Learning and Behavior : Eighth Edition

This book reviews how people and animals learn and how their behaviors are changed as a result of learning. It describes the most important principles, theories, controversies, and experiments that pertain to learning and behavior that are applicable to diverse species and different learning situations. Both classic studies and recent trends and developments are explored, providing a comprehensive survey of the field. Although the behavioral approach is emphasized, many cognitive theories are covered as well, along with a chapter on comparative cognition. Real-world examples and analogies make the concepts and theories more concrete and relevant to students. In addition, most chapters provide examples of how the principles covered have been applied in behavior modification and therapy. Thoroughly updated, each chapter features many new studies and references that reflect recent developments in the field. Learning objectives, bold-faced key terms, practice quizzes, a chapter summary, review questions, and a glossary are included. The volume is intended for undergraduate or graduate courses in psychology of learning, (human) learning, introduction to learning, learning processes, animal behavior, (principles of) learning and behavior, conditioning and learning, learning and motivation, experimental analysis of behavior, behaviorism, and behavior analysis. Highlights of the new edition include:

-A new text design with more illustrations, photos, and tables.

-In the Media, Spotlight on Research, and Applying the Research boxes that highlight recent applications of learning principles in psychology, education, sports, and the workplace.

-Discussions of recent developments in the growing field of neuroscience.

- Coverage of various theoretical perspectives to the study of learning―behavioral, cognitive, and physiological.

- Expanded coverage of emerging topics such as the behavioral economics of addictions, disordered gambling, and impulsivity.

-New examples, references, and research studies to ensure students are introduced to the latest developments in the field.

- A website at www.routledge.com/9781138689947 where instructors will find a test bank, Powerpoint slides, and Internet links. Students will find practice questions, definitions of key terms, chapter outlines, and Internet sources for additional information.

James E. Mazur is Emeritus Professor of Psychology at Southern Connecticut State University, USA.