Verbal Behavior
Contact Info
- Traci M. Cihon
- Denton, TX
- Phone: (940) 565-3318
- SIG News (September 2011)
Mission Statement
The Verbal Behavior Special Interest Group supports a behavioral approach to the study of language, especially as explored by B. F. Skinner. It serves to:
- Support and encourage research efforts to improve our understanding of verbal behavior.
- Support practice-based issues in utilizing the analysis of verbal behavior.
- Support undergraduate and graduate instruction of Skinner's verbal behavior.
- Communicate with other organizations making use of Skinner's verbal behavior.
- Disseminate information regarding a behavioral approach to studying language.
Description of Membership
Membership in this organization will be open to researchers, practitioners, parents, academicians, and others with a vested interest in the analysis of verbal behavior with a functional perspective from a variety of disciplines. We welcome new members who share our interest in a behavioral approach to the study of language.
The Verbal Behavior Special Interest Group (VB SIG) consists of three classes of members, voting, student, and affiliate. A voting member will have the minimum of a master's degree in behavior analysis or a related discipline. The voting member will also demonstrate competence in either experimental or applied behavior analysis (as determined by the full membership criteria established by ABAI). All voting members of the VB SIG must also hold voting status (maintain full membership) in ABAI.
Applications for student status must be accompanied by proof of full-time enrollment in an academic, internship, or residency program.
Annual or Recurring Events
Annual business meeting held at the annual ABAI convention.
Newsletters/Publications
VB News
Specifically of Interest to Behavior Analysts
The VB SIG supports research and practice dedicated to furthering our understanding of verbal behavior as defined by B. F. Skinner in 1957. Given that the majority of behavior that humans engage in can be classified as verbal, our special interest group serves a unique role in advancing our understanding of behavior, particularly human behavior.