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Updated: May 23, 2026
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Modeling Verbal Behavior Deficits with the Stimulus Control Ratio Equation, SCoRE
Published on: May 14, 2019
Comparing topography-based verbal behavior with stimulus selection-based verbal behavior.
The Analysis of Verbal Behavior
|April 6, 2012
Summary
This study found that signed responses were acquired more readily than pointing responses for individuals with developmental disabilities. These findings support specific language intervention strategies for augmentative communication systems.
Area of Science:
- Behavior Analysis
- Applied Behavior Analysis
- Developmental Disabilities
Background:
- Michael (1985) differentiated verbal behavior into topography-based and stimulus selection-based types.
- Debate exists regarding the optimal augmentative communication system for nonverbal individuals with developmental disabilities.
Purpose of the Study:
- To empirically investigate topography-based versus stimulus selection-based verbal behavior.
- To inform the selection of augmentative communication systems for nonverbal developmentally disabled individuals.
Main Methods:
- Four adults with developmental disabilities participated.
- Subjects learned to tact objects using either sign language (topography-based) or symbol pointing (selection-based).
- Intraverbal relations and stimulus equivalence were assessed.
Main Results:
- Signed responses were acquired more quickly than pointing responses.
- Faster acquisition was observed in tact and intraverbal learning.
- Equivalence classes formed more readily with signed responses.
Conclusions:
- Findings support Michael's (1985) distinction between verbal behavior types.
- Signed responses may be more efficient for initial language acquisition in this population.
- Results have implications for designing language intervention programs for the developmentally disabled.
