Principlev1
Create bright-line rules for behaviors maintained by
Create bright-line rules for behaviors maintained by variable-ratio reinforcement, because any engagement re-triggers the complete reinforcement loop.
Why This Is a Principle
This principle follows from variable-ratio schedules being extinction-resistant (Variable ratio reinforcement schedules are the most, Variable-ratio reinforcement schedules produce behaviors) and automatic processes operating without conscious control (Automaticity Without Conscious Control). It prescribes binary rules (all-or-nothing) for specific behavioral classes where partial engagement maintains the pattern.