This essay introduces a series of studies developing a statistical theory of elementary learning processes. An attempt is made to derive relations among commonly used measures of behavior and quantitative expressions describing simple learning phenomena. Laws of the theory state probability relations between momentary changes in behavioral and…

Imaginal perspective switches are often considered to be difficult, because they call for additional cognitive transformations of object coordinates (transformation hypothesis). Recent research suggests that problems can also result from conflicts between incompatible sensorimotor and cognitive object location codes during response specification…

Rats were trained by shocking them in a closed compartment. When subsequently tested in the same closed compartment with no shock, normal rats showed an increased tendency to freeze. They also showed an increased tendency to actively avoid the compartment when given access to an adjacent neutral compartment for the first time. Amygdala…

We investigated whether postextinction administration of methylene blue (MB) could enhance retention of an extinguished conditioned response. MB is a redox compound that at low doses elevates cytochrome oxidase activity, thereby improving brain energy production. Saline or MB (4 mg/kg intraperitoneally) were administered to rats for 5 d following…

Learning to associate a conditioned (CS) and unconditioned stimulus (US) results in changes in the processing of CS information. Here, we address directly the question whether chemical appetitive conditioning of "Lymnaea" feeding behavior involves changes in the peripheral and/or central processing of the CS by using extracellular recording…

This paper introduces seven principles of learning, enduring over the last five centuries of psychological thought, to discuss the evolution of the "Biophyche" (the brain in action) in the development of humans and other large organisms. It describes the conditioning theories of Darwin, Pavlov, and Thorndike and critically reviews the…

How games influence the psychological and social development of children is examined. It is pointed out that the current emphasis on competition and winning at all costs is harmful and that competition is not instinctive but a learned response to society's expectations. Other cultures such as the Eskimo and Chinese are presented as examples of…

Errors commonly made in mimicry pattern drills are identified, and suggestions made for the proper use of drills. The need for distinct gestures by the teacher to secure response, feedback of correct response, and retracing is emphasized. A step-by-step breakdown of the drill is offered as a model. (AF)

The purpose of this investigation was to compare the effects of brief treadmill exercise and meditation with a placebo-control treatment for reduction in several physiological and psychological measures of stress, anxiety, and tension before and after a written final examination in 48 high-test anxiety subjects. The subjects, 24 men and 24 women,…

The proceedings of the 21st annual meeting of the Far Western Philosophy of Education Society in 1972 are presented. The proceedings consisted of 20 addresses and responses. Titles include (1) Presidential Address: Competency-Based Education: Consensus Cognoscenti Versus Reconstructio Experientiae; (2) A Role for Philosophy in California and…

The purpose of this research was two-fold: first, it examined the inappropriate behavior exhibited by a group of parent-labeled hyperactive children; and second, it evaluated various techniques that might be utilized by the classroom teacher to deal more effectively with these children. The hyperactive children observed in this study were from an…

This book, written for students, teachers (clinicians), and researchers, presents a behavioral interpretation of language, a resultant teaching strategy, and data from eight years of experience with the method. The first chapter of the book presents a behavioral description of the critical concepts involved in language training and puts forth a…

This booklet is a revision of an earlier annotated bibliography, "Speed Reading," compiled by Allen Berger in 1967 and revised in 1970. The 82 entries are arranged alphabetically by author in the following ten categories: tachistoscope and controlled pacing, paperback scanning, flexible rates of comprehension, retention of gains, perception,…

Reviews literature on children up to age one to determine whether heart rate (HR) is a reliable, stable, and valid measure. Considers factors influencing resting HR and the Law of Initial Values, discusses information about response to stimulation and infant perception and affect obtained by using HR measures, and describes HR use in risk…