Definition, Types, and Functions of Rules
An Interpretation of B. F. Skinner’s Work
Keywords:
Rule governed behavior, Behavior, Skinner, Burrhus Frederic, 1904-1990Abstract
This paper aims to clarify B. F. Skinner’s position on definition, types, and functions of rules on the control of
human behavior. In order to identify the author’s publications on the subject, we performed an analysis of three data sources: (a) 295 references of Skinner’s work published between 1930 and 2004; (b) a collection of a university; (c) indexes of 17 of Skinner’s books. Eighteen publications were identified. Although it is possible to point out some stimulus functions for rules in Skinner’s work (e.g., discriminative, motivational, and function altering of stimuli), the author admits the existence of rules without including the eventual functions they might have on the control of behavior. Skinner also presents criteria to differentiate rules, facilitating experimental research on the theme.
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