Positive Reinforcement Training in Elephants

These flashcards cover key concepts and vocabulary related to positive reinforcement training and operant conditioning in elephants.

Operant Conditioning

Behaviour changes because of its consequence’s

Positive Reinforcement

When you do something good, get a reward and causes you to be more likely to do it again.

Primary Positive Reinforcer

Type of positive reinforcement that is natural and meets biological need such as food and water.

Secondary Reinforcer

Reward that increases behaviour but is instead learned and associated with money. Such as money which buys food.

Negative Reinforcement

Behaviour increases because something unpleasant is removed. Such as when you do homework the teacher stops getting angry at you so you continue to do more homework.

Captive Animal Welfare

Ensuring that captive animals are safe, healthy, comfortable and are behaving naturally.

Secondary Positive Reinforcement (SPR) training

Training that uses a secondary reinforcer, such as a sound marker, followed by a primary positive reinforcer.

Desensitization

Gradually reducing a negative, emotional response by repeating the exposure to a stimulus.

Behaviour Chaining

A process that allows separately trained behaviors to be performed in sequence in response to cues.

Structured Observation

A research method involving systematic observation to record specific behaviors in a controlled setting.

Controlled Observation

A type of research that allows for replication and control over the variables affecting behavior.

Ethical Considerations in Animal Research

Factors that ensure the humane treatment and welfare of animal participants during research.