An Introduction to Theories of Learning

Since its first edition, An Introduction to Theories of Learning has provided a uniquely sweeping review of the major learning theories from the 20th century that profoundly influenced the field of psychology. In this tenth edition, the authors present further experimental evidence that tests many of the fundamental ideas presented in these classic theories, as well as explore many of the advances in psychological science and neuroscience that have yielded greater insight into the processes that underlie learning in human beings and animals.

The four main goals of this text are to define learning and to show how the learning process is studied (Chapters 1 and 2), to place learning theory in historical perspective (Chapter 3), and to present essential features of the major theories of learning with implications for educational practices (Chapters 4 through 16). The authors retained the best features of earlier editions while making revisions that reflect current research and scholarship, including coverage of active learning and the testing effect, information for problem solving in ravens, data illustrating the neurobiological basis of the cognitive map and spatial learning, new research on brain plasticity and its role in learning as well as the impact of poverty on brain and cognitive development, and new evidence that challenges the notion of learning styles.

Complete with chapter summaries, discussion questions, and a glossary, this text is essential reading for theories of learning and applied cognitive psychology courses.

See “Support Material” below for new online resources. Instructor resources include PowerPoint slides and a testbank containing over 500 questions (in both Microsoft Word and GIFT file formats). Student resources include chapter summaries, discussion questions, and a glossary of key terms.

Table of Contents

PART I INTRODUCTION TO LEARNING

1 WHAT IS LEARNING?

2 APPROACHES TO THE STUDY OF LEARNING

3 EARLY NOTIONS ABOUT LEARNING

PART II PREDOMINANTLY FUNCTIONALISTIC THEORIES

4 EDWARD LEE THORNDIKE

5 BURRHUS FREDERIC SKINNER

6 CLARK LEONARD HULL

PART Ill PREDOMINANTLY ASSOCIATIONISTIC THEORIES

7 IVAN PETROVICH PAVLOV

8 EDWIN RAY GUTHRIE

9 WILLIAM KAYE ESTES

PART IV PREDOMINANTLY COGNITIVE THEORIES

10 GESTALT THEORY

11 JEAN PIAGET

12 EDWARD CHACE TOLMAN

13 ALBERT BANDURA

PART V A PREDOMINANTLY NEUROPHYSIOLOGICAL THEORY

14 DONALD OLDING HEBB

PART VI AN EVOLUTIONARY THEORY

15 ROBERT C. BOLLES AND EVOLUTIONARY PSYCHOLOGY

PART VII REFLECTIONS

16 A FINAL WORD

About the Authors

Matthew H. Olson was Professor and Chair of the Psychology Department at Hamline University.

Julio J. Ramirez is the R. Stuart Dickson Professor of Psychology and Director of the Neuroscience Program at Davidson College.