Verbal Behavior: Mand, Tact, Echoic — RBT Skill Acquisition Guide

Understanding Language Functions

Skinner's analysis of verbal behavior categorizes language by its function, not its form. You must know the primary operants: Mand, Tact, Echoic, and Intraverbal.

Mand (Request)

A Mand is controlled by a motivation (MO). The speaker wants something. "I want cookie." It benefits the speaker directly. It is the first type of language usually taught.

Tact (Label)

A Tact is controlled by a non-verbal discriminative stimulus (seeing something). "There is a plane!" It benefits the listener by providing information. It is essentially labeling.

Echoic (Imitation)

An Echoic occurs when the speaker repeats what they heard. Point-to-point correspondence is key. "Say ball" -> "Ball." This is crucial for teaching new words.

Intraverbal (Conversation)

An Intraverbal is responding to another person's verbal behavior. "How are you?" -> "Good." It allows for social interaction.