Fagen et al (elephant study)

Question 1

operant conditioning

Answer 1

Learning based on the consequences of our actions

Question 1

positive reinforcement

Answer 1

a form of operant learning which desired behaviour is rewarded in order for it to be repeated

Question 2

SPR

Answer 2

training in which a secondary reinforcer is used and then followed with administration of a primary reinforcer

Question 3

Aim

Answer 3

To study whether free contact traditionally trained elephants would trunk wash through positive reinforcement

Question 4

Sample

Answer 4

1 female adult and 3 female juveniles, no exp of SPR, in Nepal

Question 5

Elephants were taught

Answer 5

• capture - observe the elephant to perform the desired behaviour naturally and give the reward
• Lure - lure the elephant into performing non natural positional behaviour by placing reward in a certain place
• Shaping - reward the elephant for only the best behaviours

Question 6

Procedure

Answer 6

Fagen et al
11 studiers in 3 days

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Procedure

1. trained each elephant on individual behaviours with help of reinforcers
2. once mastered, trainers wld associate a verbal cue with each task
3. after this, elephant wld perform tasks in a sequence known as behaviour chaining
4. introduced the syringe thru desensitisation as well as the fluid. To avoid drinking saline water during session they wld offer drink before the session
5. they were tested on behaviours every 5 session and 80 percent was pass

Question 7

Results

Answer 7

• 4 juveniles performed trunk wash whereas adult did not
• 2 and 3 elephant did not pass steady test
• trunk here task was more harder than others
• success rate increased frm session 10 and came to 83 percent in session 3

Question 8

Conclusion

Answer 8

elephants can be trained to perform trunk wash using SPR .