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Verbal behavior is a topic that is most associated with a clinical setting. One of the main targets for clinicians, particularly for early intervention, is teaching mands (likely related to snacks or iPads), tacts, and intraverbals. However, the concepts of verbal behavior are present in everyday interactions and impact how we communicate with others.

Behavior analysis today gets most of its mainstream recognition for the work being done in applied settings, referred to as applied behavior analysis (ABA). The progress of behavior analytic applications has been important for the dissemination of the science and even better for the clients across the world who require behavioral services.

Very few books are celebrated on their 50th or 60th anniversary. Dr. Henry Schlinger makes the case for why Verbal Behavior is one of those books. Skinner himself noted that “It will, I believe, prove to be my most important work” (Skinner, 1977, p. 379). The story of how this book came to be is almost as complex as the topic itself.

This infographic will give you basic information on what verbal behavior is and how it is defined.

Skinner’s Verbal Behavior may be a difficult read for some. The content is complex but unpacks all aspects of verbal behavior. One can gain a lot of insight from his book if completely understanding it. In part 1 of this analysis, Mark Sundberg explains how language is typically measured and how Skinner suggests language should be measured, and in what units to measure it.

“When I was in university, I asked my professor, ‘How do I teach language skills to kids?” and my professor gave me Skinner’s Verbal Behavior book. So, the answer is not exactly in the book, but it is ultimately in the book”

Understanding rules and rule-governed behavior has been a pervasive conceptual issue in behavior analysis since Skinner’s initial analysis in his book, Verbal Behavior (1957). Since then the exact function of rules and verbal stimuli has been a point of conjecture. In this course, Dr. Hank Schlinger, BCBA-D, provides a detailed overview of the history of the analysis of rules and provides a contemporary perspective on rule-governed behavior informed by Blakely and Schlinger (1987a, 1987b).

Evelyn Kendall will introduce the Growth Mindset. Where it is used and how behavior analysts can benefit by stepping out of their comfort zones.

Today we are joined by Dr. Holly Rittenhouse-Cea from University of Dayton's Online ABA Program. This isn't just your ordinary online program, with small cohorts and a plethora of opportunities to connect with faculty and other students you are guaranteed to get out of this program, what you put in.

Today we are joined by Dr. Doug Greer, Dr. Jessica Dudek, & Dr. Daniel Fienup from Teachers College Columbia University and CABAS. This is one of the oldest programs in the country and has developed into a very unique program. To quote Dr. Doug Greer, "We’re sort of like Indiana Jones. We want to get our whip, hat, and go out there and deal with it, but we don't use whips."

In Part 4, Dr. Mark Sundberg expands on his previous courses and delves into developing and implementing a language intervention program based on the results of the VB-MAPP Assessments.* Dr. Sundberg overviews typical language development milestones and the implications these have for children and adults with language delays. With the assistance of a completed VB-MAPP, participants will learn the steps to beginning, developing, and implementing an intervention program. Verbal operants will be broken down, and considerations for the selection of goals will be discussed.

Shaping, or the differential reinforcement of successive approximations, is thought by many to be the most important tool in the behavior analyst’s toolbox. Shaping is usually thought of as something one human does to change the behavior of another living organism, most often to a human but also to a pet or a laboratory subject of the nonhuman persuasion. In such cases, the human is the agent of the shaping in that the human decides the conditions under which successive approximations do or do not merit reinforcement. 

Today we are joined by Dr. Dorothea Lerman, Dr. Sarah Lechago, Dr. Jennifer Fritz as well as two third-year master's students, Mary Signorella & Aunie Abernathy. This program is JAM PACKED and I have learned so much from speaking to this group of amazing women.

This month on Thought Leaders, we are sitting down and speaking with Tom Freeman more about his history and where he sees the field of behavior analysis going.

Join Operant Innovations as we speak to Rowan University and not only do we have faculty joining us, but also two students. Learn how Rowan University is unique in the classes, research, and practicum opportunities allowing their students to individualize their experience through their masters and Ph.D. programming.