Verbal operants are a key concept in the field of behavioral psychology. They refer to an individual's verbal responses that are influenced by their environment and have specific consequences. This type of verbal behavior is essential to understanding how we learn and communicate. In this article, we will explore in detail what verbal operants are, the different types that exist, and how they work in the context of operant conditioning.
Definition of Verbal Operants
Verbal operants are verbal responses that individuals issue based on the consequences they have had in the past. These responses are shaped by the environment and are reinforced or weakened depending on the consequences they generate. Verbal operants are so called because they operate in the individual's environment and have an impact on their future behavior.
Verbal operants are based on the theory of operant conditioning, proposed by psychologist BF Skinner. According to this theory, behavior is influenced by the consequences that follow an action. In the case of verbal operants, verbal responses are the actions that are affected by the consequences.
Characteristics of Verbal Operants
Verbal operants share several characteristics that distinguish them. of other types of verbal behavior. Some of these characteristics are:
- Controlled by the environment: Verbal operants are influenced by the environment in which they occur. The consequences of a verbal response determine the probability that that response will be repeated in the future.
- Functional: Verbal responses have a specific purpose or function for the individual. They can be used to communicate information, express emotions, or influence the behavior of others.
- Modelable: Verbal operants can be shaped or modified over time through feedback from the environment. This allows the individual to improve their verbal skills and adapt to different situations.
- Variables: Verbal operants can vary depending on the context in which they occur. The same verbal response can have different consequences depending on the situation in which it is issued.
Types of Verbal Operants
There are different types of verbal operants, each one with specific features and functions. Some of the most common types are:
1. Mands
Mands are a type of verbal operant in which the individual emits a response in order to obtain something from the environment. For example, if a child says "can I have water, please", he is issuing a command to get water. Commands are usually responses that seek to satisfy an immediate need.
2. Tacts
Tacts are verbal operants in which the individual emits a verbal response to name or describe something that is present in the environment. For example, if a person sees a dog and says "dog", they are emitting a tact to identify the animal. Touches are important for communication and the expression of ideas.
3. Intraverbals
Intraverbals are verbal responses that occur based on previous verbal stimuli. For example, if someone mentions the word "dog", and another person responds with "animal", they are uttering an intraverbal. This type of verbal operant involves the association of words or ideas in a conversation.
4. Echolics
Echolics are verbal operants in which the individual repeats a verbal response that he has previously heard in his environment. For example, if a child repeats a phrase that he has heard on television, he is emitting an echoic sound. This type of verbal operant helps the individual acquire and reinforce language through imitation.
Function of Verbal Operants
The functioning of verbal operants is based on the principle of reinforcement and conditioning. When an individual makes a verbal response, it can be positively or negatively reinforced, which will influence the probability that the response will be repeated in the future.
For example, if a child asks for candy by saying \\\\ "I want some candy," and you receive the candy as a result of your request, you are more likely to use the same phrase to get a candy in the future. In this case, obtaining the candy acts as a positive reinforcer that increases the probability that the child will issue the same command in similar situations.
In addition to positive reinforcement, verbal operants can also be negatively reinforced. For example, if a child stops crying upon receiving a new toy, the cessation of crying may be negatively reinforced by obtaining the toy. In this case, negative reinforcement increases the probability that the child will use crying again as a strategy to obtain what he wants in the future.
Importance of Verbal Operants
The Verbal operants are fundamental for the development of language and communication in individuals. Through interaction with their environment, people learn to emit verbal responses that allow them to express their needs, emotions and thoughts. The effective use of verbal operants facilitates social interaction, learning and adaptation to different contexts.
In addition, knowledge of verbal operants is relevant in the clinical setting, as it allows therapists and Psychologists design specific interventions to modify the verbal behavior of individuals. Understanding how verbal operants work and how they are affected by the environment is essential to promoting adaptive behaviors and reducing problem behaviors.
In summary, verbal operants are verbal responses influenced by the consequences they have had on the environment. past. Understanding the different types of verbal operants and how they work in operant conditioning is essential to analyze the verbal behavior of individuals and promote their cognitive and social development.