Discrimination theory of rule-governed behavior.

Cerutti (1989) wrote a theory paper. It asked: why do people follow rules even when no reward is watching? The author said rules work like big, layered discriminations, not like immediate payoffs.

The paper claims instructions build new stimulus classes in your head. Once built, these classes can steer you years later and miles away. No direct consequence needed each time.

Lyons (1995) spells out how to make strong discriminations: keep stimuli far apart and easy to spot. That manual fills the gap Cerutti (1989) left on training design.

Mello (1966) showed pigeons only obeyed punishment cues after they learned to tell the cues apart. The data foreshadow T’s claim: control needs discrimination, not just consequences.

Mace et al. (1990) tested kids with developmental disabilities. Task demonstration beat standard prompting by cutting errors in half. The study proves T’s idea can be packaged into a teachable protocol.

If rules are discriminations, your job is to build the right stimulus classes. Start by making the critical differences obvious and train with contrast, not just presence-absence. Then practice in many contexts so the class travels with the client. This view gives you a blueprint for durable rule following in classrooms, clinics, and homes.