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.
