Delayed rule following

Although the elements of a fully stated rule (discriminative Stimulus [S-D] , some behavior, and a consequence) can occur nearly contemporaneously with the statement of the rule, there is often a delay between the rule stateme nt and the SD. The effects of this delay on rule following have not been st udied in behavior analysis, but they have been investigated in rule-like se ttings in the areas of prospective memory (remembering to do something in t he future) and goal pursuit. Discriminative events for some behavior can be event based (a specific setting stimulus) or time based. The latter are mo re demanding with respect to intention following and show age-related defic its. Studies suggest that the specificity with which the components of a ru le (termed intention) are stated has a substantial effect on intention foll owing, with more detailed specifications increasing following. Reminders of an intention, too, are most effective when they refer specifically to both the behavior and its occasion. Covert review and written notes are two eff ective strategies for remembering everyday intentions, but people who use n otes appear not to be able to switch quickly to covert review. By focusing on aspects of the setting and rule structure, research on prospective memor y and coal pursuit expands the agenda for a more complete explanation of ru le effects.