The effects of listener training on the development of analogical reasoning

Meyer et al. (2019) taught college students to pick the correct shape when they heard made-up words like “vek” or “zog.”

After each choice, the students had to say “same” or “different” out loud.

The team then tested if the students could match new pairs that were never directly taught, a skill called analogical reasoning.

Most students began solving the new analogy problems right away.

When the rule “say same/different aloud” was added, scores jumped even higher.

The talk-aloud step turned strong results into near-perfect results.

Perez et al. (2015) got the same boost using a different route: they had adults say “A goes with B” instead of picking cards. Both studies show that saying the relation out loud is the key ingredient.

Pilgrim et al. (2000) saw mixed success with preschoolers and adults with developmental disabilities. Meyer’s cleaner win fits because they worked with neurotypical college students who already have strong language skills.

Vakil et al. (2011) found poor analogy scores in adults with ID. That looks like a clash, but the two studies tested different groups. Once you match the method to the learner’s language level, equivalence training works.

If you want clients to derive untaught relations, add a verbal rule and make them say it aloud. This simple step costs no extra materials and lifts accuracy fast. Try it next time you run an equivalence or sorting task—just ask the learner to announce “same” or “different” before you score the trial.