What best describes the term 'verbal operants'?

The term 'verbal operants' refers to categories of verbal behavior that are conditioned by specific verbal stimuli. This encompasses various types of responses where the function of the behavior is linked to its antecedents and consequences. For instance, the category includes echoics—where a person repeats what they hear—and tacts, where a person labels or describes objects or events in their environment. These verbal operants are distinct in that they are controlled by verbal stimuli and demonstrate how language can be both a response to and a means of communication influenced by context and reinforcement.

Understanding verbal operants is fundamental in applied behavior analysis as it helps practitioners identify and promote effective communication skills in educational settings, particularly for individuals needing support in developing their verbal behavior.