Principles of Behavior: An Introduction to Behavior Theory
Clark L. Hull
After a general presentation of the nature of scientific theory in its deductive aspects and a defense of an objective point of view with reference to molar adaptive behavior in contrast to subjectivism, teleology, and emergentism, the author gives a detailed exposition of the fundamental principles of behavior. Innate behavior and its relation to the termination of needs are basic facts, as are also such physiological events as sensory after-discharge and internal oscillatory, variable factors. The development of the theory offers an account of behavior in terms of reinforcement, generalization, motivation, inhibition, oscillation, and response evocation which may be thought of as a chain of conditions beginning with the physical stimulus and ending in the response. 13 major symbolic constructs, directly or indirectly anchored to 6 objectively observable events, are utilized in explanation of the above chain of conditions of behavior. An examination of stimulus compounds and patterns leads the author, in opposition to Gestalt psychology, to the view that patterning is a secondary rather than a primary principle of behavior. The 22 chapters of the book contain lists of references, technical notes, and derivations of formulae.
Categories:
Year:
1943
Publisher:
Appleton-Century
Language:
english
Pages:
431
File:
PDF, 18.88 MB
IPFS:
,
english, 1943