Comparative Psychology


Book Description

Are bird songs learned or genetically programmed? How do animals attract the opposite sex? How does play affect development? How do wolves signal surrender? Which animals have been observed using tools? Do squirrels ever forget food caches? How do bees differentiate between hives? Can some animals count? Examines the state of the art-and its evolution Exploring the full range of animal behavior studies, this authoritative Handbook covers the current state of the art as well as important historical developments in the field since its beginnings over a century ago. It features original essays by comparative psychologists and other animal behavior researchers in experimental psychology who examine and report on the latest research and discoveries in the areas of evolution, development, and species-typical behavior. Discusses all other major approaches to animal behavior The Handbook is the only major reference work to offer a unique psychological perspective of the field. It is also the only one to provide numerous examples of other major approaches to animal behavior, and to discuss and compare them. Arranged in eight major sections for quick and efficient information retrieval, the Handbook: Covers the history and philosophical foundations of comparative psychology, spotlights key figures, and provides international perspectives. Surveys all the important concepts, issues, and theoretical developments in the field. Addresses the latest methodology, focusing on apparatus, research design, statistical techniques, and zoo research. Deals with physiological correlates of behavior, hormones, pheromones, sensation and perception, and sleep. Provides intensive examinations of the behavior of a wide variety of species and groups of animals, from cephalopods and insects to wolves and primates. Covers the key psychological processes of learning and development of behavior, a major emphasis of the field that distinguishes it from other approaches. Treats the full range of functional behaviors by which individuals and species ensure survival and reproductive success. Analyzes cognitive processes, describing complex patterns of behavior in terms of information processing and use. Ideal as a source book for students in comparative psychology, ethology, sociobiology, anthropology, and evolutionary psychology, the Handbook is also a handy reference for scientists working in these fields and for the lay person who wants to understand animal behavior.




'Language' and Intelligence in Monkeys and Apes


Book Description

This is the first collection of articles completely and explicitly devoted to the new field of 'comparative developmental evolutionary psychology' - that is, to studies of primate abilities based on frameworks drawn from developmental psychology and evolutionary biology. These frameworks include Piagetian and neo-Piagetian models as well as psycholinguistic ones. The articles in this collection - originating in Japan, Spain, Italy, France, Canada and the United States - represent a variety of backgrounds in human and nonhuman primate research, including psycholinguistics, developmental psychology, cultural and physical anthropology, ethology, and comparative psychology. The book focuses on such areas as the nature of culture, intelligence, language, and imitation; the differences among species in mental abilities and developmental patterns; and the evolution of life histories and of mental abilities and their neurological bases. The species studied include the African grey parrot, cebus and macaque monkeys, gorillas, orangutans, and both common and pygmy chimpanzees.




A History of the Behavioral Therapies


Book Description

In this unique work, eighteen of the most influential and significant figures in the various subareas of behavior therapy (from behavior analysis through cognitive therapy) are brought together to discuss their work and the sources and influences that affected it. At times moving, profound, and humorous, it casts a new and perhaps more human light on the most influential movement in behavioral health in the latter part of the 20th century. These intellectual biographies range in tone and intensity as each author uses their own particular style to convey their views about the field and their individual impact on it. For those interested in the behavioral and cognitive movement, this book is a must have since it is the only book to have chronicled the individual histories of the founders of the applied behavioral movement before they are lost forever.




Comparative Psychology in the Twentieth Century


Book Description

"We are in a age when it is fashionable to trace one's roots. Although I have resisted the temptation to trace my genetic roots, the temptation to track my intellectual roots has proven irresistible. In reading accounts of the comparative psychologists that preceded my generation, I have been struck with their foresight and accomplishments. However, both the image and history of comparative psychology are generally perceived as poor. In this book I attempt to trace a consistent thread through the development of comparative psychology. By so doing, I hope to alter current perceptions of comparative psychology and thereby influence its future course. The goals of this book are best described as a cross between recording history and advocacy. I hope to escape some criticism by making my objectives and biases explicit. The audience toward which the book is directed consists of professionals and graduate students in comparative psychology and related disciplines. I hope to provide a fairly comprehensive overview of the history of comparative psychology as I perceive it. The book may therefore be useful in graduate seminars concerned with such history"--Pref. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2005 APA, all rights reserved).




