What type of requests fall under "MANDS" according to behaviorists?

Mands are a specific type of verbal behavior that serve as requests for something that the speaker wants or needs. According to B.F. Skinner's analysis of verbal behavior, mands are directly related to the speaker’s motivations. These requests often involve asking for items or actions that fulfill a particular need or desire, making them crucial for behavior regulation.

When looking at various types of requests, behavior regulation requests are particularly aligned with the definition of mands because they typically involve the speaker attempting to control their environment or obtain specific consequences. For example, a child might request a toy they want to play with, directly linking their communication to their immediate need or influence over an outcome.

In contrast, other types of requests, such as those for social interaction or joint attention, do not primarily stem from a desire to fulfill a specific need but rather from a desire to engage socially or share interest. Thus, while they are important in communication, they do not fit under the category of mands, which are focused on direct requests related to personal wants or needs.