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Shaping by automated tracking of an arbitrary operant response
Journal of the Experimental Analysis of Behavior
|March 1, 1987
Summary
This study demonstrates a computer-controlled system for precise shaping in operant conditioning. The innovative method rapidly established head-contact responses in pigeons, overcoming previous technological limitations in behavioral analysis.
Area of Science:
- Behavioral science
- Animal behavior
- Operant conditioning
Background:
- Shaping is a key operant conditioning technique for establishing new behaviors.
- Previous research faced challenges in precisely specifying and recording response approximations.
- Technological limitations hindered detailed experimental analysis of the shaping process.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and evaluate a computer-controlled system for precise shaping.
- To overcome technological hurdles in specifying and recording behavioral approximations.
- To analyze the effectiveness of precise shaping in establishing target responses.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a computer-controlled system for continuous tracking of pigeon head movements.
- Reinforced successively closer approximations to head contact with a defined spherical region.
- Applied the procedure to three pigeons to assess its efficacy.
Main Results:
- The computer-controlled system allowed for precise procedural specification.
- Shaping of the target head-contact response occurred rapidly across all subjects.
- The system proved effective in establishing the desired operant behavior.
Conclusions:
- Computer-controlled shaping offers a precise and effective method for behavioral research.
- This technology overcomes previous limitations in analyzing the shaping process.
- The rapid establishment of responses highlights the system's potential in behavioral science.
Related Concept Videos
01:19Role of Shaping in Operant Conditioning
Shaping is a technique used in operant conditioning to train complex behaviors by rewarding successive approximations toward the target behavior. This method is necessary because organisms are unlikely to perform complex behaviors spontaneously. Instead, shaping breaks down the desired behavior into small, manageable steps.
The steps involved in shaping begin with reinforcing any response that resembles the desired behavior. For example, parents might praise a child for picking up one toy. As...
The steps involved in shaping begin with reinforcing any response that resembles the desired behavior. For example, parents might praise a child for picking up one toy. As...
01:06Law of Effect
B.F. Skinner, a prominent figure in behavioral psychology, introduced operant conditioning by emphasizing the role of consequences in shaping behavior. This theory builds upon the law of effect proposed by Edward Thorndike, which posits that behaviors followed by satisfying outcomes are likely to be repeated. In contrast, those followed by unsatisfying outcomes are less likely to recur.
Edward Thorndike's foundational work involved studying learning in animals, particularly using puzzle boxes...
Edward Thorndike's foundational work involved studying learning in animals, particularly using puzzle boxes...
01:21Operant Conditioning
Operant conditioning, a key concept in behavioral psychology, involves using reinforcement and punishment to alter the likelihood of a behavior being repeated. B.F. introduced this type of conditioning. Skinner focused on voluntary behaviors and the consequences that follow them, influencing whether these behaviors will be strengthened or diminished.
Reinforcement in operant conditioning can be positive or negative, both of which serve to increase the likelihood of a behavior. Positive...
Reinforcement in operant conditioning can be positive or negative, both of which serve to increase the likelihood of a behavior. Positive...
01:24Operant Conditioning Intervention
Operant conditioning serves as a foundational principle in therapeutic interventions aimed at modifying maladaptive behaviors. Central to this approach is the notion that behaviors, both adaptive and maladaptive, are learned through reinforcement. By analyzing the environmental factors that reinforce problematic behaviors, clinicians can design interventions to weaken these reinforcements and replace maladaptive behaviors with healthier alternatives.
In operant conditioning, behaviors that are...
In operant conditioning, behaviors that are...
01:21Behavior Modification
Behavioral approaches have often been criticized for ignoring mental processes and focusing solely on observable behavior. However, these approaches provide an optimistic perspective for individuals seeking to change their behaviors. Rather than concentrating on intrinsic personality traits, behavioral approaches suggest that even longstanding habits can be modified by changing the reward contingencies that maintain them.
A real-world application of operant conditioning principles is applied...
A real-world application of operant conditioning principles is applied...
01:23Reinforcement
Positive and negative reinforcement are key concepts in operant conditioning, a learning process where the consequences of a behavior affect the likelihood of that behavior being repeated.
Positive reinforcement occurs when a behavior is followed by the presentation of a rewarding stimulus, increasing the frequency of that behavior. For example:
Positive reinforcement occurs when a behavior is followed by the presentation of a rewarding stimulus, increasing the frequency of that behavior. For example: