A theory of effective human communication stressing the importance of rules is presented. The concept of rules provides a methodological focus for communications and linguistics research. The nature, structure, and function of rules are described as they apply to communicative conduct. The relationship between rules and behavior is examined. In addition, the following methods for inferring rules from behavior are investigated: self-reflection, survey, naturalistic observation, participant observation, quasi-experimentation, and experimentation. Specific ways in which rules may contribute to communications theory are (...) discussed. Suggested research problems include the identification of communication rules, the construction of communications theories, the development of strategies for the recognition and use of rules, and the practical implications of rules theory and research. (nm). (shrink)