An Introduction to Theories of Learning (7th Edition) [Hardcover]

B.R. Hergenhahn (Author), Matthew Olson (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 13, 2004 | ISBN-10: 0131147226 | ISBN-13: 978-0131147225 | Edition: 7

Clearly written and user-friendly, this comprehensive book defines learning and shows how the learning process is studied. It places learning in an historical perspective, and provides appreciation for the figures and theories that have shaped 100 years of learning theory research. It presents essential features of the major theories of learning in the words of the theorists, introducing readers to the pioneering work of E.L. Thorndike, Ivan Pavlov, B.F. Skinner, Clark Hull, Edwin Guthrie, William Estes, the Gestalt psychologists, Jean Piaget, E.C. Tolman, Albert Bandura, Donald Hebb, and Robert Bolles; and examines some of the relationships between learning theory and educational practices. An excellent reference work for those involved in education and learning.

Editorial Reviews

Excerpt. © Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved.

As in previous editions, the four main goals of this textbook 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 15). We have attempted to retain the best features of earlier editions while making revisions that reflect current research and scholarship. The most significant revisions include the following:

• An introduction to theory and applications in Behavioral Economics (Chapter 5)
• New research in the Pavlovian tradition including learned irrelevance and superconditioning phenomena (Chapter 7)
• Exciting developments in the neurosciences with implications for the "active brain" approach in Gestalt psychology (Chapter 10)
• Albert Bandura's "Agentic Perspective" (Chapter 13)
• Contemporary re-thinking about reinforcement centers in the brain and their possible roles in addiction (Chapter 14)
• Exciting developments in neural plasticity (ability to form new connections and even generate new cells in adult brain) (Chapter 14)
• Introduction to William Timberlake's "Biological Behaviorism" (Chapter 15)
• New developments concerning prepared learning of phobias in humans (Chapter 15)
• Updated research and references throughout
• Chapter 16 (Implications for Education) was deleted and important educational implications were integrated within each theorist's chapter

Product Details

• Hardcover: 512 pages
• Publisher: Prentice Hall; 7 edition (June 13, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0131147226
• ISBN-13: 978-0131147225
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 6.9 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #233,942 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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5.0 out of 5 stars Will Not Be Disappointed, July 13, 2009

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Virginia Barron "blue jade" (USA, Georgia) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: An Introduction to Theories of Learning (7th Edition) (Hardcover)

Ordering from Amazon is a big help for me. They have many items and selections to choose from. I have been ordering books from Amazon and I have not been disappointed yet. An Introduction to Theories of Learning, is a book that introduce theories from famous psychologists, such as: Burrhus Skinner(functionalist theory), Ivan Pavlo (Associationistic theory), and Jean Piaget (Cognitive Theory). This book focus on how can these theories be used in education and the classroom. This book is good for anyone who is entering the education field or psychology field. Amazon carry new and old edition of books. The books and other products that I have order, arrived as stated on the date of delivery, and in good condition. I have been please with them and I would recommend Amazon to anyone who wants a good product, at a reasonable price. An Introduction to Theories of Learning (7th Edition)

0 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Theories of learning, March 26, 2009

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Lindsay Wyatt "surviving student" (Utah) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: An Introduction to Theories of Learning (7th Edition) (Hardcover)

I received this book after ordering it and it turned out to be the wrong book that I ordered. The person was very nice in refunding my money to me right away after sending it back. I give the company five stars because it was completely my fault and they worked with me, no questions asked.

0 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great condition, July 9, 2008

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Ana M. Cabrera "ana c." (NYC) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: An Introduction to Theories of Learning (7th Edition) (Hardcover)

It was shipped very quickly it took about 3 days. The Book was in excellent condition