Modification of Nonverbal Behavior through Reinforcement of Related Verbal Behavior1,2

Twenty children were allowed a 4-minute play session with two toys before and after a session in which they talked with a mechanized puppet who gave approval and candy when they made verbal statements about one toy. Ss' verbal statements made about the reinforced toy became longer and more promptly given during the puppet session. During the second play session there was a significant increase in both time attended to and number of toy-playing responses for the reinforced toy. Results are discussed in terms of changes in discriminative stimuli setting the occasion for toy playing and in reinforcing properties of the toys.