The first eight chapters of this textbook explain evidence-based principles that form the basis for the actively caring for people (AC4P) applications described in the twelve subsequent chapters. These applications range from employing the AC4P principles for most effective parenting, teaching, and coaching to optimizing safety, health, and well-being in educational, business, and hospital settings. Also included are applications of AC4P principles to address such issues as obesity, traffic safety, environmental sustainability, and alcohol abuse among college students. The authors of each application chapter have had firsthand experience implementing and evaluating the specific AC4P principles delineated and explained to improve the human dynamics of designated situations.

We start with the research-based AC4P principles derived from applied behavioral science (ABS) and humanistic psychology (i.e., humanistic behaviorism). What is a “principle” anyway? The first definition of principle in my American Heritage Dictionary is “a basic truth, law, or assumption.” How do truths, laws, or assumptions connect to the behavioral and psychological science referenced throughout this text?

Note we use the adjective evidence-based when referring to the AC4P principles. This means the principles are based on empirical research that demonstrates their validity. Does this mean an AC4P principle is a basic truth or fact? I think it's risky to consider these principles immutable or changeless, like the law of gravity. Still, the AC4P principles are as close to valid as any other principle in the domain of psychology – the science of human experience.

In contrast to evidence-based principles, let's consider a few select statements used frequently in society today to explain or influence human behavior; they are not evidence-based, but unfortunately are quite popular. Some of these myths are in fact themes of self-help books and motivational seminars. I hope my comments make you skeptical of these so-called principles of human dynamics. Actually, many of the research-based principles presented in the first eight chapters directly contradict these trendy misconceptions of human nature.

1. We learn more from our mistakes. This first example of a common myth, along with the related slogan “trial-and-error learning,” puts more emphasis on failure than success, and this can actually be detrimental to learning. Think about it. Animals, including humans, learn more when a consequence indicates their behavior was correct rather than incorrect.