In Behavior Analysis there is a proposal in which rules do not alter the probability of behavior future occurrence and another one in which rules can exercise this effect. The present study has the objective of presenting such proposals. Before this, the distinction between rule-controlled behavior and the contingency-controlled behavior are presented, besides some procedures used to investigate rule control and some theoretical propositions concerning how rules function. Afterwards, some reasons why rules are followed are presented, highlighting the effects of delayed consequences. In conclusion, arguments stating that rules can alter the probability of future behavior are presented.
Effects of rules; Effects of delayed consequences; Effect of immediate consequences; Distinction between control by rules and by contingencies