Skinner’s operant conditioning!!
Basically, we can look at learning as a 3 term contingency
A—> B —> C
A = antecedent
B = Behavior
C = reinforcement
The relationship is that:
Antecedent affects Behavior, example: antecedent is command to “sit down” If you say “sit down” the bunny is likely to sit down. If you tell him to “stand up” then bunny is less likely to sit down.
Behavior: is the behavior in question or in this case the trick you want to teach
C is the consequence. In this case it will be a reniforcer because you want to increase a behavior (as oppossed to decrease). This is key because the consequence affects the future occurence of the behavior. So if you reinforce (or reward the behavior), it will more likely occur. Example, if you say sit down and the bunny sits and you give a banana, then the bunny is more likely to sit when told “sit down” in the future because of the banana.
Okay i know this is a bit convoluted so here is the basics.
1. select reinforcers (or treats). You don’t have to use a lot of variety but make sure it is actually reinforcing. Ideally something that is not given to her a lot (to prevent satiation). You want to have this on you because delivery must be immediate (very important).
2. identify what trick you want, let’s use jumping on a small chair for example and then identify what you want to cue her to do it. It can be a gesture, it can be a command etc. In this case let’s use a command “Jump”
3. Okay start off by giving the command in a simple, clear concise tone.
4. When the bunny follows the command immediately deliver the treat. LIke immediately (within 3 to 10 seconds).
5. Keep doing this and fade out the treat. So we can this thinning the ratio of reinforcement. Example, for a week, give the treat 1:1 (one treat for every successful trick). Then fade to 2:1 (2 times then 1 treat). Then keep fading until you get to say, 6:1 ratio, then make it a intermittent schedule.
6. Trouble shooting: what if you can’t get the behavior to occur to reward the treat? Answer, prompt and fade out prompts. A prompt is assitance. So for example, if you want the bun to sit and they don’t sit. Deliver the command to “sit” and then gently push the bunny’s bottom down for her to sit. FOr this case, you want to have her jump, you can say “jump” and then tap on the chair. A prompt is just help. Do it and then fade it out.
well that is the basics of operant conditioning..
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