In 1957, B. F. Skinner wrote the book Verbal Behavior in which he analyzed language based on the same environmental principles of behavior that he previously used to analyze nonverbal behavior. That analysis resulted in a classification system that allows for identification of different types of language. Based on this system, the elementary verbal operants originated, which include mands, tacts, echoic, and intraverbal (Sundberg, 1998). This assignment allows you to further solidify your understanding on this classification system.
To complete this assignment, write an APA-formatted paper in which you:
- Review the examples in the grid below and identify which verbal operant (mands, tacts, echoic, and intraverbal) is being presented. Either copy and paste the table into or recreate the grid in your paper. Fill in the third column.
- Define each of the four verbal operants and justify the answers you provided. Why did you choose the verbal operant that you did?
- Provide your own example of each verbal operant in narrative form.
- Explain why it is beneficial for learners to increase their mand, tact, echoic and intraverbal repertoire, and any limitations to increasing each repertoire.
Verbal Operant Grid
| As a result of… |
One has a tendency to… |
Verbal Operant |
| Smelling smoke |
Say, “I smell smoke!” |
|
| Parent says “no” |
Say, “no” |
|
| “How was your day?” |
Say, “it was great!” |
|
| Drinking water |
Says, “where’s the restroom?” |
|
Be sure to support your choices with the unit readings and other scholarly resources.
Assignment Requirements
Your assignment should meet the following requirements:
- Written communication: Should be free of errors that detract from the overall message.
- APA formatting: References and citations are formatted according to current APA style guidelines.
- Resources: 2–3 scholarly or professional resources.
- Length: 2–3 double-spaced pages of content, in addition to the title page and references page.
- Font and font size: Times New Roman, 12-point.
- SafeAssign: You are required to use SafeAssign before submitting the completed assignment to your instructor. Submit your work to SafeAssign as a draft, review the results, and make any needed changes. When you are ready, submit your assignment to the assignment area for grading.