Rules Based Theory

Theorists:   J. Lull 
Date:  1980
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.  

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.