Animal learning and human learning traditions have been
distinguishable within psychology since the start of the discipline
and are to this day. The human learning wing was interested in the
development of psychological functions in human organisms and
proceeded directly to their examination. The animal learning wing was
not distinguished by a corresponding interest in animal behavior per
se. Rather, the animal learners studied animal behavior in order to
identify principles of behavior of relevance to humans as well as
other organisms. The two traditions, in other words, did not differ so
much on goals as on strategies. It is not by accident that so many
techniques of modem applied psychol ogy have emerged from the animal
laboratory. That was one of the ultimate purposes of this work from
the very beginning. The envisioned extension to humans was not just
technological, however. Many animal researchers, B. F. Skinner most
prominently among them, recognized that direct basic research with
humans might ultimately be needed in certain areas but that it was
wise first to build a strong foundation in the controlled environment
of the animal laboratory. In a sense, animal learning was always in
part a human research program in development.
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Cognition, Contingencies, and Instructional Control
Product details
ISBN
9781475704471
Published
2025
Publisher
Springer Nature
Language
Product language
Engelsk
Format
Product format
Digital bok
Author