ABA glossary
Mand
Definition
A verbal operant whose form is controlled by a current motivating operation and whose reinforcement is specific to that motivating operation. In everyday terms, a request.
In plain words
A mand is asking for what you want right now: "water" when thirsty, "help" when stuck, "stop" when something is unpleasant. Two features define it. The antecedent is a motivating operation (wanting something), and the consequence is getting that specific thing. Mands can be spoken, signed, written, or made with a picture card or speech device. They are usually among the first verbal operants taught, because they give the learner control over their environment and can replace problem behavior used to get the same things.
Example from a session
During snack, Sofia's juice cup is empty. She looks at the pitcher and says "juice," and the RBT pours juice right away and says "Juice, here you go." Thirst (the MO) evoked the response, and juice (the specific reinforcer) followed. The RBT records an independent mand on the data sheet. If Sofia had said "juice" right after the RBT modeled "juice," the program would score it as an echoic-prompted mand rather than an independent one.
For BCBA candidates and supervisors
Analysts teach mands by capturing or contriving MOs (for example, interrupting a chain or giving yogurt without a spoon), transferring control from echoic or other prompts to the MO, and making sure the reinforcer matches what was requested. Mands for information ("Where is it?"), for removal of aversive stimuli, and for actions extend the repertoire beyond items. Because a response's form alone does not identify the operant, analysts identify the controlling variables; "cookie" said while looking at a cookie could be a mand, a tact, or both (multiple control).
Often confused with tact, functional communication training
A mand is controlled by an MO and produces a specific reinforcer (the thing asked for). A tact is controlled by a nonverbal stimulus and produces generalized reinforcement such as praise. Saying "ball" to get the ball is a mand; saying "ball" because a ball rolls by, and getting "Yes, a ball!" back, is a tact. FCT usually teaches a mand to replace problem behavior.
Exam tip
Ask what the speaker gets. If the consequence is the specific item or action named, it is a mand. If the consequence is praise or acknowledgment, look for a tact or an intraverbal.
Can you spot mand in a scenario?
Practice BCBA B.19 with exam-style questions and instant feedback.