Adaptive Behavior and Learning - Internet Book (2003)

A complete on-line text book by J. E. R. Staddon

Table of Contents:

1 The evolution, development, and modification of behavior
Niches, similarities and differences. Philosophical background. Evolution and development. Summary

2 Variation and selection of behavior
Simple orientation mechanisms. Reflex mechanism. Inhibition and reflex strength. Summary

3 Direct orientation and feedback
Taxes. The integration of behavior. The nature of explanation. Summary

4 Operant behavior
Causal and functional analysis of operant behavior. The logic of historical systems. Summary

5 Reward and punishment
Reinforcement and the law of effect. Contingency and feedback functions. Summary

6 Feeding regulation: a model motivational system
Reinforcement and homeostasis. Obesity and schedule performance: a static analysis. Summary

7 The optimal allocation of behavior
Utility and adaptation to constraint. The allocation of behavior. Experimental applications. Summary

8 Choice and decision rules
Optimal choice. Matching and maximizing. Overall maximizing. Summary

9 Foraging and behavioral ecology
Diet selection and functional response. Natural feedback functions. Summary

10 Stimulus control and cognition
The definition of stimulus. Stimulus generalization. Similarity. Summary

11 Stimulus control and performance
Inhibitory and excitatory' control. Behavioral contrast and discrimination performance. Competition and matching. Summary

12 Response Strength
Time-allocation constraints: the pressure model Summary

13 Memory and temporal control Temporal control. Memory and spatial learning. Summary

14 Learning, I: the acquisition of knowledge
Template learning. Reinforced learning. Summary