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1: Towards a Theory of Learning

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    370929

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    Chapter Overview

    Welcome to our study of learning and behavior. As you will see, this book and class focus on the experimental analysis of behavior which reflects a pure/basic science approach. This is different from the applied analysis of behavior which reflects an applied science approach. To understand how we arrived at this distinction I will outline the historical development of psychology which led up to a science of behavior, and then its decline as a school of thought. I will also define key terms such as psychology, learning, memory, and behavior. I will conclude by showcasing a few professional societies and journals pertinent to the study of behavior, in its applied and pure science forms.

    Chapter Learning Objectives
    • Describe the development of behaviorism within the field of psychology.
    • Define and describe the characteristics of behavior.
    • Identify pertinent professional societies and peer-reviewed journals in the experimental analysis of behavior.

    • 1.1: Historical Background
      This page outlines the historical and philosophical foundations of psychology, tracing its evolution from early Greek philosophers to modern schools of thought. It emphasizes the importance of historical context, the influence of biology, and key figures like Wundt and Watson. Major developments include the rise of experimental psychology, functionalism, Gestalt psychology, and behaviorism, as well as shifts toward cognitive psychology.
    • 1.2: What is Learning?
      This page defines psychology as the scientific study of behavior and mental processes, focusing on learning and memory. It describes learning as a lasting change in behavior influenced by experience, distinguishing between overt observable actions and covert internal processes. The text also contrasts basic science, which seeks knowledge, with applied science, aimed at solving practical issues, setting the groundwork for exploring learning theories.
    • 1.3: Societies and Journals
      This page emphasizes the significance of effectively communicating scientific findings in experimental behavior analysis and the contributions of professional organizations like the APA, SABA, ABAI, and the Society for the Quantitative Analyses of Behavior in fostering research and knowledge exchange. It also presents various publications that serve as platforms for disseminating research in behavior analysis.
    • 1.4: Chapter Recap
      This page offers a comprehensive overview of psychology's history, tracing its origins in philosophy, physiology, and biology, and discussing foundational schools of thought like structuralism, functionalism, and Gestalt psychology. It highlights the 50-year prevalence of behaviorism before returning to behavioral and conscious studies.

    This page titled 1: Towards a Theory of Learning is shared under a CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 license and was authored, remixed, and/or curated by Lee W. Daffin Jr. via source content that was edited to the style and standards of the LibreTexts platform.