current study examined the utility of an idiographic configuration of the Implicit Relational Assessment Procedure (IRAP) as a measure of psychological flexibility. Psychological flexibility is the overarching outcome variable of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and may be defined as the ability to make full contact with the present moment and persist in behavior that serves valued ends (Hayes, 2004). One hundred six participants first completed questionnaires assessing individual valued activities and distressing private events. These data were utilized to populate the IRAP. Depending on the administration order, the subjects either continued with the IRAP or with a series of self-report measures evaluating psychological functioning and ACT processes. Results indicated that IRAP scores modestly correlated with some self-reports of psychological flexibility and were also able to significantly predict symptomology. However, the study revealed inadequate internal consistency of the IRAP, which constitutes a limitation to the validity of the measure. This study represents one step in a long line of research examining a variety of procedural and contextual variables influencing the reliability of the IRAP, offering preliminary support for the utility of an idiographic IRAP as an implicit measure of psychological flexibility. Future additions to IRAP research similar to the current study will continue to enhance the field’s understanding of implicit cognitions and the effectiveness of the IRAP in psychological research.