ZAS 132: Operant Conditioning - Shaping Plans

A set of Q&A flashcards covering operant conditioning, shaping, criteria establishment, training planning, a venipuncture training protocol, record-keeping, project requirements, contingencies, and the Amur leopard training example from the lecture notes.

In operant conditioning, what is shaping?

A training technique that uses various methods to train a behavior through successive approximations toward the target behavior.

What are successive approximations?

Small steps that move in the direction of the desired behavior.

What does selective reinforcement mean?

Reinforcing only those responses that move toward the desired behavior.

What is the Black and White (Establishing Criteria) concept?

The idea that a behavior is either right or wrong, with no gray area; clearly communicated expectations; criteria cannot be vague.

Are gray areas acceptable when establishing criteria?

No; criteria should be clear and there should be no gray area.

What does mapping a training plan in reverse mean?

Planning starts with the finished behavior and plans steps backwards.

Why is keeping good records important in shaping plans?

To document progress of each step, stay focused, and reassess goals as the plan is revisited.

What is step 1 in training rhesus macaques for venipuncture using positive reinforcement?

Desensitize the subject to the presence of the blood sleeve by hanging the sleeve on the cage and rewarding any exploration of or movement toward the sleeve.

What is step 2 in that training plan?

Establish a cue for putting the arm in the sleeve and holding the peg.

What is step 3 in that training plan?

Reinforce progressive movement toward touching the sleeve, including sitting in front of the sleeve, putting the arm in the sleeve, and touching the peg.

What is step 4 in that training plan?

Reinforce holding onto the peg and work on increasing duration up to 30 seconds.

What is step 5 in that training plan?

Desensitize to the implements needed during blood collection (e.g., alcohol swabs, gauze pads, vacuum tubes, needles).

What is step 6 in that training plan?

Desensitize to touching sensation on the ventral forearm with a neutral object, increasing duration up to 1 minute.

What is step 7 in that training plan?

Desensitize to the sensation of a capped needle on the forearm, increasing duration up to 2 minutes.

What is step 8 in that training plan?

Desensitize to the sensation of pressure on the vein with a blunt needle resting on the skin (do not pierce), duration up to 2 minutes.

What is step 9 in that training plan?

Desensitize to the real needle beneath the skin, duration up to 2 minutes, and provide a bonus reward for allowing blood draw.

What is step 10 in that training plan?

Once the subject reliably allows blood draw, transfer the behavior to appropriate personnel (e.g., veterinary or research staff).

What is the purpose of the shaping plan’s forms and reporting requirements?

To document an actual training project, including animal information, location, trainers, reinforcers, contingencies (cue, response, consequence, effect), progress, and next steps, in APA format (2-3 pages).

What four elements must be included in a contingency description?

Cue, the response, the consequence, and the effect on behavior.

What format and length are required for the Training Project report?

APA format; 2-3 pages.

What forms are used for the Training Project in ZAS 132?

Training Project Form and Shaping Plan.

What is the example animal topic used in the Applied Animal Psychology Training section?

Amur leopard training.

What are the parts listed under Amur Leopard Training?

Part 1, Part 2, Part 3.