"Verbal behavior": A theory or an extension?

Abstract

The present paper will attempt to review the analysis of verbal behaviour as proposed by B. F. Skinner. Focusing primarily on definition and taxonomy as presented in Verbal bebavior (1957), aspects of the experimental literature related to verbal behaviour are examined too. In addition, recent relevant critical points of view and problems about Skinner's formulation are outlined in order to begin to see new perspectives about the future of this significant human behaviour area. Finally, some comments are introduced in order to evaluate whether verbal behaviour requires a new theoretical approach or only an extension of the well-known principles of the analysis of behaviour.