What is the significance of a reinforcer in increasing verbal mands?

The significance of a reinforcer in increasing verbal mands revolves around its function as a motivator for the learner. When a reinforcer is provided after a verbal mand, it creates a direct association between the behavior of making a request and receiving a desired outcome. This reinforcement not only encourages the individual to use language to express their needs or wishes but also strengthens the likelihood that they will continue to use mands in the future.

In the context of behavior analysis, a mand is a type of verbal behavior where the speaker expresses a need or desire. The presence of a reinforcer—something that fulfills that need or desire—serves as feedback that reinforces the behavior of requesting, thereby promoting the development of verbal communication skills. This cycle of requesting and receiving rewards builds the learner's motivation to engage in verbal communication, leading to more frequent and effective use of mands over time.

While maintaining the learner's attention and simplifying communication are important in other contexts, the core relationship between a reinforcer and its role in motivating requests underscores why it is essential for enhancing the effectiveness of verbal mands.