A TAXONOMY OF RULES AND THEIR CORRESPONDENCE TO RULE-GOVERNED BEHAVIOR

Abstract

A taxonomy of rules and their possible effects on lhe listener’s behavior are presentad. The taxonomy takes into accouot dimensions of an entire contingency arrangemenl specified in the rule and how these dimensions relate to the listener’s behavior. The classification a made according to rule: (a) expl/c/tness, (b) accuracy, (c) complexity, and Id) source. Ita argued thaI the probability that the listener will behave according to a rule depends upon the type of rule provided, the contexl o which the rule s provided, and lislener’s history wilh thaI or other similar rules. Even though manipulalions of soma types of rules haya been conducted in studies of slimulus equivalence, relational frames, and derivad stimulus relations, a more syslematic study of the differential effects of the proposed 16 lypes of rules 00 the listener’s behavior a oeeded.