Impact of reward type on rule following

Abstract

This study examined how the type of reinforcer (hypothetical or real) influences rule-governed behavior (RGB) and sensitivity to programmed contingencies. Two experiments were conducted using a decreasing earnings procedure with young adult participants. In Experiment 1, which involved hypothetical rewards, three behavioral patterns emerged: rule followers, rule breakers, and flexible followers. Greater variability in change points and lower adherence to instructed rules were observed, suggesting increased contact with contingencies. In Experiment 2, which involved real monetary rewards, all participants were classified as rule followers, exhibiting greater stability in change points and predominant adherence to the instructed pattern, even when it was suboptimal. The results suggest that real rewards more effectively reinforce rule-following behavior while reducing sensitivity to programmed contingencies. Additionally, real rewards enhance the ecological validity of experimental tasks and promote adherence to imprecise rules. Reinforcement history and the precision of initial rules emerge as key factors in understanding the insensitivity to contingencies observed in both experiments.