Conditioning, Reinforcements & Punishments Flashcards
When do most owners stop training their dog?
After puppy/obedience classes
What is the primary associative method that animals learn by?
Conditioning
What are the 2 types of conditioning do animals learn by?
- Classical conditioning
- Operant conditioning
Give another, more common name for Classical conditioning
Associative learning
Give another, more common name for Operant conditioning
Trial & Error learning
Define what Classical conditioning is
(Associative learning)
When an animal links a stimulus with a behaviour
..ding ding!
What was the infamous Classical conditioning study performed in 1897?
Pavlov’s Dogs (1897)
(The bell was rung whenever food was offered and the dog’s made the association between the bell and food, so they expected food whenever the bell was rung and therefore would start to salivate, bell = salivation + food)
What 2 things does Classical conditioning method provide an animal with?
The ability to build up:
1. Knowledge
2. Experiences
What 2 things does the animal make a connection between, using Classical conditioning?
A link between the Stimulus and the Behavioural response
(Yes or No)
With Associative learning, can an animal make a connection between 2 unrelated events?
Yes!
Give a basic and simple example of Classical conditioning in dogs between 2 everyday items
+
What those associations are
The collar and lead.
The dog associates these items with:
* Walking
* Exercise outdoors
* An opportunity to explore, play + run
‘It’s…. in learning this aspect”
Operant conditioning is also known as ‘Trial & Error Learning’.
Name another common name for this.
Instrumental learning
Define what Operant conditioning is
When an animal links a behaviour with a specific outcome, after solving the problem
What was the infamous Operant conditioning study performed in 1948?
The Skinner Box Theory, by B.F. Skinner (1948)
(The rats were given light + sound signals in a box, when they touched the right button, they gained postitive reinforcement through recieving food and negative reinforcement via electric shock when they didn’t press the right button. So they associated that particular button would gain treats and the other would cause pain)
If the animal experiences a positive outcome, what is likely to happen?
The animal is more likely to repeat that behaviour
(If it is benefical to them and worth their energy)
If the animal experiences a negative outcome, what is likely to happen?
The animal is less likely to repeat that behaviour
(As they associate it with harm, injury or pain and thus not benefical)
What does the animal require to perform, in order to achieve an outcome?
(Probably with a positive outcome)
Solve a problem or command
What is a basic everyday example of Operant conditioning?
Performing a command, given from it’s owner.
Such as performing the commands “sit”,”stay” or “come” = recieve a treat
Fill the words in.
“Any stimulus that increases the probability of a desirable behavour is known as …………………… “
Reinforcement
Fill the words in.
“Any stimulus that decreases the probability of a undesirable behavour is known as …………………… “
Punishment
Define what is meant by the ‘4 Quadrants’ of Operant conditioning
The 4 Quadrants shapes the behaviour that is exhibited after experiencing the outcome, based on its consequences.
For example, encouraging or discouraging certain responses, so that the animal is more likely to change its behaviour to gain the more positive outcome.
Name the 4 Quadrants of Operant Conditioning
- Positive Reinforcement
- Positive Punishment
- Negative Reinforcement
- Negative Punishment
Again, what does reinforcement do?
It increases the frequency of the desirable behaviour
Again, what does punishment do?
It decreases the frequency of the undesirable behaviour
What does Postive reinforcement do to the stimulus?
It applies a stimulus
(Adds a stimulus)
Adding = Positive
What does Negative reinforcement do to the stimulus?
It removes the stimulus
Removing = Negative
Positive…
What are the 2 polarised ‘positive’ viewpoints of animal training?
- Positive Punishment
- Positive Reinforcement
Is Positive punishment an Aversive or Positive method?
An Aversive method
Is Positive reinforcement an Aversive or Positive method?
A Positive method
What are the 2 main reasons for why positive puinishment is not recommended?
Because is:
1. Does not address the root of the behaviour
2. Creates further behavioural consequential problems
What 2 controversial things are required in order to make positive punishment effective?
- Pain
- Fear
What very likely behvaiour will a dog likely exhibit to positive punishment?
Defensive aggression
Why would a dog exhibit defensive aggression towards positive punishment?
Because they will put a defensive guard up to protect themselves from anticipation
How will positive punishment affect already present problem behaviours?
It will exacerbate and aggravate them, as they become more anxious
What will the dog focus on, as a consequence of positive punishment?
They will focus on pain and defending themselves
If positive punishment must be used, what 5 things must you consider?
- Must be when the animal is not fearful or in pain
- It must be constantly applied, everytime the undesirable behaviour is performed
- Must occur during or immediately after the undesirable behaviour
- It must be strong and intense in order to interrupt the undesirable behaviour
- The animal must not associate the punishment with the owner
No.5 = Can be hard, if the same person who has installed the fear, to start with
Name 8 remote punishment devices that can be utilised for positive punishment
- Electric shock collars
- Training discs
- Pebbles or coins in a can or bottle
- Throw chains
- Water pistol
- Sprays
- Alarms
- Sedation
What are 4 consequential behaviours that could be causative/associated with the use of these devices?
It can/will install:
1. Fear
2. Stress
3. Pain
4. Anxiety
What are 4 general problems with the use of remote punishment devices ?
- They can be misused
- They can cause pain or distress
- Animals will associate the shock with whatever it focused on at the time
- The device could be triggered by external influences, that are not associated with the behaviour
4 - If the animal was focused on the scent of another animal at that time they experienced that device’s use
