The Science of Learning and Behavior

The Science of Learning and Behavior: Shaped by Experience is a basis for substantive learning in the science of behavior change, and the principles of learning and behavior applied to both animal and human behavior. It is often considered an error to generalize characteristics from people to animals, or vice versa, but one must grasp that the principles of learning are demonstrated to generalize from simpler organisms to the complexity of humans. The principles of learning and behavior can and have been applied to substance abuse, adult anxiety and depression, and anti-social behavior, amongst other problems of living. This is reflected in the chapters here, beginning by laying the foundation from a philosophical and scientific perspective and transitioning into the components of the 4-part contingency, with emphasis on the scientific foundation and conceptualized as the basic building blocks of behavior. The richness to expression of behavior through empirical research on processes such as partial reinforcement, simultaneously available contingencies, and complex stimulus control are discussed, before concluding with chapters that synthesize the principles to explain concepts typically encountered by undergraduate psychology or special education students (language, social behavior, cognition, and mental health).

• Content is displayed in an accessible and engaging way to a broad variety of learners
• ‘In Action’ case studies illustrate common behavior change scenarios and reinforce chapter concepts
• Chapters also include ancillary content including study questions, application/’try this at home’ exercises, and additional ‘deeper dive’ resources
• Written by leading authors in the field of Learning and Behavior