This diverse set of essays traces Epstein's experimental and theoretical work over a 15 year period. Four of the essays were coauthored by the eminent psychologist B.F. Skinner. The book demonstrates how the scientific study of behavior can increase our understanding and effectiveness in many domains: creativity and innovation, parenting, artificial intelligence, self-improvement, and even world peace. Reviewers have praised the volume as an impressive effort by one of America's most notable psychologists. Epstein's goals in writing this book were (a) to present some relatively interesting papers that can stand alone and (b) to organize and edit them so that sections have some integrity and so that the overall volume paints a fairly consistent picture of his evolving views on cognition, creativity, and behavior. Parts I and II focus on generativity research and theory and on some "Columban" (pigeon) simulations of human behavior, and Part III includes some related laboratory studies. Part IV is concerned with efforts to create a comprehensive science of behavior, and Part V includes essays about Skinner, one of the principle architects of behaviorism. Part VI includes forays into artifical intelligence, child rearing, categorization research, and other topics, and Part VII takes the volume to some uncertain reflections on growing older, and to a modest proposal for a day of world peace.
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Editorial Reviews
Review
“[I]t is an interesting collection for those who are interested in the experimental study of behavior and the role Skinner has played in its development.”–Metapsychology: Mental Health Net
“Cognition, Creativity, and Behavior is a wonderfully informative and entertaining volume with particularly impressive breadth and coverage. Granted such coverage is only useful if the author can back up his ideas and suggestions, but Professor Epstein can and does. He describes unambiguously valid methods and research findings, but is equally careful to describe bridges between the laboratory and the natural environment. He relies on sound methods (both experimental and logical), but at the same time stretches the boundaries of application by tackling such topics as self-control, spontaneous behavior, creativity, and world peace. This truly is a book for everyone, and I expect it will convince many readers to consider viewing the world and ourselves from the behavioral perspective.”–Mark A. Runco, editor, Creativity Research Journal Professor, California State University, Fullerton
“Robert Epstein's immense influence on the field of psychology started early and has never abated. He established an international reputation while still a graduate student working under the guidance of B.F. Skinner at Harvard University. His scholarly contributions and achievements since that time, many of which are summarized in this book, have been nothing short of extraordinary. Professor Epstein thinks profound thoughts nonstop, generates novel and creative ideas at the drop of a hat, and is famous for his propensity to translate these ideas into bold deeds. As I see it, the book's title is a reflection of the areas in which he excels. This collection of some of Epstein's most celebrated essays will surely fascinate anyone who has ever contemplated the mysteries of cognition, creativity, and behavior.”– John T. Wixted, Associate Professor of Psychology University of California San Diego
“Epstein shows how far one can go without positing internal representations and processes. He provides an unusual perspective on such central topics in cognitive science as creativity, and shows the value of regarding complex cognitive phenomena from multiple perspectives. Even those who disagree with his basic assumptions will find it worthwhile to consider Epstein's approach.”– Stephen M. Kosslyn, Professor of Psychology Harvard University
“Cognition, Creativity, and Behavior is a wonderfully informative and entertaining volume with particularly impressive breadth and coverage. Granted such coverage is only useful if the author can back up his ideas and suggestions, but Professor Epstein can and does. He describes unambiguously valid methods and research findings, but is equally careful to describe bridges between the laboratory and the natural environment. He relies on sound methods (both experimental and logical), but at the same time stretches the boundaries of application by tackling such topics as self-control, spontaneous behavior, creativity, and world peace. This truly is a book for everyone, and I expect it will convince many readers to consider viewing the world and ourselves from the behavioral perspective.”–
“Robert Epstein's immense influence on the field of psychology started early and has never abated. He established an international reputation while still a graduate student working under the guidance of B.F. Skinner at Harvard University. His scholarly contributions and achievements since that time, many of which are summarized in this book, have been nothing short of extraordinary. Professor Epstein thinks profound thoughts nonstop, generates novel and creative ideas at the drop of a hat, and is famous for his propensity to translate these ideas into bold deeds. As I see it, the book's title is a reflection of the areas in which he excels. This collection of some of Epstein's most celebrated essays will surely fascinate anyone who has ever contemplated the mysteries of cognition, creativity, and behavior.”–
“Epstein shows how far one can go without positing internal representations and processes. He provides an unusual perspective on such central topics in cognitive science as creativity, and shows the value of regarding complex cognitive phenomena from multiple perspectives. Even those who disagree with his basic assumptions will find it worthwhile to consider Epstein's approach.”–
About the Author
ROBERT EPSTEIN received his Ph.D. in psychology from Harvard University.
