Echoic
Also called: vocal imitation, echoing
Definition
A verbal operant in which the response repeats a verbal stimulus with the same form — the speaker says what was just said. It is controlled by the sound of the model and reinforced socially, and it is a key building block because a learner who can echo can be prompted into new mands and tacts.
In plain language
Repeating what someone just said. It matters because a person who can repeat a word can be taught to use it.
Example
The technician says "cookie" and the learner says "cookie."
Not echoic
The technician says "What do you want?" and the learner says "cookie." The answer does not match the question, so it is an intraverbal or a mand.
Commonly confused with
See also
Written from
- skinner-1957
Written from Skinner (1957). No textbook glossary consulted.
This entry has not yet been through clinical review. Treat it as a draft.