Final answer:
In the described scenario, the example illustrates operant conditioning, where the child's behavior of signing for "car" is influenced by the consequences and reinforced through positive feedback. The verbal operant involved is a mand, which involves using language to make requests or express needs.
Step-by-step explanation:
When the teacher says "Sign car," and the child emits the sign for car, this is an example of operant conditioning and the verbal operant is mand. Operant conditioning is a learning process in which behaviors are influenced by the consequences that follow them, as posited by B.F. Skinner. In this scenario, the teacher's instruction serves as a discriminative stimulus that triggers a specific response from the child, which is the sign language gesture for "car."
If the child has learned that performing this sign when requested leads to positive reinforcement (such as praise, a smile, or a tangible reward), the behavior will be strengthened and more likely to occur in the future. This is the essence of operant conditioning, and the use of reinforcement here is crucial to teach and maintain the desired behavior.
The term and comes from Skinner's analysis of verbal behavior and refers to a type of verbal operant where a person uses language to express their needs or wants. In this context, when the teacher asks for the sign for "car" and the child responds appropriately, the child is using a mand to fulfill the request made by the teacher. Successful communication reinforces the child's use of sign language, thereby teaching the child both the sign and the power of communication through signing.