Biographical Dictionary of Psychology


Book Description

The Biographical Dictionary of Psychology provides biographical information and critical analysis of the influences and reception of over 500 people who have made a significant contribution to the field of psychology. Written by an international team of contributors, this volume charts the development of the practice of psychology worldwide from its emergence in the 1850s up to the present day. Biographies range from important historical figures to those who have had a more recent impact on the field, including: * Chris Argyris * Donald Broadbent * Kay Deaux * Leon Festinger * Sigmund Freud * Erich Fromm * Francis Galton * Eleanor Gibson * Doreen Kimur * Ulric Neisser * Jean Piaget * Herbert A. Simon * B.F. Skinner * Amos Tversky Entries are alphabetically organized and similarly structured for ease of access and allowing comparison of information. Introductory biographical details cover main fields of interest, nationality, principal appointments, honours, and places and dates of birth and death. This is followed by full bibliographic details of principal publications, as well as secondary and critical literature which provide a useful route into further research. Following on from there is an invaluable critical appraisal of the major achievements, influences and reception of the psychologists themselves. Thorough indexing allows the reader to access information by American Psychological Association subject division, key concepts, name and institution.




Conceptual and Historical Issues in Psychology


Book Description

This book covers key movements that helped to shape psychology – from the early philosophical debate between rationalism and empiricism or realists and antirealists through to the emergence of psychology as a science and the ongoing debates about ‘objectivity’ and ‘truth’ and what a science of psychology should be. Often nuanced and complex, the author examines major conceptual issues in the history of psychology that continue to be debated and influence public policy and lay understanding. The latter stages of the book explore notions of individuality, hereditarianism, critical psychology, and feminist perspectives. While deeply rooted in human history, it is made clear that psychology, how it is conceived and practiced, has a bearing on our understanding of what it is to be human. Accessible, objective and above all comprehensive, this book will help students locate psychology in the wider field of science and understand the forces that continue to shape and define it.




Interpretation And Explanation In The Study Of Animal Behavior


Book Description

People have long been fascinated, not just by the behaviour of non-human animals, but by the problem of how this behaviour is to be interpreted and explained. This is one of two volumes of original essays on the cognitive and emotional dimensions of non-human minds and the relationship of natural minds to behaviour. The essays also address questions concerning the meaning and significance of consciousness; animal intelligence, awareness and emotions; behavioural plasticity, flexibility and constraints on understanding animal minds; and the structure of explanation in the study of behaviour.




History of Psychology


Book Description

History of Psychology: A Cultural Perspective easily distinguishes itself from other texts in a number of ways. First, it examines the field within the rich intellectual and cultural context of everyday life, cross-cultural influences, and contributions from literature, art, and other disciplines. Second, it is a history of ideas, concepts, and questions, instead of dates, events, or great minds. Third, the book explores the history of applied, developmental, clinical, and cognitive psychology as well as experimental psychology. Conveyed in a lively writing style, this text tells a gripping story that continues to the present day. Its current perspective allows students to connect the history of the field to the work being published in current journals. O’Boyle writes in the “historical present”, giving readers a sense of immediacy and aliveness as they journey through history. Her account uses imaginative new features, including “The Times”, which gives readers a feel for what everyday life was like during the age discussed in the chapter. Descriptions of ordinary life, as well as information about important issues influencing their lives such as wars, social movements, famines, and plagues, pique students' interest. "Stop and Think" questions, scattered throughout, enhance retention and encourage critical thinking. An ideal text for a history of psychology or history and systems of psychology course, this creative new book will also appeal to those with a general interest in the field. The Instructor’s Resource CD, written by the text author, includes class activities and demonstrations, suggestions for small group and class discussions, a list of films and videos related to the material in each chapter, and a test bank with objective and essay questions.




The Animal Mind


Book Description

This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work is in the public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work. Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. To ensure a quality reading experience, this work has been proofread and republished using a format that seamlessly blends the original graphical elements with text in an easy-to-read typeface. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.