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Rules: Function-altering contingency-specifying stimuli.

E Blakely, H Schlinger

The Behavior Analyst

|April 6, 2012

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

Behavior analysts propose redefining rules as function-altering, contingency-specifying stimuli, moving beyond the traditional view of rules as discriminative stimuli to better compare their effects with contingencies.

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Area of Science:

Behavior Analysis
Psychology
Learning Science

Background:

Traditional behavior analysis defines rules as discriminative stimuli.
This definition presents challenges due to delayed rule effects versus immediate discriminative stimulus effects.
Existing definitions may obscure unique aspects of rule-governed behavior and hinder comparison with contingency-shaped behavior.

Purpose of the Study:

To critique the traditional definition of rules as discriminative stimuli in behavior analysis.
To propose an alternative conceptualization of rules as function-altering contingency-specifying stimuli.
To discuss the implications of this new interpretation for behavioral terminology and research strategies.

Main Methods:

Conceptual analysis of the definition of rules in behavior analysis.
Examination of the temporal and functional properties of rules and discriminative stimuli.
Comparison of rule-governed behavior with contingency-shaped behavior.

Main Results:

The traditional definition of rules as discriminative stimuli is problematic due to definitional conflicts regarding immediacy of effect.
Classifying rules as discriminative stimuli can obscure their unique behavioral functions.
The proposed interpretation as function-altering contingency-specifying stimuli allows for clearer comparison between rule and contingency effects.

Conclusions:

Reinterpreting rules as function-altering contingency-specifying stimuli offers a more accurate and useful framework.
This revised perspective facilitates a better understanding of how rules alter behavior and their relationship to environmental contingencies.
The proposed framework has significant implications for advancing research and refining terminology within behavior analysis.