This volume investigates the extent to which established learning theories and psychological mechanisms can explain the persistence and control of smoking behavior in human subjects. William A. Hunt, a distinguished professor of psychology with extensive experience in clinical and military advisory roles, compiles research from leading experts in learning theory and pharmacology. The text bridges the gap between traditional laboratory studies of animal behavior and the complex, real-world social dynamics of human addiction. By synthesizing these perspectives, the book establishes a framework for understanding smoking as a learned behavior and proposes new trajectories for future clinical research.

Experts recognize this work as a significant historical contribution to the behavioral study of addiction, particularly for its attempt to apply rigorous learning theory to public health issues. Readers often note the academic density of the prose, which reflects the specialized background of the contributors involved in the research.