Duke University

ADAPTIVE BEHAVIOR AND LEARNING

J. E. R. STADDON

Internet Edition

2003

First Edition Published by

CAMBRIDGE UNIVERSITY PRESS

1983

Cambridge

London New York New Rochelle

Melbourne Sydney

Published by the Press Syndicate of the University of Cambridge

The Pitt Building, Trumpington Street, Cambridge CB2 1RP

32 East 57th Street, New York, NY 10022, USA

296 Beaconsfield Parade, Middle Park, Melboume 3206, Australia

First edition 1983

Printed in the United States of America

Library of Congress Cataloging in Publication Data

Staddon, J. E R.

Adaptive behavior and learning.

Includes bibliographical references and index.

1. Learning in animals. 2. Adaptation (Biology)

1. Title. [DNLM: I. Behavior, Animal. 2. Learning.

QL 78) S776a]

QL78).S8 1953 591.51 53-5206

lSBN 0 521 25699 2 hardcovers

lSBN 0 521 276)5 6 paperback

To
I. F. R.
D. N. S.
and
DB

CONTENTS

PREFACE

1 The evolution, development, and modification of behavior

Niches, similarities and differences
Philosophical background
Evolution and development
Summary

2 Variation and selection of behavior

Simple orientation mechanisms
Reflex mechanisms
Inhibition and reflex strength
Summary

3 Direct orientation and feedback

Taxes
The integration of behavior
The nature of explanation
Summary

4 Operant behavior

Causal and functional analysis of operant behavior
The logic of historical systems
Summary

5 Reward and punishment

Reinforcement and the law of effect
Contingency and feedback functions
Summary

6 Feeding regulation: a model motivational system

Reinforcement and homeostasis
Obesity and schedule performance: a static analysis
Summary

7 The optimal allocation of behavior

Utility and adaptation to constraint
The allocation of behavior
Experimental applications
Summary

8 Choice and decision rules

Optimal choice
Matching and maximizing
Overall maximizing
Summary

9 Foraging and behavioral ecology

Diet selection and functional response
Natural feedback functions
Summary'

10 Stimulus control and cognition

The definition of stimulus
Stimulus generalization
Similarity
Summary

11 Stimulus control and performance

Inhibitory and excitatory' control
Behavioral contrast and discrimination performance
Competition and matching
Summary

12 Response strength

Time-allocation constraints: The pressure model

Problems

Summary

13 Memory and temporal control

Temporal control
Memory and spatial earning
Summary

14 Learning, I: The acquisition of knowledge

Template learning
Reinforced learning
Summary

15 Learning, II:The guidance of action

Historical background.' operant and respondent behavior
Behavioral variation.' the origins of operant behavior
The guidance of action
Experimental applications
Summary

16 Learning, III: Experimental analysis

Conditioned reinforcement

Conditioned emotional response

Avoidance and escape

Set, response-produced shock and “learned helplessness”

Extinction