[🧠] Fagen et al. Flashcards
Learning Approach | Elephant Learning
What is
Positive reinforcement
A favourable event or outcome given after a desired behaviour has been exhibited
What is
SPR training
Secondary positive reinforcement is training in which a secondary reinforcer such as a sound marker is given, followed with administration of a primary positive reinforcer which is typically food
What is SPR training used for?
SPR training is used in order to form an association between behaviour and primary positive reinforcer
What is
free contact
a management system where there is unlimited contact between handlers and trainers
What is
protected contact
a management system where a barrier is maintained between the elephants and handlers, relying on positive reinforcement
it improves keeper safety
Benefits of secondary positive reinforcement
For the animal
1. increases creativity, choice, control and problem solving
2. improved psychological wellbeing
For the handlers - safer conditions
What was the aim of the study?
The aim of the study was to determine the effectiveness of secondary positive reinforcement on training free-contact, traditionally trained elephants to voluntarily perform a trunk wash for the purpose of tuberculosis testing
Sample of Fagen et al.
- 5 female elephants
- 4 juveniles, 1 adult
- juveniles aged 5-7 years old
- adult in her 50s
- all elephants are free-contact
- none of the elephants had previously been exposed to SPR training
What can positive reinforcement training improve in husbandry and veterinary procedures?
- behavioural reliability
- captive management
- welfare
Describe the kocha
A whittled bamboo stick
During the course of all sessions, what was the total training time for Elephant 2?
257 minutes
During the course of all sessions, what was the total training time for Elephant 4?
451 minutes
