Verbal behavior analysis explores the intricate relationships between different verbal responses and the variables that control them, much like how nonverbal behaviors are analyzed. In the realm of verbal behavior, these functional units form what is known as a verbal repertoire. What distinguishes verbal behavior is the involvement of a listener who mediates the interaction, showcasing the dynamic exchange between speaker and audience.
Understanding Mands (Demanding Verbal Operants)
One of the most significant verbal operants is the Mand, which refers to a type of verbal behavior where the speaker requests or demands something they need or want. Mands are particularly interesting because, unlike other verbal operants, they are controlled by Motivating Operations (MOs) rather than Discriminative Stimuli (SDs). MOs are internal states that reflect whether an individual is experiencing deprivation (needing something) or satiation (having their needs satisfied). This makes Mands a fundamental component of verbal behavior, often being the first type of speech acquired as they lead to direct and specific reinforcement.
Key Characteristics of Mands:
- Specific Reinforcement Request: Mands involve a clear request for a particular reinforcer, whether it be an object, action, or outcome.
- Driven by MOs: Unlike other verbal behaviors, Mands are influenced by the speaker’s current needs or desires rather than external cues.
Example: When Molly says “water” to request a drink, she is displaying a regular Mand. This behavior is directly reinforced when she receives the water, satisfying her need.
Extended Mands: Going Beyond Direct Requests
Sometimes, Mands extend beyond realistic expectations, leading to what are known as Extended Mands. These are requests made to objects or entities incapable of fulfilling them, and they come in two distinct forms: Superstitious Mands and Magical Mands.
Superstitious Mands:
A Superstitious Mand involves a request that coincidentally results in reinforcement, even though the entity or object is incapable of delivering the desired outcome.
Example: Yelling at a malfunctioning computer to “please turn on,” only for it to suddenly power up, is an example of a superstitious Mand. Though the computer isn’t responsive to your words, the coincidental outcome reinforces the behavior.
Magical Mands:
In a Magical Mand, the speaker makes a request for an outcome that has never occurred as a result of such a request. There is no prior history of reinforcement tied to the vocalization, yet the Mand is made anyway.
Example: Wishing aloud for a million dollars is a Magical Mand. Despite no historical evidence that making such a statement leads to receiving money, the speaker still expresses the wish.
Conclusion
Mands play a pivotal role in verbal behavior because they reflect an individual’s immediate needs or desires and often lead to direct reinforcement. By analyzing the nuances of Mands—such as their control by motivating operations and their extensions into superstitious or magical territories—behavior analysts can gain deeper insights into how we use language to communicate and achieve our goals. Understanding these dynamics sheds light on the functional aspects of verbal behavior and the essential role Mands play in everyday communication.
