What term describes a request made to get a desired item or activity?

The term that describes a request made to get a desired item or activity is "mand." In the context of behavior analysis and communication, a mand specifically refers to a type of verbal behavior where an individual expresses a need or want, typically with the intention of obtaining something they desire. This foundational concept is rooted in B.F. Skinner's analysis of verbal behavior, where mands are classified as a form of operant conditioning.

When a person makes a request—such as asking for a snack, a toy, or to engage in a specific activity—they are utilizing a mand. Mands are essential in functional communication, especially for individuals on the autism spectrum, as they help facilitate successful interactions and promote independence by teaching individuals to communicate their needs effectively.

In contrast, the other terms refer to different types of verbal behaviors: tact involves labeling or commenting about the environment, intraverbal relates to responding to questions or statements, and echoic refers to the immediate repetition of what someone else has said. Each of these serves a distinct purpose within communication but does not directly involve the request for a specific item or activity as the mand does.