What is the echoic operant in verbal behavior?

The echoic operant in verbal behavior refers specifically to a type of verbal behavior where an individual repeats or mirrors what has been heard from another person, typically the therapist. This behavior involves the mimicry of vocal sounds or words, showcasing the ability to accurately reflect a model in terms of verbal output. Essentially, it is a fundamental operant for teaching language and communication skills, as it indicates an understanding of the auditory stimulus by producing a correct verbal response.

The other options describe different forms of communication or behavior. For example, responding to a visual stimulus relates more to visual discrimination rather than verbal repetition. A spoken request for a desired item reflects a mand, which is a different type of verbal operant focused on requesting. Finally, initiating conversation involves more advanced conversational skills and social interaction, qualifying as a form of intraverbal behavior rather than echoic.