Behavior Analysis and Learning by W. David Pierce

Product Description

Behavior Analysis and Learning is an essential textbook covering the basic principles in the field of behavior analysis and learned behaviors. Both active researchers, the authors are disciples of a coherent theory--experimental analysis of behavior--pioneered by B.F. Skinner. Using this theory as a base to explain human behavior, researchers must understand the interactions between an individual and his or her environment.

Expanding on concepts of the past editions, this book:
*is an advanced introductory text on operant conditioning from a very consistent Skinnerian perspective;
*covers a range of principles from basic respondent conditioning through applied behavior analysis into cultural design;
*treats the topic from a consistent world view of selectionism;
*elaborates on Darwinian components and biological connections with behavior; and
*expands most chapters with revised references and additional citations.

The material presented inthis book provides the reader with the best available foundation in behavior science. The discovery of functional relations between the organism and the environment constitute the objective foundation for this book. These functional relationships are described, and their application in accounting for old behavior and generating new behavior is illustrated. As such, this book is a valuable resource for advanced undergraduate and graduate students in psychology or other behavior-based disciplines.
Product Details
Amazon Sales Rank: #576352 in Books
Published on: 2003-08-01
Number of items: 1
Binding: Hardcover
528 pages
Editorial Reviews

From the Back Cover
This introduction focuses on basic research findings and illustrates behavior principles with everyday human examples. The Second Edition has retained the positive features of the first edition, while adding new aspects as suggested by reviewers, instructors and students. It now contains a more thorough treatment of the principles and processes of respondent conditioning, dividing its coverage into two chapters—one devoted to reflexes and simple conditioning and the other focused on compound conditioning and complex respondent processes.
Customer Reviews

Excellent Resource
The 3rd edition of this text was extremely helpful for me in my behavior analysis course. Word definitions were listed in the back for easy access, if they weren't defined in the text itself. Examples given were very helpful in understanding concepts and a lot of diagrams were given to help those of us who understand better via visual learning. Reviews at the end of each chapter included study questions which were very helpful. It was an interesting read, at least for someone already interested in the topic.

Terrible!
This text is simply awful. It's badly written, sports terrible examples, gives outright incorrect information at times, and includes a full glossary of completely useless definitions. Half of said definitions don't even qualify as valid members of that category - the entries drone on about related concepts and examples without ever defining the word. Even when things are actually defined, they're often defined very very badly or just wrong. There's typos everywhere and even simple math errors. Please don't waste your money and PLEASE don't use this text for any valid course on Behavior Analysis. You'll loose credibility immediately, not least with your students.