Chapter 6 Flashcards
Scientific method order
Observation
Research question
Research hypothesis
Prediction
Methodology to test predictions
Analysis of data results
Data matches prediction = hypothesis supported or data does not match prediction = hypothesis rejected
What is a research hypothesis?
Expelnation of research question based on assumptions that can lead to a testable prediction
How do we advance knowledge in our research field (scientific method)?
Formulate research question
Generate hypotheses
Design an experiment using a paradigm
Communicate results (peer review)
Replicate
Generate new question based on results
Primary vs. Secondary literature
Primary: publication based off their own work and experiments
Secondary: summarizing previously made pieces of literature
Elephant ethograms
Research question: what behaviours do captive elephants exhibit?
Methods: very specific method stated (to allow replication)
Results: No stereotypic behaviour while eating
Conclusions: use widely space feeders to reduce frequency of stereotypic behaviour
What does learning allow animals to do?
Adapt to their environment
Learning as an adaptation in juncos
Research question: does age affect feeding efficiency?
Hypothesis: as birds age they have more experience handling food
Prediction: older birds handle food faster than younger birds
Methods: used cut-up meal worms and recorded handling time
Results: hypothesis and predictions proven true
What is the simplest form of learning
Habituation
Green frog habituation to intruder localization
Research question: does dear enemy hypothesis explain aggression in territorial green frogs?
Hypothesis: the level of aggression to another male frog will vary with familiarity due to habituation
Prediction: there should be a decrease in their response to a new rivals localization after an initial aggressive response
Methods: studied males at 4 ponds, created synthetic calls of two males. Played calls from speakers 1-2 m away from focal male. Recorded response calls and movement towards speaker
Results: movement decreases as frog habituates to the broadcast call. Then a second broadcast occurs which causes additional movement but habituation happens much faster this time.
What was pavlovian conditioning for mating tested on?
Japanese quail
Japanese quail experiment
Research question: how does learning affect fitness (reproductive success)
Hypothesis: individuals can benefit by learning to associate environmental cues with mating opportunities
Prediction: reproductive success will be higher in the place where individuals learned that mating often occurs
Methods: training trials 1-5 mating only occurred in the CS+ cage during tests mating accrued in both cages
Results: in the cages (CS+)fitness is higher due to previous exposure to mating
Conclusion: Pavlovian conditioning can affect fitness
Who can be acredited for purposive behaviourism?
Tolman
What is cognitivism?
An approach of psychology that is concerned with decision making, thinking, problem solving, imagining etc. (Cognition) rather than observable behaviour
What is an early root of cognitivism?
German gestalt psychology
What does learning involve?
The development of cognitive maps, internal representations of relationships between goals and behaviours as well as knowledge the environment where goals are found
