Applied Verbal Behavior

Verbal Behavior was developed by B.F. Skinner and describes a behavioral approach to the acquisition of language in individuals of typical development.. It emphasizes that communication is a behavior that follows the same laws and principles as other forms of behavior. In his book, Verbal Behavior, Skinner introduced and described new terms to refer to language processes from a behavioral perspective (e.g., mands, tacts, intraverbals). More recently, the terms “Verbal Behavior” or “Applied Verbal Behavior” have also been informally used to identify a teaching approach that emphasizes Skinner’s analysis of language.