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

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. 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.
Refer to the Identifying Verbal Operants Scoring Guide to ensure you understand
the grading criteria for this assignment.
Note: Your instructor may also use the Writing Feedback Tool to provide
feedback on your writing. In the tool, click the linked resources for helpful writing
information.
Portfolio Prompt: You may choose to save this learning activity to your ePortfolio.
Reference
Sundberg, M. L. (1998). Realizing the potential of Skinner's analysis of verbal
behavior. Analyzing Verbal Behavior, 15, 143–147.