Description
Book SynopsisSince its first edition, An Introduction to Theories of Learning has provided a uniquely sweeping review of the major learning theories from the 20th century that profoundly influenced the field of psychology. In this tenth edition, the authors present further experimental evidence that tests many of the fundamental ideas presented in these classic theories, as well as explore many of the advances in psychological science and neuroscience that have yielded greater insight into the processes that underlie learning in human beings and animals.
The four main goals of this text 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 16). The authors retained the best features of earlier editions while making revisions that reflect current
Trade Review
"An essential resource for all those who seek to understand more about the nature of learning, An Introduction to Theories of Learning provides the reader with a wealth of information about this vital characteristic of nervous systems: to change based on experience. Examining the contributions of such historic figures as Darwin, Thorndike, Piaget, Hebb and many others, no other text achieves what this text does: inform the student of behavior through the stories of those who have come before, and those working now in this field. Clearly written and well-structured with chapter outlines, summaries and thought questions, this is a natural text for adoption in psychology and education curricula." - Eric P Wiertelak, Macalester College, USA
Table of ContentsPART I Introduction to Learning
Chapter 1: What Is Learning?
Chapter 2: Approaches to the Study of Learning
Chapter 3: Early Notions about Learning
Chapter 4: Edward Lee Thorndike
PART II Predominantly Functionalistic Theories
Chapter 5: Burrhus Frederic Skinner
Chapter 6: Clark Leonard Hull
PART III Predominantly Associationistic Theories
Chapter 7: Ivan Petrovich Pavlov
Chapter 8: Edwin Ray Guthrie
Chapter 9: William Kaye Estes
PART IV Predominantly Cognitive Theories
Chapter 10: Gestalt Theory
Chapter 11: Jean Piaget
Chapter 12: Edward Chace Tolman
Chapter 13: Albert Bandura
PART V A Predominantly Neurophysiological Theory
Chapter 14: Donald Olding Hebb
Chapter 15: Robert C. Bolles and Evolutionary Psychology
Chapter 16: A Final Word
