Task domain and verbal descriptions in the development of general rules of performance

Abstract

This study examined the effects of domain of task and the intrasession verbal descriptions, as promoters of the formulation of a rule. An Experimental design with coupled group was used. The experimental group was exposed to different types of incomplete texts in  three training conditions, to pass from one condition to another, the participants should show domain of task. The participants of coupled group for pass from one condition to another depended of the performance of the paired experimental participant. At the end of the training conditions, all participants were subjected to three transfer tests. Both groups of participants reported the rule at the end of each session. Results showed differences between groups in extrasituational test. A qualitative change was observed along of the conditions in both groups with regard to the rules reported. The results are discussed emphasizing the role played by the descriptions and the domain of the task and their relation with formulating general rules of performance.