Comparative psychology Flashcards
(22 cards)
What is comparative psychology?
The study of animals in order to find out about humans.
When do preferences and behaviour preferences begin to develop?
Preferences and behaviour preferences begin to develop prenatally.
How does behaviour develop in animals?
Behaviour continues to develop for many animals throughout life.
What is the role of development in animals?
To acquire a set of behaviours that will support fitness (survival and mating).
What are innate behaviours?
Behaviours that appear fully honed and appropriately the first time they are needed.
What is the difference between instinct and learned behaviours?
Instincts are innate and pre-set, while learned behaviours may need to be modified according to the environment.
Why are instinctive behaviours useful for short-lived animals?
They do not require learning or practice, which is beneficial for animals with short life spans and no parental care.
What is learning?
The modification of behaviour as a result of experience.
What are the advantages of learning?
It allows changing behaviour according to individual need or changing environments.
What is perceptual learning?
A basic model of learning that involves recognizing patterns and features.
What is imprinting?
A process during a critical period early in life where young animals learn critical features of the environment.
What is filial imprinting?
Imprinting and attachment to a parent.
What is sensitisation?
The increased sensitivity to a stimulus.
What is habituation?
The loss of response to a stimulus.
What did Pavlov discover about classical conditioning?
A neutral stimulus presented before a reflex causes an association.
What is operant conditioning?
The association of a voluntary behaviour with a consequence.
What are the three types of consequences in operant conditioning?
Reinforcers, punishers, and neutral consequences.
Why is positive punishment less effective than reward?
Timing is crucial, and the trainer is rarely prepared to administer punishment at the right time.
What happens if a reward is taken away?
The behaviour is eventually extinguished.
What is ‘conditionability’?
The readiness of different animals and behaviours to be conditioned.
What is clicker training?
A method that uses classical and operant conditioning simultaneously with an audible click as a stimulus.
What is central to a successful animal training plan?
Knowing the animal, including its natural history, behavioural ecology, and individuality.
