Introductory Concepts
Elementary Relationships
Extensions of Verbal Behavior
Multiple Controlling Relationships
Building on the Elementary Relationships
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3.4 Verbal Behavior Non-Example #1

Salivation at the sight of a steak is not verbal behavior for several reasons. The primary reason is that the response is not established and maintained by reinforcement; it is established and maintained by classical or respondent conditioning.

Verbal Behavior

Behavior that has the following features:

It is established and maintained by reinforcement

The reinforcement is mediated by another person

The other person’s action that results in reinforcement must have been specifically trained in order to reinforce speakers

The topography of the behavior: which muscles are used in making the response

Dynamic characteristics of the response: speed, intensity, repetition

Verbal or non-verbal stimulus

Stimulus mode: auditory, visual, etc.

Reinforcement features

A cartoon of a man grilling a steak.
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