Original blurb from 1961: For most laymen the science of behaviour hardly exists. Few people have any clear idea of its methods, its history or, above all, its significance. Beside the popular interest aroused, for example, by the achievements of Freud, the work of the behaviourists is almost unknown. Yet this is a science which is of the highest importance, has practical applications of immediate use, and offers the hope of profound insights into the human mind.
What distinguishes the behaviourists is their insistence on exact scientific verification. Introspection may suggest a theory but only objective experiments will be admitted as evidence in its favour. The observation of how a rat behaves in a maze may seem a far cry from the study of mankind but it has the supreme advantage that what is observed can be exactly recorded and analysed. Progress by such methods is slow but what is discovered is much less likely to be upset by future discoveries than is work based on subjective judgments.
Some of the results already obtained are fruitful and suggestive. Mr Broadbent’s treatment of rewards and punishments is most striking, both for the importance of the results and for the precision of the methods by which they are obtained. To reward a child for doing something or to punish him for abstaining might seem to be equally effective methods, to be distinguished only on ethical grounds. Mr Broadbent, however, sets out modern evidence and opinion about the means by which each method operates and so demonstrates that there exist sharp and general rules governing the situations in which each is likely to be effective. He describes the state of ‘neurotic’ conflict produced when a reward and a punishment are both associated with the same object and again a series of simple, controlled experiments throws light on a basic human problem.
The science of behaviour is closely linked with other branches of research such as the theory of information and the development of electronic and mechanical ‘brains’, and this common field of research promises exciting results. Mr Broadbent shows how behaviourism has grown towards such sophisticated developments from the beginnings of such men as Watson and Pavlov.
To any intelligent reader this book will give not only the pleasure of watching a series of brilliantly devised experiments gradually giving birth to a new and important science, but also the insight which comes from examining such basic concepts as memory and learning, of discovering how much of what we think we know is merely an unexamined assumption, and of being forced to think again in precise terms. For anyone willing to make this effort Behaviour is an exceptionally rewarding book.
"synopsis" may belong to another edition of this title.
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Seller: WorldofBooks, Goring-By-Sea, WS, United Kingdom
Paperback. Condition: Fair. A readable copy of the book which may include some defects such as highlighting and notes. Cover and pages may be creased and show discolouration. Seller Inventory # GOR010010927
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Seller: Eastleach Books, Newbury, BER, United Kingdom
Condition: Good. reprint. Paperback, G+. 215pp, index, a good reading copy. Accountof the broad experimental achievements of the behaviourists. 300 grams. Seller Inventory # 15205
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Seller: WorldofBooks, Goring-By-Sea, WS, United Kingdom
Paperback. Condition: Very Good. The book has been read, but is in excellent condition. Pages are intact and not marred by notes or highlighting. The spine remains undamaged. Seller Inventory # GOR005364995
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Seller: Hessay Books, York, United Kingdom
Soft Cover. Condition: Very Good. 215p, softback covers with a few light spots of foxing. Internally clean and tight. A non technical description of the experimental achievements of the behaviourists. Seller Inventory # 16031
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Seller: Anybook.com, Lincoln, United Kingdom
Condition: Poor. This is an ex-library book and may have the usual library/used-book markings inside.This book has soft covers. Book contains pen & pencil markings With owner's name inside cover. In poor condition, suitable as a reading copy. Seller Inventory # 9138956
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Seller: Anybook.com, Lincoln, United Kingdom
Condition: Fair. This is an ex-library book and may have the usual library/used-book markings inside.This book has soft covers. Book contains pencil markings. In fair condition, suitable as a study copy. Seller Inventory # 9827494
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Soft cover. Condition: Good. Seller Inventory # ABE-1670101999783
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Seller: Simply Read Books, Boat Of Garten, United Kingdom
Paperback. Condition: Very Good. 1968 Methuen reprint paperback, University paperbacks series; Very Good condition, clean copy, near as new; UK dealer, immediate dispatch. Seller Inventory # 18657
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Seller: Hall of Books, Shropshire, United Kingdom
Paperback. Condition: Good. Paperback reprint in the University Paperbacks series, 1968, iIn overall very good used condition with minor signs of age, handling and storage - white covers slightly spotted and rubbed to edges. Internally clean. Binding tight and appears little read; no annotations or inscriptions; text bright and clear throughout. Not an old library book. Photograph available. Seller Inventory # 160593
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