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
0 of 2 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Cognition, Creativitie and Behavior,
By Livia Sánchez (México) - See all my reviews
This review is from: Cognition, Creativity, and Behavior: Selected Essays (Hardcover)
It's a very good book shows a lot about creativity in animals and show a lot of generation of new behaviors in humans. I think that the model of Generativity Theory is very interesting but is necesary to review with more detail its problems and advantages.
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Front Cover | Front Flap | Table of Contents | First Pages | Index | Back Flap | Back Cover | Surprise Me!
Inside This Book
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Key Phrases - Statistically Improbable Phrases (SIPs):
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simulation research, spontaneous behavior, whimsical conversation, multiple controlling stimuli, cumulative record segments, box toward the banana, spontaneous interconnection, directional pushing, resurgence principle, pecked the banana, quest for the thinking computer, last reinforcer, small facsimile, multiple repertoires, mirror exposure, generative phenomena, separate repertoires, hidden color, two repertoires, behaving intelligently, delayed punishment, key pecks, behavioral laboratory, naive bird, functional generalization Key Phrases - Capitalized Phrases (CAPs): (learn more)
Generativity Theory, The Columban Simulations, White Carneaux, Turing Test, American Psychological Association, Von Mises, Columba Livia, Walden Two, William James, Growing Older, Great Idea, Department of Psychology, University of Chicago, Professor Skinner, Spontaneous Interconnection of Four Repertoires, Racing Homer, Albert Einstein, The Praxics Society, Oxford English Dictionary, Loebner Prize Competition, Columban Simulation Project, Boston University Browse Sample Pages:
Front Cover | Front Flap | Table of Contents | First Pages | Index | Back Flap | Back Cover | Surprise Me!
simulation research, spontaneous behavior, whimsical conversation, multiple controlling stimuli, cumulative record segments, box toward the banana, spontaneous interconnection, directional pushing, resurgence principle, pecked the banana, quest for the thinking computer, last reinforcer, small facsimile, multiple repertoires, mirror exposure, generative phenomena, separate repertoires, hidden color, two repertoires, behaving intelligently, delayed punishment, key pecks, behavioral laboratory, naive bird, functional generalization Key Phrases - Capitalized Phrases (CAPs): (learn more)
Generativity Theory, The Columban Simulations, White Carneaux, Turing Test, American Psychological Association, Von Mises, Columba Livia, Walden Two, William James, Growing Older, Great Idea, Department of Psychology, University of Chicago, Professor Skinner, Spontaneous Interconnection of Four Repertoires, Racing Homer, Albert Einstein, The Praxics Society, Oxford English Dictionary, Loebner Prize Competition, Columban Simulation Project, Boston University Browse Sample Pages:
Front Cover | Front Flap | Table of Contents | First Pages | Index | Back Flap | Back Cover | Surprise Me!
Citations (learn more)
6
books
cite this book:
See all 6 books citing this book
- The Big Book of Creativity Games: Quick, Fun Acitivities for Jumpstarting Innovation by Robert Epstein in Front Matter, and Back Matter
- Coaching for Improved Work Performance, Revised Edition by Ferdinand Fournies on page 230
- Self-Help Without the Hype by Robert Epstein in Back Matter
- Creativity Games for Trainers: A Handbook of Group Activities for Jumpstarting Workplace Creativity (McGraw-Hill Training Series) by Robert Epstein in Back Matter
- The Big Book of Motivation Games by Robert Epstein in Back Matter
See all 6 books citing this book
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