| Abstract: | Reviews the book "Modern learning theory. A critical analysis of five examples," by William K. Estes et al. (see record 2004-21803-000). This book is the product of the Dartmouth summer conference on learning theory, held in the summer of 1950 under the auspices of the Social Science Research Council, with funds supplied by the Carnegie Corporation. Each of the five sections is devoted to one learning theorist. The authors have followed a guiding outline for evaluating each theory, including a discussion of the structure of the theory, methodological characteristics, and, finally, an over-all appraisal of empirical content and adequacy. The issues raised in the book will undoubtedly be challenged and discussed separately by those friendly to the various theories. The critical task which the authors set themselves was admirably done, and we may be thankful for it. The homogeneity in conception of what constitutes a good theory reflects in part the homogeneity of background of those who found it congenial to meet together. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved) |
