Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 22, 2026
08:38
A System for Tracking the Dynamics of Social Preference Behavior in Small Rodents
Published on: November 21, 2019
Functional analyses of undesirable behavior by nonhumans: A concise review
Katarina Rotta1, Lindsay Essig1, Jade Davis2
1Department of Psychology, Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo, MI, USA.
Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis
|April 28, 2023
Summary
Functional analysis effectively assesses undesirable behaviors in diverse nonhuman species, including dogs, cats, primates, and even a vulture. This method proved highly successful, with clear outcomes for 32 out of 33 subjects studied.
Area of Science:
- Comparative psychology
- Animal behavior analysis
Background:
- Undesirable behaviors in nonhuman animals pose challenges for welfare and research.
- Functional analysis is a well-established method for understanding behavior in humans.
Approach:
- A systematic review of 13 studies utilizing functional analysis for behavior assessment in nonhuman animals.
- Included species encompass a wide range: dogs, cats, baboon, lemur, chimpanzee, and vulture.
Key Points:
- Functional analysis yielded clear and interpretable outcomes for 32 of 33 nonhuman subjects.
- Demonstrated high efficacy across a diverse array of species and behavioral contexts.
- Highlights the potential for standardized behavioral assessment in nonhuman populations.
Conclusions:
- Functional analysis is a robust and effective tool for assessing undesirable behaviors in a wide range of nonhuman animals.
- Supports the broader application of functional analysis principles in comparative animal behavior research.
- Suggests further research into refining and expanding functional analysis methodologies for nonhuman applications.
Related Concept Videos
00:54What is Behavior?
Behaviors are actions that an organism engages in—they can be related to finding food, reproducing, defending against threats, and many other possible actions. Behaviors include activities related to the environment around the animal—such as migration—as well as social interactions within a species or population. Many behaviors involve motor output—that is, muscle movements—while others involve less visible actions, such as learning.
01:28Behaviorism
The field of behaviorism was pioneered by figures such as Ivan Pavlov, John B. Watson, and B.F. Skinner fundamentally shifted the focus of psychology to the observable and controllable aspects of human and animal behavior. This shift marked a critical evolution in the discipline, emphasizing scientific rigor and experimental methodology.
The core premise of behaviorism is its focus on observable behavior rather than internal thoughts or feelings. This approach argues that true scientific...
The core premise of behaviorism is its focus on observable behavior rather than internal thoughts or feelings. This approach argues that true scientific...
01:23Criticisms of the Evolutionary Perspective
In a study where individuals posing as strangers offered compliments and proposed casual sex to students, the responses differed significantly based on gender. Not a single woman accepted the proposal, while 70% of the men agreed. This outcome provides a useful scenario to explore through the lens of evolutionary psychology and social learning theory, highlighting the diverse perspectives on human sexual behaviors.
Evolutionary psychology provides one explanation for these findings, suggesting...
Evolutionary psychology provides one explanation for these findings, suggesting...
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...
01:21Behavior 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...
01:24Operant 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...