Complex Equivalence

Question 1

Complex Equivalence Negative Example:

(Statements where complex situations, ideas, objects or their meanings are equated as synonymous. Frequent words [which are often omitted from the surface structure of the sentence]: that means, that just means, it must be that, [rhetorical] what else could it mean?)

“The boss has his door closed. He’s planning to fire me.”

Answer 1

Complex Equivalence Positive Challenge:

“You mean every time your boss closes his door somebody gets fired?”

Question 2

Complex Equivalence Negative Example:

(Statements where complex situations, ideas, objects or their meanings are equated as synonymous. Frequent words [which are often omitted from the surface structure of the sentence]: that means, that just means, it must be that, [rhetorical] what else could it mean?)

“You’re not eating your vegetables. What’s the matter? You don’t like my cooking?”

Answer 2

Complex Equivalence Positive Challenge:

“If I liked your cooking, would I have to eat my vegetables?”

Question 3

Complex Equivalence Negative Example:

(Statements where complex situations, ideas, objects or their meanings are equated as synonymous. Frequent words [which are often omitted from the surface structure of the sentence]: that means, that just means, it must be that, [rhetorical] what else could it mean?)

“You bought me white flowers instead of red ones. You don’t love me like you used to.”

Answer 3

Complex Equivalence Positive Challenge:

“So only red flowers mean I love you?”

Question 4

Complex Equivalence (Internal Dialogue) Negative Example:

(Statements where complex situations, ideas, objects or their meanings are equated as synonymous. Frequent words [which are often omitted from the surface structure of the sentence]: that means, that just means, it must be that, [rhetorical] what else could it mean?)

“I don’t know what to do. I must be really stupid.”

Answer 4

Complex Equivalence (Internal Dialogue) Positive Challenge:

“I don’t know what to do. What resources do I need in order to have a better idea?”

Question 5

Complex Equivalence (Internal Dialogue) Negative Example:

(Statements where complex situations, ideas, objects or their meanings are equated as synonymous. Frequent words [which are often omitted from the surface structure of the sentence]: that means, that just means, it must be that, [rhetorical] what else could it mean?)

“I’m getting frustrated. I can’t do this.”

Answer 5

Complex Equivalence (Internal Dialogue) Positive Challenge:

“I’m getting frustrated. Perhaps I’ll take a break and see if there’s a better approach.”

Question 6

Complex Equivalence (Internal Dialogue) Negative Example:

(Statements where complex situations, ideas, objects or their meanings are equated as synonymous. Frequent words [which are often omitted from the surface structure of the sentence]: that means, that just means, it must be that, [rhetorical] what else could it mean?)

“They’re succeeding and I’m not. I just don’t have what it takes.”

Answer 6

Complex Equivalence (Internal Dialogue) Positive Challenge:

“They’re succeeding and I’m not. What specifically are they doing differently?”