PSY 674
Study Guide 2.2
A. Tact
1. What is a tact? Give some examples and explain why they fit the definition. (pp.
81-82).
2. Explain why Skinner rejects common sense terminology for tacts.
B. Pure vs. impure tacts
1. What is a “pure” tact? (p. 83) How can tacts differ in degree of “purity” or
objectivity? Why is it advantageous to the verbal community for the tact to be as
pure and objective as possible? (pp. 83-84).
2. In applied behavior analysis programs, edible items may be used to reinforce
correct naming of pictures. Are the responses mands, tacts, or neither?
3. Discuss the relationship between science and the development of increasingly
pure tacts (pp. 83-84).
C. Reinforcement of the tact
1. Skinner identifies several sources of reinforcement for the tact. What are they?
(pp. 84-86).
2. Why would a listener supply reinforcement for a tact? That is, what are some
sources of reinforcement for the listener from the tact? (p. 85)
D. Listener’s response to the tact
1. Describe Watson’s and Russell’s attempt to explain the effect of the speaker’s tact
on the listener in terms of conditioned reflexes. Why does Skinner object to their
approach? (pp. 86-87).
2. What is meant by the listener’s belief in the verbal behavior of the speaker (p. 88).
What factors determine this belief?
E. Stimulus control of the tact
1. Skinner suggests that a tact may come under conditional stimulus control. Why
does this occur? Describe some additional sources of stimulus control for the tact
(p. 89).
F. Extended tact
1. What is an extended tact? (p. 91). How is it related to stimulus generalization?
2. What is the relationship between an extended tact and a metaphor? (pp. 93-95).
Of what value are metaphors? (pp. 97-98)
3. Define and give examples of (a) generic extension, (b) metaphorical extension, (c)
metonymical extension, (d) solecistic extension, (e) nomination, and (f) guessing.
Objectives
Definition and examples of tact, generic extension, metaphorical extension,
metonymical extension, solecistic extension
Dead metaphor
Pure vs. impure tact
Reinforcement for the listener from tacts
Why tacts are not best viewed as substitutes for objects