August 30, 2016

August 30, 2016

Written by Maximus Peperkamp, M.S. Verbal Engineer

Dear Reader,

This is my third response to “Verbal behavior in clinical context: behavior analysis methodological contributions” by Zamignani and Meyer (2007). Without the distinction between SVB and NVB researchers will continue to miss out on what is essential to human interaction: how we affect each other with the sound of our voice.

“Baptistussi (2001), Garcia (2001), Vermes (2000) and Zamignani

(2001) reported difficulties in the categorization and identification of the studied phenomenons when the data obtained were exclusively

verbal-vocal, which would have limited the extent of their studies.”

The inclusion of different categories besides our verbal-vocal behavior, such as “non-vocal verbal responses and motor responses correlated to emotional responses” cannot get to the heart of the “psychiatric problems” or “the therapeutic bond” as they don’t focus anyone’s attention on auditory stimulation which makes the conversation between the therapist and the client possible.

Fiorini (1995), who wished “to include non-vocal aspects,” stated that “a categorization system should present a multidimensional aspect.” The SVB/NVB distinction is exactly such an inclusive categorization system. Moreover, the distinction increases the reliability of the researcher, as he or she listens to him or herself while he or she speaks.

By listening to him or herself while he or she speaks, the behavioral analyst is able to discriminate every time the conversation switches from SVB to NVB and from NVB to SVB. “The objective is to identify possible necessities of additional training of observers or improvement of register procedures,” in other words, the ears of the researcher must become a more precise measurement instrument.

“The matter of reliability refers to the consistence or stability of the observation data obtained by means of an instrument.” There is high interrater-reliability among those who have become familiar with the SVB/NVB distinction; people agree SVB is more intelligent than NVB.