Which term describes behavior controlled by a verbal rule enabling indirect control by distant consequences?

Which term describes behavior controlled by a verbal rule enabling indirect control by distant consequences?

• A. RULE GOVERNED BEHAVIOR
• B. MENTALISM
• C. IMITATION
• D. MAINTENANCE

Answer: (A)

Rule-governed behavior is behavior controlled by a verbal rule that describes how a behavior will be followed by certain outcomes, allowing distant or delayed consequences to influence action. This matches the idea of indirect control via a verbal instruction—the rule links the behavior to consequences even when those consequences aren’t immediate. For example, hearing or reading a rule like “If I study every night, I’ll do well on the exam” can guide study behavior now because the rule communicates a future consequence. This differs from behavior shaped directly by immediate reinforcement, imitation of others, or maintenance of behavior over time, which aren’t about controlling actions through distant verbal contingencies.

Rule-governed behavior is behavior controlled by a verbal rule that describes how a behavior will be followed by certain outcomes, allowing distant or delayed consequences to influence action. This matches the idea of indirect control via a verbal instruction—the rule links the behavior to consequences even when those consequences aren’t immediate. For example, hearing or reading a rule like “If I study every night, I’ll do well on the exam” can guide study behavior now because the rule communicates a future consequence. This differs from behavior shaped directly by immediate reinforcement, imitation of others, or maintenance of behavior over time, which aren’t about controlling actions through distant verbal contingencies.