Tact
Also called: label, naming, tacting
Definition
A verbal operant evoked by a nonverbal stimulus — an object, event, property or relation that the speaker sees, hears, smells or feels — and reinforced by generalized social consequences such as acknowledgement. It is the operant that lets a speaker tell a listener about the world.
In plain language
Naming something you can see, hear or feel. The reward is social, like a smile or a "yes." It is how a person tells others about the world.
Example
A learner points at a dog in the park and says "dog," and the adult says "Yes, a big dog."
Not tact
A learner says "dog" because they want the toy dog and gets it. Wanting drives it, so it is 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.