Complex Human Behavior

Written from the perspective of selectionist theory, this text presents a theoretically integrated approach to the study of animal learning and human cognition that co-ordinates behavioural research and research in neuroscience. It covers traditional topics such as acquisition and extinction of behaviour, stimulus control and schedules of reinforcement, and also deals with topics of student interest such as perception, memory, problem solving and verbal behaviour. All of these topics are discussed in terms of principles established by experimental analysis at the behavioural and neural levels, and scientific interpretation based on those principles.

Our understanding of the evolution of human behavior has grown enormously over the past few decades, and an increasing number of behavioral and social scientists are making use of evolutionary theory in their work to shed light on issues ranging from marriage and parenting to the study of mental illness. The success of this research program is thre

A unique approach to human behavior that integrates and interprets the latest research from cell to society Incorporating principles and findings from molecular biology, neuroscience, and psychological and sociocultural sciences, Human Behavior employs a decidedly integrative biosocial, multiple-levels-of-influence approach. This approach allows students to appreciate the transactional forces shaping life course opportunities and challenges among diverse populations in the United States and around the world. Human Behavior includes case studies, Spotlight topics, and Expert's Corner features that augment the theme of each chapter. This book is rooted in the principles of empirical science and the evidence-based paradigm, with coverage of: Genes and behavior Stress and adaptation Executive functions Temperament Personality and the social work profession Social exchange and cooperation Social networks and psychosocial relations Technology The physical environment Institutions Belief systems and ideology Unique in its orientation, Human Behavior proposes a new integrative perspective representing a leap forward in the advancement of human behavior for the helping professions.

Humans engage in a seemingly endless variety of different behaviors, of which some are found across species, while others are conceived of as typically human. Most generally, behavior comes about through the interplay of various constraints – informational, mechanical, neural, metabolic, and so on – operating at multiple scales in space and time. Over the years, consensus has grown in the research community that, rather than investigating behavior only from bottom up, it may be also well understood in terms of concepts and laws on the phenomenological level. Such top down approach is rooted in theories of synergetics and self-organization using tools from nonlinear dynamics. The present compendium brings together scientists from all over the world that have contributed to the development of their respective fields departing from this background. It provides an introduction to deterministic as well as stochastic dynamical systems and contains applications to motor control and coordination, visual perception and illusion, as well as auditory perception in the context of speech and music.

Complexity systems are at the heart of behavior

The psychology classic—a detailed study of scientific theories of human nature and the possible ways in which human behavior can be predicted and controlled—from one of the most influential behaviorists of the twentieth century and the author of Walden Two. “This is an important book, exceptionally well written, and logically consistent with the basic premise of the unitary nature of science. Many students of society and culture would take violent issue with most of the things that Skinner has to say, but even those who disagree most will find this a stimulating book.” —Samuel M. Strong, The American Journal of Sociology “This is a remarkable book—remarkable in that it presents a strong, consistent, and all but exhaustive case for a natural science of human behavior…It ought to be…valuable for those whose preferences lie with, as well as those whose preferences stand against, a behavioristic approach to human activity.” —Harry Prosch, Ethics

"What shapes human behavior? Christopher Hudson approaches this conundrum with an outstanding grasp of the theoretical underpinnings of the human services. In this penetrating new book, Hudson guides us through the common roots of social work and psychology with authority and lucidity to revisit the richness of human experience. Particularly notable for its integrative style, the book offers a comprehensive overview of the many theories that underlie contemporary social work practice, all carefully interpreted through the lens of complex systems theory. Hudson evaluates concepts like deep ecology, chaos theory, consciousness, diversity, and spirituality with clarity and enthusiasm, placing them in historical and theoretical contexts. His incisive review of the work of major thinkers from Comte, Freud, and James, through Vygotsky, Baars, and Varela, will help bring his readers to a more complex view of the human condition. An excellent book for all human services practitioners as well as advanced students of human behavior, Complex Systems and Human Behavior is a comprehensive introduction to complex systems theory and a necessary resource for all who seek a greater understanding of the evolution and foundation of their craft."--Publisher's website.

What shapes human behavior? Christopher Hudson approaches this conundrum with an outstanding grasp of the theoretical underpinnings of the human services. In this penetrating new book, Hudson guides us through the common roots of social work and psychology with authority and lucidity to revisit the richness of human experience. Particularly notable for its integrative style, the book offers a comprehensive overview of the many theories that underlie contemporary social work practice, all carefully interpreted through the lens of complex systems theory. Hudson evaluates concepts like deep ecology, chaos theory, consciousness, diversity, and spirituality with clarity and enthusiasm, placing them in historical and theoretical contexts. His incisive review of the work of major thinkers from Comte, Freud, and James, through Vygotsky, Baars, and Varela, will help bring his readers to a more complex view of the human condition. An excellent book for all human services practitioners as well as advanced students of human behavior, Complex Systems and Human Behavior is a comprehensive introduction to complex systems theory and a necessary resource for all who seek a greater understanding of the evolution and foundation of their craft.