Introduction to Learning and Behavior

by Russell A. Powell

From the Preface of this 549 page third edition Instructor's Edition: "One goal of this text is to help convince students that conditioning is not some dangerous form of manipulation, but rather a natural process that we do far better to understand and apply wisely than to ignore and apply carelessly. A second goal of this text is to help convince students that the principles derived from behavioral research are far from irrelevant, and they often have useful and provocative things to say about human behavior. An even more basic goal is to provide students with a clear introduction to the basic principles of learning and behavior that would be both accessible and engaging, especially for those who may have had only limited prior exposure to these principles (such as an introductory psychology course). Those who later proceed to a higher-level course in the subject matter will then have a solid foundation on which to build. Students who do not progress to a higher level course will nevertheless have gained an appreciation for the behavioral perspective and learned much that may be of relevance to their everyday lives and future careers." Chapters include: Research Methods; Elicited Behaviors and Classical Conditioning; Classical Conditioning; Basic Phenomena and Various Complexities; Classical Conditioning: Underlying Processes and Practical Applications; Operant Conditioning; Schedules and Theories of Reinforcement; Extinction and Stimulus Control; Escape, Avoidance, and Punishment; Choice, Matching, and Self-Control; Biological Dispositions in Learning; and Observational Learning, Language, and Rule-Governed Behavior.

Genres: Psychology, Nonfiction, Textbooks, School

Paperback

Published January 1, 2008

Reviews

[Kyla Fergason]

not me logging my textbook...

[alexander shay · Rating 4 out of 5]

READ FOR PSYC 281

I was pleasantly surprised by this course. I had a bad feeling about it because I seem to do terribly in all the biology based psych courses, but the layout of this textbook is perfect to help students study. There are mini quizzes throughout the chapters and longer ones at the back to help you review. Neither operant nor classical conditioning are new to me, from the numerous classes I've taken, but learning about them both in such detail, to know how they actually work and how animals (and people) actually become conditioned, was surprisingly interesting. I've already tried using some of these techniques with my cat.

The book also gives useful study habits, explains why bad habits are so hard to kick, talks about motivation, rewards, why we do things sometimes and don't know why... There's a lot of terms/jargon and memorization involved, but the book is laid out to build on previous chapters to gradually explain more and more, especially regarding operant conditioning. I guess there's a view that classical conditioning is all dogs and operant all rats and pigeons, and the research often is, but it has really interesting practical applications for humans.

[Sam Wheat · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ve only read it once. I’m gonna read it again to get a clearer understanding of the ideas in the book. It made me wanna read it again. So I gave it a 4. I see how a lot of these ideas could have beneficial applications to your life once they’re understood clearly.

[Asya · Rating 5 out of 5]

I

[Anika Willander · Rating 5 out of 5]

The first (and most likely only) textbook I have ever fully read for a class. Good material that is easily accessible and actually fun to read!

[Mariel · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's a good book to own, even though my years from undergrad will soon be over. The writing style is easy to understand, and it is filled with real-world examples that are not hard to relate to whether you live in the US or not. Everyone can pick up useful things from this book. The most important I remember from reading this is that it is more dangerous to create learning associations unconsciously, than simply feeling guilty because you are "manipulating" your pet, or your relationships with other people.

[Deyanira Villalta · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good introduction to various experimental terms and explanations of scientific research. This book is jam packed! I would have preferred reading this in two sections instead of so much information all at once. However, very good resource and reference material.

[Lyndon Goodacre · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was a real introduction. I'd actually give it 4 1/2 stars. It's highly informative yet pleasant to read.

[Seda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love love loved this class. Very useful material. I first rented the book but then decided to own it because I thought it would be useful as a reference. I also took lab and bought with lab rat cd.

[Haley Baker · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very educational and straight-forward. It makes it easy to understand difficult topics. This is one of the most helpful college textbooks I've ever used.