Date of Graduation
Summer 2025
Degree
Master of Science in Behavior Analysis & Therapy
Department
Mental Health & Behavioral Science
Committee Chair
Ann Rost
Abstract
Intercultural interaction is an important aspect for fostering global engagement and competence, yet we find that despite the numerous opportunities, many don’t engage cross-culturally. The current paper utilizes Relational Density Theory (RDT; Belisle & Dixon, 2020a) to examine and modify perceptions of approachability through two experiments. In experiment 1, a Multidimensional Scaling Procedure (MDS) was utilized to identify at-risk groups for non interaction among college students as well as willingness to engage. In experiment 2, a Stimulus Pairing Observation Procedure (SPOP) was utilized to determine whether exposure to positively valanced stimuli could shift the perceptions of the at-risk groups to move positive approachability characteristics. Results indicated that trained stimuli relationally shift toward positive relational networks, with greater shifts occurring for initially negatively associated groups. Findings contribute to the growing literature on RDT, relational learning, and prejudice reduction, offering both practical and theoretical implications for increasing intercultural interaction. Limitations and future research are explored.
Keywords
relational density theory, intercultural interaction, prejudice, multidimensional scaling procedure, stimulus pairing observation procedure
Subject Categories
Applied Behavior Analysis | Global Studies
Copyright
© Ryan T. Moser
Recommended Citation
Moser, Ryan T., "Relational Density Theory and Intercultural Interaction: Identifying and Shifting Perceptions of At-Risk Groups" (2025). MSU Graduate Theses/Dissertations. 4073.
https://bearworks.missouristate.edu/theses/4073
