PSYB45H3 Chapter Notes -Applied Behavior Analysis, Verbal Behavior, B. F. Skinner
Document Summary
The term behaviour typically refers to anything a person does, from raising their hand to answering a question. There are 2 types of behaviours, external and internal: external/ overt overt behaviours can be two types, verbal or motor. Verbal behaviours are actions that involve the use of language. Motor behaviours are actions that involve body movement without requiring the use of language. (grasping a door knob) A principle reason applied behaviour focuses on overt behaviours is that they can be observed and measured directly by another person. Covert behaviours can be observed or felt by the person who is performing the behaviour and must be measured either indirectly, perhaps verbal or written reports or with special equipment such as a device to measure heart rate. Therapists make diagnoses on the basis of behaviours that are common to individuals who have autism. For example, children receiving the diagnosis of autism tend to have several of the following behavioural characteristics: