ZAS 132 - Operant Conditioning: The Human Element of Training

Flashcards covering the human element of training, biases, anthropomorphism, emotional factors, and reinforcement/punishment concepts from the notes.

What term describes maintaining a clear perspective and respect for one’s place in the training context (the human element) during training?

ZOOmility (Zookeeper Humility) — maintaining perspective and respect for one’s place in the training context.

True or False: All animals can learn and will naturally show aptitude for concepts they use regularly in the wild.

True — all animals can learn and will show aptitude for concepts they regularly use in the wild.

What is anthropomorphism in the context of animal training?

Attributing human thoughts, feelings, or motives to animals; considered a trainer’s common stumbling block.

What is the biggest stumbling block in training according to the notes?

Anthropomorphism — thinking for the animal or assuming what the animal is thinking.

Why should a trainer avoid thinking for the animal in training?

Training is successful when you reinforce good behavior as it occurs, not based on what you believe the animal is thinking.

What proverb cautions that good intentions alone are not enough in training?

The road to hell is paved with good intentions.

What happens when a trainer makes excuses for an animal’s errors?

It reinforces substandard behavior (anthropomorphism) and leads to bad habits.

How can compassion and emotion affect training sessions?

Emotions can ruin a training session and impair decision making, leading to personal investment and poor choices.

What is the core principle of operant conditioning regarding emotions?

Operant conditioning entails no emotional decision making; emotions should be kept under control during training.

When might positive reinforcement not work, according to the notes?

When the behavior becomes self-rewarding or more enjoyable than the treat/praise, requiring a multi-method approach.

What approach may be required when positive reinforcement fails?

A multi-method approach that may combine reinforcement and punishment.

What is negative reinforcement?

Removing something unpleasant when the desired behavior occurs.

What is extinction in operant conditioning?

Letting the undesired behavior go away on its own.

What does training an incompatible behavior involve?

Teaching a behavior that cannot occur at the same time as the undesired one.

What does it mean to c put the behavior on cue?

Cueing the desired behavior to elicit and train it.

What does shape the absence of the behavior mean in training?

Reinforcing the absence of the undesired behavior to reduce it.

What does change the motivation refer to in reinforcement strategies?

Adjusting what motivates the animal to perform or avoid a behavior.