Which type of verbal behavior is characterized by the response being controlled primarily by a specific antecedent stimulus rather than by its consequences?

• A. Intraverbal
• B. Tact
• C. Echoic
• D. Mand

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the key terms related to verbal behavior: Mand, Tact, Echoic, and Intraverbal, which are types of verbal operants defined by B.F. Skinner.
2. Recall that a Mand is a verbal behavior controlled primarily by a motivating operation (like a need or desire) and is reinforced by a specific consequence.
3. Recognize that an Echoic is a verbal behavior controlled by a verbal stimulus where the response echoes or repeats the stimulus.
4. Know that an Intraverbal is a verbal behavior controlled by a verbal stimulus but does not have point-to-point correspondence with it; it is often part of conversational exchanges.
5. Identify that a Tact is a verbal behavior controlled primarily by a nonverbal antecedent stimulus (such as an object or event) and is reinforced socially, meaning the response is under the control of the antecedent stimulus rather than its consequences.