The strength of the controlling relationship may also be a controlling variable. We may say “I think it is raining” under circumstances where the controlling relationship between the appropriate stimuli and the response “it’s raining” is a weak relationship.
A verbal relationship with the following features:
A non-verbal stimulus
The non-verbal stimulus is some aspect of a primary verbal relationship
The specific features of the controlling relationship (e.g., receptor being stimulated or the intensity or strength of the stimulation; stimulation may include an establishing response)
The form of the response