Behavior Analysis and Learning: A Biobehavioral Approach, now in its Sixth Edition, provides an advanced and comprehensive introduction to the principles of behavior analysis and the study of learned behaviors. Written by W. David Pierce and Carl D. Cheney and published by Routledge on June 16, 2017, this authoritative text maintains a consistent Skinnerian perspective while integrating modern biological insights. It carries the identifiers ISBN-10: 1138898589 and ISBN-13: 978-1138898585.
The book covers a full spectrum of topics, ranging from basic respondent and operant conditioning to complex applied behavior analysis and cultural design. By utilizing Darwinian, neurophysiological, and biological research, the authors bridge B. F. Skinner’s philosophy of radical behaviorism with contemporary science. This edition places an expanded focus on neurophysiological mechanisms and their relationship to the experimental analysis of behavior, reflecting the latest advancements in the field.
A central theme of this edition is the “grand synthesis” of behavior analysis, neuroscience, and epigenetics. Under a selectionist framework, the text facilitates a deep understanding of behavior at environmental, genetic, and neurophysiological levels. To enhance the learning experience, the content is organized with specialized pedagogical features, including:
- New Directions: Exploring emerging trends and future research paths.
- Focus On: Detailed examinations of specific behavioral concepts.
- On the Applied Side: Real-world applications of behavioral principles.
- Advanced Sections: Deep dives into technical and theoretical complexities.
Designed for advanced undergraduate and graduate students in psychology, behavioral neuroscience, and other behavior-based disciplines, this book remains a vital resource for those seeking to understand the biological roots and environmental drivers of behavior.