PSY 3103 Chapter 12: Rules
Document Summary
Rule use begins in childhood when toddlers learn enough words that they can respond to verbal instructions. Chapter 12: rules: children who receive generous, loving rewards for responding to rules gradually learn how to respond correctly to more complex rules. Self-given rules and self-instructions are words we give ourselves to guide our own behaviour. Some people learn more powerful and useful rules than others if they have sources that provide verbal information. Instructions of the fire alarm don"t need to describe the reinforcer alarm bells and the arrival of fire trucks because most people know this, even if they"ve never used the alarm. Sometimes rules need to be spelled out completely to maximize effectiveness or minimize misunderstanding. Punishers can cause rules to become s s that inhibit the behaviour specified by the rule. People learn to follow rules when rule use leads to reinforcement.