Behavioural Modification using alternative training techniques Flashcards
Define a SECONDARY REINFORCER
A secondary reinforcer is a stimulus that reinforces behaviour after being previously associated with a primary reinforcer that satisfies basic survival instincts.
For example, during clicker training, the clicker alone means nothing. However when associated with performing a task the reward is food. The secondary reinforcer (the click) now has currency.
What is clicker training?
Clicker training is a method of secondary reinforcement training.
- it should be done in short intervals, with a period of consolidation between training sessions. This break helps to strengthen the neural pathways formed in the training e.g. between the ears and the NA (on the pleasure circuit)
- every time the clicker is paired with the reward, the neural pathway strengthens and over time this strengthens
- to maximise training potential the reward should come immediately after the desired task is performed - this way the horse learns that the consequence of performing the task is definitely a treat.
What is target training?
Target training is a lead on from clicker training. It involves the horse touching a target as its desired behaviour. Good with helping loading issues, as the focus is on the target and not loading into the trailer.
How is the fight/flight instinct suppressed in the horse?
Activation of the pleasure circuit (i.e. the NA)
What is the main centre of the fight/flight response?
The amygdala
Define NEOPHOBIC
A horse that is neophobic is scared of new things. Can make it difficult to target train a horse, particularly if the target is scary. The amygdala is heavily involved.
Define NEOPHILLIC
A horse that is neophillic has an attraction or an interest in new things. These horses are easy to target train because of their curiousness.
80-90% of horses will inspect a target when presented with it
What are methods of general learning theories?
- habituation
- classical conditioning
- operant conditioning
Describe habituation
Habituation is the process of repeating an action in order to reduce the reaction to it. Often there is a flight response initially, but this should decrease e/g/ opening an umbrella
Describe classical conditioning
A stimulus is presented and the animal displays an involuntary reaction to that stimulus. A conditioned stimulus can be used to get a conditioned response. The key is that the animal is being trained to give an involuntary response, controlled by the autonomic nervous system.
For example, Pavlov used dogs and prepared food where the dogs could not see him. The sound of the food being prepared caused the dogs to salivate (unconditioned response). This was turned to a bell. Eventually when the dogs heard the bell (conditioned stimulus) they began to salivate (conditioned response).
What is involved in classical conditioning?
- unconditioned stimulus
- unconditioned response (the animal’s natural reaction to the production of the stimulus)
- conditioned stimulus
- conditioned response. This response HAS to be involuntary e.g. salivation or increased heart rate
What are the 4 different timing for classical conditioning?
- delayed conditioning - CS given, US given, CS stops
- simultaneous conditioning - CS given as US given
- trace conditioning - CS given, small gap, then US given
- backward conditioning - US given, CS given
Describe operant conditioning
Operant conditioning involves training a voluntary response, unlike classical, which is involuntary. These responses are controlled by the somatic nervous system. Operant conditioning is a method of secondary reinforcement
Who coined classical conditioning?
Ivan Pavlov. He used the provision of meat to stimulate an involuntary response of salivation in dogs.
Who coined operant conditioning?
Edward Thorndike. He put cats into puzzle boxes; they were given a food reward when they were able to release themselves.
