Assignment: Identifying Verbal Operants
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.
- 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.
Format your assignment according to the following formatting requirements:
1. The answer should be typed, double spaced, using Times New Roman font (size 12), with one-inch margins on all sides.
2. The response also includes a cover page containing the title of the assignment, the student's name, the course title, and the date. The cover page is not included in the required page length.
3. Also include a reference page. The Citations and references should follow APA format. The reference page is not included in the required page length.