Concepts · Domain B
Mand vs. tact
The difference in short
The mand and the tact are verbal operants with different control. A mand is controlled by a motivating operation and specifies its reinforcer: you ask for what you want. A tact is controlled by sensory contact with a stimulus: you name what you perceive. Wanting vs. perceiving.
Quick comparison
| Mand | Tact | |
|---|---|---|
| Operation | Controlled by an MO; specifies its reinforcer (requesting) | Controlled by sensory contact (naming what you perceive) |
| Effect | You say what you want | You say what you perceive |
| Example | You say “cookie” because you're hungry. | You say “cookie” because you see one. |
How to tell them apart
- Is it said because you WANT/need it (mand) or because you PERCEIVE and name it (tact)?
Examples
Mand
You say “cookie” because you're hungry.
Tact
You say “cookie” because you see one.
Frequently asked
Is “water” a mand or a tact?
It depends on the control. If said because you're thirsty and want water, it's a mand. If said because you see water and name it, it's a tact. The same word can be both.
Related concepts
Practice discrimination, not just definitions
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