Teaching verbal behavior to pigeons.

Area of Science:

• Behavioral Psychology
• Experimental Analysis of Behavior
• Animal Cognition

Background:

• Skinner's analysis of verbal behavior provides a framework for understanding language acquisition.
• Previous research has explored animal models for studying complex behaviors.

Purpose of the Study:

• To teach pigeons simple analogs of verbal behavior using established experimental procedures.
• To investigate the acquisition of tacts, mands, and intraverbals in pigeons.
• To enhance students' understanding of the experimental analysis of behavior.

Main Methods:

• Replicated and extended procedures from Michael, Whitley, and Hesse (1983).
• Utilized a student laboratory setting integrated with a course on the experimental analysis of behavior.
• Trained 18 pigeons on stimulus-selection-based and topography-based tacts, mands, and intraverbal responses.

Main Results:

• Most pigeons acquired simple stimulus-selection-based tacts and 2-3 topography-based tacts.
• Several pigeons learned to mand for reinforcers.
• A few pigeons acquired simple intraverbal responses.
• Students learned core concepts of Skinner's verbal behavior analysis and laboratory skills.

Conclusions:

• Pigeons can be trained to exhibit simple analogs of verbal behavior.
• This research supports the experimental analysis of verbal behavior.
• Findings suggest potential applications for teaching language to individuals with developmental and speech impairments.