Comportamento controlado por regras: revisão crítica de proposições conceituais e resultados experimentais

Based on experimental findings, the aim of this paper is to provide a critical analysis of certain propositions regarding variables that may interfere in the maintenance of rule-following behavior. Initially, rules are defined; rule-following behavior is differentiated from behavior controlled by contingencies; theories concerning the reasons why rule-following occurs are outlined, and a synthesis of procedures used to investigate rule-following is discussed. Here we analyse the basic propositions indicating that the maintenance of rule following behavior depends on the following factors: (1) The type of programmed consequence for rule following; (2) whether or not rule following is, or is not monitored; (3) whether or not the procedures result in behavioral variation; (4) the type of programmed schedule employed for reinforcing rule-following or non-rule following, and; (5) a history of exposure to contingencies prior to the participant’s being exposed to the rule. In agreement with other authors, it is concluded that rule-following depends on a combination of favorable and unfavorable conditions, and not on any condition alone. Keywords: rule-controlled behavior; contingency-controlled behavior; literature review.