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Related Concept Videos

Behavior Modification01:21

Behavior Modification

Behavioral approaches have often been criticized for ignoring mental processes and focusing solely on observable behavior. However, these approaches provide an optimistic perspective for individuals seeking to change their behaviors. Rather than concentrating on intrinsic personality traits, behavioral approaches suggest that even longstanding habits can be modified by changing the reward contingencies that maintain them.
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Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 23, 2026

Modeling Verbal Behavior Deficits with the Stimulus Control Ratio Equation, SCoRE
06:57

Modeling Verbal Behavior Deficits with the Stimulus Control Ratio Equation, SCoRE

Published on: May 14, 2019

A reply to behavior analysts writing about rules and rule-governed behavior.

H D Schlinger

    The Analysis of Verbal Behavior
    |April 6, 2012
    PubMed
    Summary

    Behavior analysts should re-evaluate the term "rule" for verbal stimuli. Focusing on "contingency-specifying stimuli" offers a more fruitful approach for understanding function-altering verbal behavior.

    Area of Science:

    • Behavioral Psychology
    • Verbal Behavior Analysis
    • Cognitive Science

    Background:

    • Traditional behavior analysis often treats verbal stimuli like "rules" or "instructions" as simple discriminative stimuli.
    • Recent arguments challenge this classification, suggesting a need for a more nuanced understanding of verbal stimuli.
    • The current interpretation may limit the comprehensive analysis of how language influences behavior.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To propose a more functional and accurate way to conceptualize verbal stimuli in behavior analysis.
    • To advocate for the use of "contingency-specifying stimuli" as a more fruitful framework.
    • To refine the terminology used for verbal stimuli, particularly the term "rule."

    Main Methods:

    • Conceptual analysis of existing literature on verbal stimuli and their function in behavior.

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  • Theoretical argument for reclassifying verbal stimuli based on their behavioral function.
  • Distinction between discriminative and function-altering properties of verbal stimuli.

    • Main Results:

    • Verbal stimuli, termed "rules" or "instructions," are frequently misinterpreted as solely discriminative stimuli.
    • "Contingency-specifying stimuli" are identified as a more accurate classification due to their function-altering properties.
    • The current practice of labeling all verbal stimuli as "rules" may be overly simplistic and functionally inaccurate.

    Conclusions:

    • Behavior analysts should shift focus from viewing all verbal stimuli as discriminative.
    • Adopting the concept of "contingency-specifying stimuli" provides a more functionally precise framework.
    • The term "rule" should be reserved for verbal stimuli that specifically alter behavioral contingencies.