ABSTRACT

This chapter reviews the traditional view of learned behavior, emphasizing its scientific heritage of isolation and abstraction, and some disadvantages of its dependence on methodology to define the nature of learning. It aims to develop the behavior system approach which conceptualizes learning in terms of the modification of functional systems. The chapter explains the behavior system approach to research in animal learning, deals with predispositions in and constraints on learning and ending with a consideration of some traditional general principles. It examines several phenomena of traditional laboratory learning to show how a behavior system analysis can account for these phenomena and contribute to their further development. The chapter provides an opportunity to show that the behavior system approach, explores moderate knowledge of the species, readily generates specific explanations and predictions. It focuses on several instances of predispositions and constraints in learning. The chapter also aims to interpret and clarify examples of general learning principles.