Rule-Governed Performance and Sensitivity to Contingencies: What's New?

Abstract

Human operant performance was treated as an instance of instrumental problem-solving behavior. All subjects completed the same series of six water jug problems, the first three requiring an elaborate formula, and the last three allowing simpler solutions. Experimental subjects were informed that all problems could be solved using the same (elaborate) formula. Experimental subjects solved quickly but failed to use more efficient solutions. Instructions led to more reported compliance with perceived “demand characteristics,” continued use of the more elaborate solution for the sake of speed and convenience, and the expectation that fewer problems allowed alternative solutions. It was suggested that sensitivity to contingencies and the Einstellung Effect (as explicated by Luchins 50 years ago) appear to be homologous phenomena and may be expected to share common behavioral processes.