Rules Based Theory

Rules Based Theory

Explanation of Theory: Lull’s rules-based theory describes three rule-governed behaviors during family television viewing. Habitual rules are non-negotiable with negative consequences for violation. Parametric rules are somewhat more negotiable and are understood boundaries (not always verbalized). Lull’s last rule is tactical, which are set by the culture in general.

Theorists: J. Lull

Date: 1980

Primary Article: Lull, J. (1980). Family communication patterns and the social uses of television. Communication Research, 7 319-34.


Metatheoretical Assumptions:

Ontological Assumptions:
determanistic--------X-----------free will

Epistemological Assumptions:
Truth-----------------X-----------------truths

Axiological Assumptions:
value neutral-X--------------------value laden


Individual Interpretations and Critique: Lull’s rules-based theory is rests in the middle between scientific and humanistic. Epistemologically, the rules-based theory believes that although families all have television viewing rules they all do it in different ways. The theory is value neutral. Lastly, the theory rests in the middle between free will and deterministic. Lull’s rules-based theory does not do much more then describe an everyday, common sense action. Lull does put names to things most people are familiar with; however, the theory does little more.

Ideas and Implications: It is easy to see the rules-based theory in work anytime a parent tells a child that they can not watch television after ten o’clock or not to change the channel without asking.


Relevant Researchers:
Chaney, David


Relevant Articles: Chaney, D. (1996). Media, communication, culture: A global approach. The Sociological Review. August v44 n3 p 565(10).



Location in Eight (8) Primary Communication Theory Textbooks:

Anderson, R., & Ross, V. (1998). Questions of communication: A practical introduction to theory (2nd ed.). New York: St. Martin's Press.
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Cragan, J. F., & Shields, D.C. (1998). Understanding communication theory: The communicative forces for human action. Boston, MA: Allyn & Bacon.
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Griffin, E. (2000). A first look at communication theory (4th ed.). Boston, MA: McGraw-Hill.
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Griffin, E. (1997). A first look at communication theory (3rd ed.). New York: McGraw-Hill.
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Infante, D. A., Rancer, A. S., & Womack, D. F. (1997). Building communication theory (3rd ed.). Prospect Heights, IL: Waveland Press.
Page 381
Littlejohn, S. W. (1999). Theories of human communication (6th ed). Belmont, CA: Wadsworth.
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West, R., & Turner, L. H. (2000). Introducing communication theory: Analysis and application. Mountain View, CA: Mayfield.
Page 44
Wood, J. T. (1997). Communication theories in action: An introduction. Belmont, CA: Wadsworth.
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