Learning Theory and Behaviour Modification

by Stephen Walker

The ability to learn is of crucial importance in human life, but understanding this ability has proved to be difficult. There have been many attempts to formulate scientific theories based on both animal experiments and human experience; and these have been applied to education and the treatment of psychological disturbance, with a certain amount of success. Originally published in 1984, this incisive guide to the research and its outcomes provides the background to one of the most debated topics in psychology today.

Learning Theory and Behaviour Modification introduces the work of major figures, such as Pavlov and Skinner, which has strongly influenced theories in educational and clinical psychology, and formed the basis of the techniques known as ‘behaviour modification’. As well as giving examples of these techniques the author relates new ideas about the scope and limits of behaviour modification to recent changes in the views of learning theorists. How much can experiments on animals tell us about human psychology?

184 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 19, 1984

Reviews

[Paduraru Victor · Rating 4 out of 5]

Giving you the essential in New Essential Psychology, prior knowledge of psychology specific terms is needed as this book doesn't do a great job at explaining them. But it does a great job at giving a bird's eye view of the people and methods of behavior theories and therapies.