Multiple Control
Also called: convergent multiple control, divergent multiple control
Definition
The rule that a verbal response usually has more than one controlling variable at once, and one variable usually affects more than one response. Convergent control means several variables combine to evoke one response; divergent control means one variable makes several responses more likely. Teaching that builds in multiple control produces more flexible language.
In plain language
Most things we say are caused by several things at once, and one thing can bring up several possible words. Teaching with this in mind makes language more flexible.
Example
Asked "What animal says moo?", a learner answers "cow." The question, the word animal and the sound all combined to evoke it.
Not multiple control
A learner who says "ball" only when a ball is present and only for that one picture. Control is narrow, not multiple.
See also
Written from
- skinner-1957
Written from Skinner (1957). No textbook glossary consulted.
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