Operant learning in young horses /
| Main Author: | |
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| Other Authors: | , , |
| Format: | Thesis Book |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
[College Station, Tex.] :
Hagerbaumer,
1979.
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| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | Link to OAKTrust copy Link to ProQuest copy |
| Abstract: | Operant conditioning was used to test discrimination learning of Quarter Horse ranging from 200 to 300 days of age. Four groups, composed of six fillies, six geldings and six stallions per groups (a total of 72 horses), were each tested on one of four treatments: 1) light cues, correct responses rewarded; 2) light cues, correct responses rewarded, incorrect responses punished; 3) sound cues, correct responses rewarded, and 4) sound cues, correct responses rewarded, incorrect responses punished. Light cues were two small appliance bulbs--one blinked and one did not. Sound cues were either a buzzer or a doorbell. Left and right signals were delivered to all groups according to a random schedule. Punishment consisted of a mist-like spray of water directed at the horses' muzzles. If presented with a left signal, the subject was required to press the left flap on a flapboard at the far end of the room to activate the motor on a feeder. Presentation of a right signal required the subject to press the right flaps on the gate and the flapboard. Horses making correct choices were rewarded with approximately 75 g of feed. Each individual was shaped to the sequence of events by being led through three trails per day for seven days. During testing each horse had four daily trials. Horses were taught to press flaps by placing feed on small ledges in from of the flaps. Subjects were taught to work independently by dividing testing into three phases. During phase 1 (days 8 to 14), feed was in front of the correct set of flaps for every trial. Feed was present at the flaps only on the horses' first trial of each day during phase 2 (days 15 to 17). All feed at the flaps was removed during phase 3 (days 18 to 25). Assistance was provided as needed to aid individuals in completing all of their trials. Learning was evaluated on the basis of decreased trial lengths, error scores (ES) and error occurrences (EO). Error scores were assigned according to an arbitrary scale ranging from .25 to 5.0 for mistakes and the amount of assistance required. Error occurrences consisted of hitting the wrong flaps on the gates and flapboard or standing in a corner and ignoring the apparatus... |
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| Item Description: | Vita. "Major subject: Animal Science." |
| Physical Description: | xiii, 122 leaves : illustrations ; 29 cm |
| Bibliography: | Includes bibliographical references (leaves 84-86). |