Overview

Fundamentals of Learning: A Behavioral Approach discusses the basic mechanisms of learning. It highlights how most behaviors are learned through minimal amounts of cognitive processing and acquired through associations between stimuli, such as observed in classical and operant conditioning (associative learning) and repeated experiences with a single stimulus (nonassociative learning). Together, in combination with innate or instinctual behaviors, these forms of learning account for the acquisition of an impressively wide range of behaviors and played a crucial role in the evolution of species, as it permitted them to adapt to changing environments. The book begins by tracing the history of learning theory, acquainting students with the philosophers and early researchers who contributed to learning theory. It then goes on to cover theoretical explanations of the basic learning mechanisms, including theories of classical and operant conditioning. The modular approach of the book enables students to link the concepts they learn about in the text to their own behavior. The book concludes with a discussion of the role of cognition in learning, covering behaviors that are considered less automatized and mediated by cognitive processes, such as the formation of spatial maps and the processes involved in decision-making and motivated behaviors. The book is written with the student in mind throughout, featuring real-life case studies, key terms, and learning objectives. It is also accompanied by additional resources to further support student learning. It will be a must-read for all students of learning and behavior or animal learning.

Full Product Details

Author:   Stephane Gaskin
Publisher:   Taylor & Francis Ltd
Imprint:   Routledge
Weight:   0.453kg
ISBN:  

9781032794044

ISBN 10:   1032794046
Pages:   442
Publication Date:   02 March 2026
Audience:   College/higher education ,  Tertiary & Higher Education
Format:   Paperback
Publisher's Status:   Forthcoming
Availability:   Not yet available  
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Table of Contents

Module 1: The Evolution of Learning Science Chapter 1. Exploring the Pathways of Learning: From Aristotle’s Laws of Association to Artificial Intelligence Chapter 2. Fundamental Concepts: Mapping the Terrain of Learning Module Application Module 2: Innate Behaviors and Non-associative Learning Chapter 3. Unveiling Nature's Blueprint for Learning: Exploring Innate Behaviors Chapter 4. Exploring Nonassociative Learning Module Application Module 3: The ABCs of Classical Conditioning Chapter 5. Foundations and Basic Concepts of Classical Conditioning Chapter 6. Classical Conditioning Beyond Pavlov: From Little Albert to Peter and the Rabbit Module Application Module 4: Behavioral Adaptations, Determinants, and Modeling of Classical Conditioning Chapter 7. The Power and Adaptive Functions of Classical Conditioning Chapter 8. Unravelling the Building Blocks Classical Conditioning Chapter 9. Cracking the Code: Modelling Classical Conditioning Module Application Module 5: The Fundamentals of Operant Conditioning and Types of Reinforcers Chapter 10. From Puzzle Boxes to Skinner Boxes: The Fundamentals of Operant Conditioning Chapter 11. Reinforcers: How they work and what makes them effective? Module Application Module 6: Reinforcement and Extinction Chapter 12. Theories of Reinforcement Chapter 13. How does it come together? The Associative Structure of Instrumental Conditioning Chapter 14. Exploring the Dynamics of Extinction Module Application Module 7: The Principals of Stimulus Control and Behavioral Effects of Stimulus Discrimination Chapter 15. Under Stimulus Control: The Environment’s Influence on Behavior Chapter 16. Fine-Tuning Behavior: The Behavioral Effects of Stimulus Discrimination Module Application Module 8: Choice Behavior and Self-control Chapter 17. Choice, Choices, Choices: Choice Behavior Unveiled Chapter 18. Do good things come to those who wait? Unraveling the Mechanisms of Self-Control Module Application Module 9: Avoidance Behaviour and Punishment Chapter 19. Surviving in a Potentially Dangerous Environment: Understanding Avoidance Behavior Chapter 20. Punishment Module Application Module 10: Cognitive psychology, Comparative Cognition, Memory and Navigation Chapter 21. The Surprisingly Complex Behavior of Animals: Cognitive Psychology and Comparative Cognition Chapter 22. Tracing One’s Path: Memory and Navigation Module Application References Index

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Author Information

Stéphane Gaskin has served as a Psychology Professor at Dawson College in Montreal since 2006. He also gives lectures at McGill University and has previously taught at Concordia University. He obtained his PhD in Psychology from McGill in 2007 and his MA from Concordia in 2002. His postdoctoral work includes positions at the University of California, San Diego, and at Concordia University. Dr. Gaskin’s research mainly focused on the behavioral neuroscience of learning and memory.

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