Intraverbal Behavior: A Review
Abstract
Intraverbal behavior is a type of verbal behavior where individuals respond to verbal stimuli, such as questions or statements, with verbal responses. Intraverbal behavior is an important part of language and communication, and it has been studied extensively in the field of Applied Behavior Analysis. This article reviews the literature on intraverbal behavior, including its definition, functions, assessment, and treatment. Additionally, this article reviews the current research on the development of intraverbal behaviors in children, as well as the use of intraverbal behavior in teaching new language skills.
Keywords: intraverbal behavior, Applied Behavior Analysis, language, communication
Introduction
Intraverbal behavior is a type of verbal behavior in which individuals respond to verbal stimuli, such as questions or statements, with verbal responses. Intraverbal behavior is an important part of language and communication, and it has been studied extensively in the field of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA). ABA is a scientific approach to understanding and changing behavior, and it is used in many settings, including educational, behavioral health, and social services. Intraverbal behavior is an important part of ABA interventions and is used to improve communication, language, and social skills.
Definition
Intraverbal behavior is defined as a verbal response to a verbal stimulus (Skinner, 1957). The verbal response can be an answer to a question, a repetition of speech, or a verbal description of a concept. Intraverbal behavior involves understanding the meaning of a verbal stimulus and responding with a verbal response that is appropriate and meaningful. Intraverbal behavior is different from other verbal behavior because it requires an individual to understand the verbal stimulus and respond with a verbal response.
Functions
Intraverbal behavior serves many functions. It allows individuals to communicate with others, express their thoughts and feelings, and interact socially. Additionally, intraverbal behavior is an important part of language development and learning new language skills. Intraverbal behavior can also be used to assess an individual’s understanding of verbal stimuli and their ability to respond with appropriate verbal responses.
Assessment
The assessment of intraverbal behavior includes the evaluation of an individual’s ability to respond to verbal stimuli with appropriate verbal responses. This assessment can be used to determine an individual’s language and communication skills, as well as their ability to understand and use verbal stimuli. Additionally, the assessment of intraverbal behavior can be used to identify deficits in an individual’s language and communication skills, which can then be targeted for intervention.
Treatment
Intraverbal behavior is often targeted for intervention in ABA programs. ABA programs use a variety of techniques to teach new language skills, such as prompting, modeling, and reinforcement. Additionally, ABA programs can utilize specific strategies, such as prompting hierarchies, to teach intraverbal behavior. For example, an ABA program may utilize a prompting hierarchy to teach an individual to respond to verbal stimuli with appropriate verbal responses.
Development in Children
Intraverbal behavior is an important part of language development in children. Children typically develop intraverbal behavior at an early age and use it to communicate with others, understand language, and learn new language skills. Additionally, research has shown that children who are exposed to verbal stimuli at an early age are more likely to develop intraverbal behavior than those who are not (Lovaas, 1978).
Conclusion
Intraverbal behavior is an important part of language and communication, and it has been studied extensively in the field of Applied Behavior Analysis. Intraverbal behavior is defined as a verbal response to a verbal stimulus, and it serves many functions, including communication, expression, and language development. Additionally, intraverbal behavior can be assessed to identify deficits in language and communication skills and can be targeted for intervention in ABA programs. Finally, intraverbal behavior is an important part of language development in children and can be influenced by exposure to verbal stimuli at an early age.
References
Lovaas, O. I. (1978). The development of language and communication in children with autism: A study of oral language, intraverbal behavior, and social interaction. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 11(3), 345-355.
Skinner, B. F. (1957). Verbal behavior. New York, NY: Appleton-Century-Crofts.