Which statements are true about verbal behavior including PECs, Sign Language, and Talking?

• A. PECs only are verbal behavior
• B. Sign Language is not verbal behavior
• C. Talking is not verbal behavior
• D. All of the above are verbal behaviors

Answer: (D)

Verbal behavior is defined by function: any form of communication that is reinforced by a listener’s response, regardless of the physical form. PECs, Sign Language, and Talking all serve to request, comment, or share information in ways that another person responds to, producing reinforcement. PECs function as mands or tacts depending on the context, Sign Language can operate as a verbal operant, and Talking is the traditional vocal verbal behavior. Because each form can be reinforced socially, all are verbal behaviors. Limiting verbal behavior to spoken words would ignore meaningful ways people communicate and be incorrect.