The method that RULEX uses to perform these searches is as follows: First, RULEX attempts an exact search. If successful, then RULEX will continuously apply that rule until misclassification occurs. If the exact search fails to identify a rule, either an imperfect or conjunctive search will begin. A sufficient, though imperfect, rule acquired during one of these search phases will become permanently implemented and the RULEX model will then begin to search for exceptions. If no rule is acquired, then the model will attempt the search it did not perform in the previous phase. If successful, RULEX will permanently implement the rule and then begin an exception search. If none of the previous search methods are successful RULEX will default to only searching for exceptions, despite lacking an associated rule, which equates to acquiring a random rule.
THE meThod ThaT rULex uses to perfOrm THEse sEArches iS as fOLlowS: FirST, rUlex aTTemPTs an exAct sEArch. if sUccESSful, then rulEx will coNtinuoUsly aPply THat rulE until MisCLAssiFicatioN OccuRS. If the eXact SeArCh faIls to ideNtify a ruLe, eiThER AN imperFECt or CoNjUNctive seArcH wIll BEgin. a suFFIciEnT, tHoUGh iMPerfect, RulE ACqUIred dUring OnE of tHese searcH phASes will beCome PerMAnently IMPLemEntEd and tHe Rulex MOdel will ThEn BegIn tO seArcH fOr excEptioNs. If NO rUle Is ACquired, THEn the moDel wiLL ATtEmpT thE SeArcH iT did nOT perfOrm In thE pReVIous phasE. iF succESsful, rULex wilL PErMANenTlY implement tHe RuLe and theN begin an excepTION SEArCh. If noNe oF The previous SeArch methods are SucCEssfuL RuleX wIll dEfaUlt To ONlY SeaRching For exceptions, despite lacking aN aSsoCiateD rule, which equaTes to aCquiriNg A RAndoM rulE.