Verbal control of nonverbal behavior

Abstract

The command, "Push the bar all the way down and hold it down" was given to 47 children 2-7 years of age. In Part 1 the command was given three times at 3-minute intervals. Results showed that all Ss did depress the lever completely but that younger Ss gradually let up more than did older Ss. In Part 2 for two groups the same verbal command was given over a 5-minute period either periodically at 15-second intervals or contingent on S's letting up on the lever. For two other groups the content of the command was ascribed to the sound of a buzzer with the buzzer then used in the periodic or contingent manner. Results showed that older Ss maintained their performance under both the verbal and buzzer conditions but that younger Ss were able to do so under the verbal condition only. No differences were found due to periodic or contingent presentation.