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1.1 - Behavior
- Animal behavior theories devised by philosophers, i.e.
Aristotle, contained useful observations but couldn't be
tested. NATURALISTS made observations but couldn't support
their theories through objective or clinical tests. By the 19th
Century the scientific method had been developed to where
they could catalog, test and confirm centuries of evidence.
- Classic Ethology & the Role of Instinct
- ETHOLOGY = study of animal behavior 19th Century - Charles Darwin revolutionized
study of biology & ethology. He studied fossils & living creatures via an scientific
expedition as an unpaid naturalist. In 1838 he created theory of evolution (all
related organisms descended from common ancestors) and published 'On the
Origin of Species' in 1859.
- EVOLUTION = natural process of slow change and development that gradually leads to new species
of plants & animals over a very long time. SPECIES = classification given to a group of animals who
produce young. Darwin devoted an entire chapter to animal behavior, generated by instinct or a
combination of unlearned responses characteristic of a species.
- He proposed that a particular animal species' instinct enables that species to respond appropriately to
a wide range of conditions in the natural world. These behaviors involve complex responses to
particular stimuli. These behavior patterns were developed and refined by NATURAL SELECTION =
process that awards survival and reproductive success to individuals and groups best adjusted to their
environment. So, right responses = survival, unsuccessful responses = death/less successful
reproduction (leads to extinction).
- Darwin's theories laid foundation for CLASSIC ETHOLOGY = states that much of what animals know
is instinctive or INNATE. E.g. species of digger wasps that only captures honey bees. They are
designed to function in a single, specialized way so the sequence is GENETICALLY PROGRAMMED.
Some extreme supporters suggest that all new behavior is a result of maturation - e.g. birds don't
learn to fly, a chick delays flight until it can support itself in air.
- Darwin's theories laid foundation for CLASSIC ETHOLOGY = states that much of what animals know
is instinctive or INNATE. E.g. species of digger wasps that only captures honey bees. They are
designed to function in a single, specialized way so the sequence is GENETICALLY PROGRAMMED.
Some extreme supporters suggest that all new behavior is a result of maturation - e.g. birds don't
learn to fly, a chick delays flight until it can support itself in air.
- He proposed that a particular animal species' instinct enables that species to respond appropriately to
a wide range of conditions in the natural world. These behaviors involve complex responses to
particular stimuli. These behavior patterns were developed and refined by NATURAL SELECTION =
process that awards survival and reproductive success to individuals and groups best adjusted to their
environment. So, right responses = survival, unsuccessful responses = death/less successful
reproduction (leads to extinction).
- EVOLUTION = natural process of slow change and development that gradually leads to new species
of plants & animals over a very long time. SPECIES = classification given to a group of animals who
produce young. Darwin devoted an entire chapter to animal behavior, generated by instinct or a
combination of unlearned responses characteristic of a species.
- ETHOLOGY = study of animal behavior 19th Century - Charles Darwin revolutionized
study of biology & ethology. He studied fossils & living creatures via an scientific
expedition as an unpaid naturalist. In 1838 he created theory of evolution (all
related organisms descended from common ancestors) and published 'On the
Origin of Species' in 1859.
- Animal Psychology and the Role of Learning
- Early ethologists studied animals in the wild so they could not prove hypotheses for sweeping theories based on
careful observation and reasoning. Later, clinical research discarded their theories. One of the first scientists to
question role of instinct was Pavlov (dog digestion, salivate at sight of food = unconditioned response which is a
reflex behavior. Sight of food formed unconditioned stimulus = something that produces an unconditioned
response. Ring bell = slowly associate conditioned stimulus with food = salivation. Concluded dogs learned to
associate an unrelated env. cue with food). School of animal psychology was founded on Pavlov's discovery. During
20th Century, BEHAVIORISM = behavior is learned not genetically programmed, became dominant in the school.
- Behaviorism originated with John B. Watson, whose approach to psychology was based on lab procedures.
his experiments led to a STIMULUS RESPONSE THEORY = all forms of behavior (emotion, thought, habit) are
complex muscular and glandular responses that can be observed and measured. These responses are
STIMULUS. His theory released research on animal learning. BEHAVIORISTS theorized that animals are born
as blank slates where chance and experience teach them. So, behavior originated through conditioning.
