Which of the following describes echoic behavior?

The correct choice, which describes echoic behavior, highlights that it involves a verbal response that closely matches what is heard. In the context of applied behavior analysis, echoic behavior refers specifically to the process whereby a speaker repeats or mimics the verbal behavior of another person. This occurs when the speaker hears a verbal stimulus and responds verbally in a manner that closely corresponds to that stimulus.

In echoic responding, the match in sound and structure of the response is essential. For instance, if a teacher says "cat," and a student responds with "cat," this demonstrates echoic behavior because the response replicates the specific verbal input of the teacher.

The other options do not accurately depict the characteristics of echoic behavior. For example, a verbal response evoked by a nonverbal stimulus does not capture the essence of echoic, as echoics specifically involve replicating spoken language. A request made in absence of deprivation does not pertain to echoic behavior, as it focuses on motivations for making requests rather than the matching of verbal sounds. Finally, a permanent change in verbal behavior does not represent the immediate and situational nature of echoic responses, which are more about the immediate imitation of sounds rather than a lasting change in speech patterns.