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Automated Visual Cognitive Tasks for Recording Neural Activity Using a Floor Projection Maze
11:15

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Published on: February 20, 2014

Shaping behavioral patterns.

Matthew L Locey1, Howard Rachlin

  • 1Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY 11794-2500, USA.

Journal of the Experimental Analysis of Behavior
|February 22, 2013
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Pigeons learned complex peck patterns by reinforcement, demonstrating that intricate behaviors can be directly shaped. This study offers insights into the development of self-controlled and altruistic actions through behavioral conditioning.

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Area of Science:

  • Behavioral Psychology
  • Animal Cognition
  • Operant Conditioning

Background:

  • Pigeons were trained to peck keys in specific sequences.
  • Reinforcement varied with pattern complexity, initially rewarding all patterns.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate if complex response patterns can be directly shaped through reinforcement.
  • To explore the potential of this method as a model for self-controlled and altruistic behaviors.

Main Methods:

  • Pigeons pecked keys (L and R) in sequences of eight.
  • Reinforcement was gradually shifted to favor only the most complex pattern (e.g., LLLLRRRR).
  • Two groups were tested: one with progressive extinction, another with immediate extinction of simpler patterns.

Main Results:

  • Three out of four pigeons maintained the complex pattern when simpler ones were extinguished progressively.
  • When simpler patterns were immediately extinguished, only one pigeon maintained the complex pattern at a low rate.
  • Direct shaping of complex response patterns was successful in most subjects.

Conclusions:

  • Complex behavioral patterns can be directly shaped via reinforcement without sequential shaping.
  • This methodology may provide a model for understanding the emergence of self-control and altruism.
  • Behavioral conditioning principles can explain sophisticated response sequences in animals.