Which term describes the rule that governs when a specific operant is appropriate, such as 'it's time for food; I should press the lever'?

• A. Operant Conditioning
• B. Cue/Command
• C. Response
• D. Response Rule

Answer: (D)

In operant conditioning, a behavior is guided by a rule that tells you when the behavior is appropriate to emit. That rule is the response rule: it links a cue or situation to the specific action that will be reinforced. Here, the dog has learned that when it’s time for food, the lever press will be reinforced with a reward. The response rule explains why pressing the lever is appropriate in that moment—because the situation (the cue that food is available) signals that the lever press will lead to reinforcement.

Operant conditioning describes the broader learning process—how consequences shape behavior. A cue or command is simply a signal that can prompt a response, not the governing rule itself. The response is the actual action (pressing the lever). The term you’re looking for names the rule that determines when that action should be taken to obtain the reward.