Operant Conditioning at Kevin Richardson Foundation in South Africa
Consider the board members you will be presenting to. It is fairly common for a Board of Directors at a zoo, aquarium, sanctuary, or rescue facility to come from varying professional backgrounds. Before you pitch to them how you will use operant conditioning to modify behavior and enhance welfare, you need to make sure they know what operant conditioning is!
For this assignment, you will list at least 15 relevant terms that your board would need to know to have an understanding of your plan and important background information on animal behavior management. Separate the terms into categories that you devise. Use the terms you have compiled throughout earlier assignments. Present an organized list, including the term, its definition, and an example of how it may be applied in with your focal animal or at your facility. Remember, you are using this list to educate the board on important terminology, but also demonstrating your knowledge of its applications.
Cite this information from scientific literature using APA Style.
Kevin Richardson Foundation in South Africa
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Kevin Richardson Foundation in South Africa
Operant Conditioning Basics
1 Operant Conditioning:
1 Definition: Operant conditioning is a learning process in which behaviors are strengthened or weakened through consequences.
2 Example: For instance, providing a treat when an animal exhibits a desired behavior, such as a lion following a command, serves as positive reinforcement, encouraging the repetition of that behavior.
2 Reinforcement:
3 Definition: Reinforcement involves the process of increasing the likelihood of a behavior by following it with a desirable event or state, creating a positive association for the animal.
4 Example: Positive reinforcement, like offering treats to a dolphin after successfully completing a task, becomes a powerful motivator for the animal.
3 Punishment:
5 Definition: Punishment is a behavioral modification process aimed at decreasing the likelihood of a behavior by following it with an aversive event or condition.
6 Example: In practical terms, using mild deterrents, such as a loud sound, can discourage undesirable behaviors in animals.
Specific Techniques and Tools
1 Target Training:
1 Definition: Target training involves teaching an animal to touch a specific object, contributing to precise control and communication.