Research Bites for the month of May aim to set the record straight when it comes to B.F. Skinner's Verbal Behavior and its clinical applications.
Language as a Behavior
Published in 1957, Skinner's book offered an analysis of language as a behavior, and from a behavior analytic perspective.
Skinner introduced technical concepts that would go on to shape the field of applied behavior science as we know it.
Verbal Operants
Unfortunately, Skinner's book left a few stones unturned:
❌ Explains how to teach these behaviors
❌ Guidance for communication training
❌ No experiments documented
What followed were decades of application (and misapplication) of Skinner's Verbal Behavior Theory.
#ResearchBites
Behavior University hosted a webinar this month with Andy Bondy who addressed those shortcomings. His course touched on issues related to terminology and teaching, as outlined in his 2019 article.
| | Issues Related to AAC and SGD Use by Adolescents and Adults with Autism Spectrum DisorderAndy Bondy, Ph.D. |
Andy's article highlights the use of technology in teaching functional communication. Speech-generating devices, or SGDs, can offer useful strategies. But they also introduce new challenges.
And regardless of the technology, critical factors still need to be addressed:
- Speaker vs. listener distinctions
- Spontaneous & multiply-controlled responding
- Skills and deficits related to expanding communication repertoires
Interested in learning more?
Until next time,
The Quick Crew Review:
1) #ICYMI: The discussion on prioritizing wellbeing continues!
Dr. Shari Daisy talks about the experience of "mattering" in the recent webinar, "Prioritizing Wellbeing: When Staff Matter, They Flourish."
2) Are you a BCBA in need of CEUs? Bundle only the courses you need AND save money on your continuing education with Behavior University.
