Rule-Governed Behavior

Rule-governed behavior refers to actions and responses that are guided by verbal or written rules rather than direct experience. For example, when someone follows traffic laws because they learned about them, instead of relying on past experiences with driving, they are demonstrating rule-governed behavior. This type of behavior allows individuals to navigate complex situations using learned guidelines, facilitating decision-making and consistency in actions, especially in social contexts. In essence, it highlights how rules influence our behavior and choices in everyday life.