In 1957, Skinner wrote the book Verbal Behavior in which he analyzed language based on the same environmental principles of behavior that he used to analyze nonverbal behavior. That analysis resulted in a classification system that allows for the identification of different types of language. The elementary verbal operants originated from this system, including:
- Mands
- Tacts.
- Echoic.
- Intraverbal (Sundberg, 1998).
This assignment allows you to further solidify your understanding of this classification system.
Instructions
To complete this assignment, use the Identifying Verbal Operants Template [DOCX] write a paper in which you:
- Review the examples in the grid and identify which verbal operant (mands, tacts, echoic, and intraverbal) is being presented.
- 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 for each of the four-verbal operants in narrative form.
- Explain why it is beneficial for learners to increase their mand, tact, echoic and intraverbal repertoire. Provide a separate reasoning for each of the four operants.
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. Review Evidence and APALinks to an external site. for more information on how to cite your sources.
- Resources: 1–2 scholarly or professional resources.
- Length: 2–3 double-spaced pages of content, in addition to the title page and references page.
Refer to the MS in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) Research GuideLinks to an external site. for help finding resources.
Refer to the Identifying Verbal Operants rubric to ensure you understand the grading criteria for this assignment.
Reference
Sundberg, M. L. (1998). Realizing the potential of Skinner’s analysis of verbal behavior. Analyzing Verbal Behavior, 15, 143–147.