In the realm of verbal operants, Duplic refers to the speaker’s ability to replicate the verbal expressions or behaviors of another person. This form of verbal behavior is essential for language acquisition and social interaction, as it generates generalized conditioned reinforcement. Duplic comes in three distinct forms: echoic, mimetic, and copying text, each with its own unique set of characteristics.
Controlling Variable: Verbal Discriminative Stimulus
Duplic behavior is controlled by a verbal discriminative stimulus—a signal indicating that repetition or imitation is appropriate. This controlling variable ensures that the speaker’s duplication is accurate and timely. A key feature of duplic is that it exhibits both point-to-point correspondence (where the stimulus and response closely align) and formal similarity (where the sensory modality—whether auditory, visual, or tactile—is matched between stimulus and response).
The Three Forms of Duplic
- Echoic Duplic
Echoic duplic is the replication of verbal utterances that one hears. It involves an auditory verbal discriminative stimulus that prompts the individual to imitate the sound or word they’ve just heard.
Example: If someone says “cookie,” a person using echoic duplic will respond by saying “cookie,” mirroring the exact vocal response. - Mimetic Duplic (Motor Imitation)
Mimetic duplic focuses on replicating visual verbal stimuli, such as sign language or gestures. In this case, a visual stimulus—like a gesture or sign—prompts the speaker to mirror it. This is often observed in the context of non-verbal communication.
Example: If someone signs “cookie,” a person skilled in mimetic duplic will accurately reproduce the sign for “cookie.” - Copying Text Duplic
Copying text duplic occurs when an individual replicates written or tactile forms of communication. This form of duplic is guided by a textual verbal discriminative stimulus, such as seeing or feeling a word.
Example: When presented with the word “cookie” in written form, a person skilled in copying text duplic will reproduce the word by writing it or finger-spelling it.
Why Duplic Matters
Duplic plays a vital role in language development and social interaction, enabling individuals to effectively imitate and replicate verbal stimuli across different sensory modalities. Its three forms—echoic, mimetic, and copying text—highlight the flexibility of duplic in communication, reinforcing the importance of formal similarity and point-to-point correspondence in mastering language.
