Which verbal operant requires a child to request something they want?

The verbal operant that involves a child requesting something they want is known as a mand. Mands are requests that serve a specific purpose — they are used to obtain an object or action that the speaker wants or needs. For instance, if a child sees a toy they want and says, "I want that toy," they are using a mand to express their desire and initiate a request for that toy.

This operant is crucial in language development, as it encourages children to communicate their needs and desires, thereby promoting more functional communication skills. Mands are often reinforced by the availability of the requested item, which further strengthens the child's understanding of the relationship between their language and obtaining their desires.