Editing Verbal Behavior (section)

==General problems==
In the ascertaining of the strength of a response Skinner suggests some criteria for ''strength'' (probability): emission, energy-level, speed, and repetition. He notes that these are all very limited means for inferring the strength of a response as they do not always vary together and they may come under the control of other factors. Emission is a [[yes/no]] measure, however the other three—energy-level, speed, repetition—comprise ''possible indications of relative strength''.<ref name="Burrhus">{{Cite book |first=Burrhus Frederick |last=Skinner |title=Behavior of Organisms |author-link=B.F. Skinner |place=Acton, MA |publisher=Copley Publishing Group |orig-year=First published 1938 |year=1991 |isbn=978-0-87411-487-4 |page=58}}</ref>
* Emission – If a response is emitted it may tend to be interpreted as having some strength. Unusual or difficult conditions would tend to lend evidence to the inference of strength. Under typical conditions it becomes a less compelling basis for inferring strength. This is an inference that is either there or not, and has no gradation of value.
* Energy-level – Unlike emission as a basis for inference, energy-level (response magnitude) provides a basis for inferring the response has a strength with a high range of varying strength. Energy level is a basis from which we can infer a high tendency to respond. An energetic and strong ''"Water!"'' forms the basis for inferring the strength of the response as opposed to a weak, brief "Water".<ref name="Burrhus"/>
* Speed – Speed is the speed of the response itself, or the latency from the time in which it could have occurred to the time in which it occurs. A response given quickly when prompted forms the basis for inferring a high strength.<ref name="Burrhus"/>
* Repetition – "Water! Water! Water!" may be emitted and used as an indication of relative strength compared to the speedy and/or energetic emission of "Water!". In this way repetition can be used as a way to infer strength.