ABSTRACT

First published in 1986. The main objective of this book is to provide a hard-headed theoretical integration of several different major areas of research on learning, cognition, and motivation in humans and other mammals. By hard-headed, the author simply means that the concepts were generated from empirical data and are testable. Since an integrative theory must of necessity integrate apparent diversity, such an approach involves the identification and description of the most fundamental factors (structural processes) underlying the observed capacities of humans and animals in the domain of learning and motivation.

part 1|22 pages

The Theoretical Argument

chapter 1|8 pages

The Theoretical Approach

chapter 2|12 pages

Outline of the Theory

part 2|56 pages

The Information Processing Mechanism: General Processes

chapter 3|22 pages

Stimulus Analyzing Processes

chapter 4|16 pages

Response Processes

chapter 5|15 pages

Motivational Processes

part 3|171 pages

The Behavioral Analysis Division of the IPM

chapter 7|18 pages

Habituative Processes

chapter 8|24 pages

Affective Properties of Cues

chapter 9|21 pages

Stimulus Selection

chapter 10|27 pages

Behavior on Reinforcement Schedules

part 4|78 pages

Memorial Processes of the IPM

chapter 12|26 pages

The Structural Processes of Memory

chapter 13|22 pages

Encoding and Retrieval

chapter 14|26 pages

The Functional Characteristics of Memories

part 5|62 pages

Cognitive Functions and the IPM

chapter 15|21 pages

Developmental Changes in Cognitive Function

chapter 16|22 pages

General Intelligence

chapter 17|17 pages

Specific Aptitudes

chapter |3 pages

Conclusion