How are dolphins and other animals trained using Operant Conditioning methods and reinforcement?
Operant or instrumental conditioning shapes or modifies the behavior of the animal. (The animal “operates” on the environment that leads to a reward; the animals behavior is “instrumental” in acquiring a reward.)In operant conditioning, the animal receives a reward or avoids an aversive stimulus by exhibiting a particular behavior. For example, the animal enters a holding area and receives a food reward. Because of this reward, the animal is more likely to enter the holding area when the next opportunity to do so occurs. A positive reinforcer is a stimulus that is sought and is something that the animal presumably finds “pleasant.” A negative reinforcer is a stimulus that is avoided and that the animal finds “unpleasant.” If an animal comes into a holding area (the behavior requested) and is provided with a desired food item, we are using positive reinforcement to train the animal to enter the holding area. If an animal comes into a holding area because its outdoor area is being hosed
