Adaptive Learning and the Human Condition

How the human condition relates to classical and instrumental conditioning

Adaptive Learning and the Human Condition emphasizes the relationship between experimental research and classical and instrumental conditioning. The text addresses classical and instrumental conditioning while stressing the definition of learning as an adaptive process through which individuals acquire the ability to predict and control the environment. This approach creates a perspective within which it is possible to consider the fundamental nature of the learning process in understanding the human condition and in addressing significant individual and social concerns.

Learning Goals

Upon completing this book, readers should be able to:

• Explain the significance of human condition through adaptive learning
• Present the basic principles of classical and instrumental conditioning
• Understand the significance of scientific research

Note: MySearchLab does not come automatically packaged with this text. To purchase MySearchLab, please visit: www.mysearchlab.com or you can purchase a ValuePack of the text +MySearchLab: ValuePack ISBN-10: 0205950779 / ValuePack ISBN-13: 9780205950775

Jeffrey C. Levy’s professional career at Seton Hall University may be divided into three stages, BC, DC, and AC (before, during, and after his 24-year term as chair of the Department of Psychology). Frequently recognized for teaching excellence, he received the Deans Advisory Council’s Outstanding Teacher Award for the College of Arts & Sciences, Sears-Roebuck Award for College Teaching and Campus Leadership, and was twice nominated by Seton Hall for National CASE Professor of the Year recognition. Trained as an experimental psychologist with interests in behavior modification, Levy regularly taught the undergraduate Learning course with and without a related animal laboratory and a graduate course in Behavior Modification. A sabbatical opportunity subsequent to his service as chair enabled him to dedicate a year to elaborating upon this teaching experience and drafting Adaptive Learning and the Human Condition.