Teaching children to respond to questions using specific prompts is an example of which type of operant?

The correct answer is intraverbal, which refers to a type of verbal operant where a person responds to the verbal behavior of another without a direct stimulus present. In this context, teaching children to respond to questions using specific prompts highlights that they are engaging in conversation, providing responses that are contingent on what has been asked of them.

In intraverbal behavior, the responses are generated based on previous verbal interactions, allowing for a dialogue that does not require the presence of an associated object or action. For instance, when a child is prompted with a question like "What color is the sky?" and they respond with "blue," they illustrate intraverbal responding because they are linking their knowledge to the verbal prompt without any visual or physical reference.

This differs significantly from other types of operants. For example, a mand involves a request or demand where the speaker is asking for something they want or need. A tact, on the other hand, involves naming or identifying items or actions in the environment based on their presence. Finally, echoics involve repeating what someone else has said, which is not the focus of the question regarding responding to prompts. Understanding intraverbals helps in developing conversational skills and enhancing communication abilities in children.