1 Flashcards
What can be used to provide reinforcement or punishment in animal training?
Anything that an animal wants or wishes to avoid can be used to alter their motivation to perform a behaviour.
What are potential sources of positive reinforcement in training?
Potential sources include desirable foodstuffs, enjoyable activities, favourite toys, preferred companions, and favourite places to be or things to have.
Why is it important to evaluate how highly a patient values different commodities in behavior consultations?
It allows scaling of rewards according to the task and response, and serves to strategically use different reinforcers within a behavior modification plan.
What is the differential outcome effect in animal training?
Different rewards can be used to reward different behaviors being trained at the same time, resulting in a better rate of learning.
What is a safeguard against accidental punishment during training?
Using a checklist to rank reinforcement helps prevent the animal from experiencing relative negative punishment when expected rewards are not met.
How can the value of a reinforcer be manipulated?
The value can vary with the state of the animal; for example, adjusting feeding schedules can increase the value of food as a reinforcer.
What is the implication of the absence of an expected reward?
The absence of an expected reward is a form of punishment, which can affect the animal’s performance.
What does extinction refer to in the context of animal training?
Extinction is the consistent omission of a reward, leading to the loss of the reinforced association.
What is an extinction burst?
An extinction burst is when the response intensifies before it starts to disappear, often a sign of frustration.
What factors influence the magnitude of the extinction burst?
The magnitude depends on the temperament of the individual and the previous level of reinforcement.
Why can extinction be a drawn-out process?
Extinction can be prolonged when rewards have been given on an intermittent basis, making it difficult for the animal to ascertain that reinforcement has stopped.
What precautions should be taken when using extinction clinically?
Each case needs to be assessed on its merits, with appropriate precautions in place to manage potential risks.
