An Introduction to Theories of Learning (7th Edition)

Defines learning and shows how the learning process is studied.

Clearly written and user-friendly, Introduction to the Theories of Learning places learning in its historical perspective and provides appreciation for the figures and theories that have shaped 100 years of learning theory research.

The 9^th edition has been updated with the most current research in the field. With Pearson’s MySearchLab with interactive eText and Experiment’s Tool, this program is more user-friendly than ever.

Learning Goals

Upon completing this book, readers should be able to:

• Define learning and show how the learning process is studied
• Place learning theory in historical perspective
• Present essential features of the major theories of learning with implications for educational practice

Note: MySearchLab does not come automatically packaged with this text. To purchase MySearchLab, please visit:www.mysearchlab.com or you can purchase a ValuePack of the text + MySearchLab (at no additional cost).

As in previous editions, the four main goals of this textbook are to define learning and to show how the learning process is studied (Chapters 1 and 2); to place learning theory in historical perspective (Chapter 3); and to present essential features of the major theories of learning with implications for educational practices (Chapters 4 through 15). We have attempted to retain the best features of earlier editions while making revisions that reflect current research and scholarship. The most significant revisions include the following:

• An introduction to theory and applications in Behavioral Economics (Chapter 5)
• New research in the Pavlovian tradition including learned irrelevance and superconditioning phenomena (Chapter 7)
• Exciting developments in the neurosciences with implications for the "active brain" approach in Gestalt psychology (Chapter 10)
• Albert Bandura's "Agentic Perspective" (Chapter 13)
• Contemporary re-thinking about reinforcement centers in the brain and their possible roles in addiction (Chapter 14)
• Exciting developments in neural plasticity (ability to form new connections and even generate new cells in adult brain) (Chapter 14)
• Introduction to William Timberlake's "Biological Behaviorism" (Chapter 15)
• New developments concerning prepared learning of phobias in humans (Chapter 15)
• Updated research and references throughout
• Chapter 16 (Implications for Education) was deleted and important educational implications were integrated within each theorist's chapter