Which of the following are examples of verbal behavior?

• A. Using PECs
• B. Sign Language
• C. All of the above!
• D. Talking

Answer: (C)

Verbal behavior is behavior that is reinforced through the response of a listener. Any form of communication that relies on a listener to receive reinforcement qualifies as verbal behavior. Using PECS fits this, because exchanging pictures to request or comment is a communicative act that a listener reinforces. Sign language also counts, as it is a language-based form of communication that a listener responds to just like spoken language. Talking is the clearest example of verbal behavior, since spoken words elicit a listener’s reinforcement or response. Because each listed form involves communication that depends on a listener’s behavior for reinforcement, all of the above are examples of verbal behavior.