Introduction

This chapter introduces the psychologist’s scientific study of learning and memory. Learning has origins in the philosophy of empiricism and evolutionary biology. The chapter defines the terms learning and memory as used by researchers. The scientific method is described, along with distinctions between basic and applied research, and human and animal subjects. Four broad theoretical approaches to the field are described: behavioral, cognitive, functional/adaptation, and neuroscience. The chapter ends with educational applications prescribed by experts in the field.