Behaviorists recognized 2 categories of conditioned learning: CLASSICAL CONDITIONING = PAVLOV,
association of biological stimuli (food) paired with neutral stimuli (bell). OPERANT CONDITIONING = SKINNER,
Associating a certain activity (operant - produce effects) with punishment or rewards.
- Operant conditioning example: Skinner - teaching rat to press a bar for food (reward rat for facing
right way, reward only when stood next to bar, etc reward delayed until rat is on the bar. This used
environmental responses to shape rat's behavior to a task. TRIAL-AND-ERROR/INSTRUMENTAL
LEARNING by operant conditioning combined with classical conditioning could link simple responses
into complex chains of behavior. E.g. saying even the specific behavior wasps could have been learned.
- Operant conditioning example: Skinner - teaching rat to press a bar for food (reward rat for facing
right way, reward only when stood next to bar, etc reward delayed until rat is on the bar. This used
environmental responses to shape rat's behavior to a task. TRIAL-AND-ERROR/INSTRUMENTAL
LEARNING by operant conditioning combined with classical conditioning could link simple responses
into complex chains of behavior. E.g. saying even the specific behavior wasps could have been learned.
- Behaviorism originated with John B. Watson, whose approach to psychology was based on lab procedures.
his experiments led to a STIMULUS RESPONSE THEORY = all forms of behavior (emotion, thought, habit) are
complex muscular and glandular responses that can be observed and measured. These responses are
STIMULUS. His theory released research on animal learning. BEHAVIORISTS theorized that animals are born
as blank slates where chance and experience teach them. So, behavior originated through conditioning.
Behaviorists recognized 2 categories of conditioned learning: CLASSICAL CONDITIONING = PAVLOV,
association of biological stimuli (food) paired with neutral stimuli (bell). OPERANT CONDITIONING = SKINNER,
Associating a certain activity (operant - produce effects) with punishment or rewards.
- Early ethologists studied animals in the wild so they could not prove hypotheses for sweeping theories based on
careful observation and reasoning. Later, clinical research discarded their theories. One of the first scientists to
question role of instinct was Pavlov (dog digestion, salivate at sight of food = unconditioned response which is a
reflex behavior. Sight of food formed unconditioned stimulus = something that produces an unconditioned
response. Ring bell = slowly associate conditioned stimulus with food = salivation. Concluded dogs learned to
associate an unrelated env. cue with food). School of animal psychology was founded on Pavlov's discovery. During
20th Century, BEHAVIORISM = behavior is learned not genetically programmed, became dominant in the school.
- Sociobiology
- Ethologists now realize certain animal behavior patterns may be shaped by learning and env.
influences. Contemporary ethologists agree animal behavior development involves many process
mainly as an animal matures. Younger members may adopt behaviors without exp, whilst other
behaviors crucial to survival require learning. Some research examines the function or survival
value of certain behaviors. SOCIOBIOLOGY = study of biological basis of social behavior. It extends
concept of natural selection to the social behavior of animals. Sociobiologists theorize that complex
social patterns arise, develop and disappear based on their SURVIVAL VALUE (function). in 1973
Tinbergen, Karl von Frisch & Lorenz shared a Nobel Prize for discoveries about ways individual and
social behavior patterns develop in groupings of animals. E.g. flight, migration, camouflage,
hibernation, resource conservation, hair
- Ethologists now realize certain animal behavior patterns may be shaped by learning and env.
influences. Contemporary ethologists agree animal behavior development involves many process
mainly as an animal matures. Younger members may adopt behaviors without exp, whilst other
behaviors crucial to survival require learning. Some research examines the function or survival
value of certain behaviors. SOCIOBIOLOGY = study of biological basis of social behavior. It extends
concept of natural selection to the social behavior of animals. Sociobiologists theorize that complex
social patterns arise, develop and disappear based on their SURVIVAL VALUE (function). in 1973
Tinbergen, Karl von Frisch & Lorenz shared a Nobel Prize for discoveries about ways individual and
social behavior patterns develop in groupings of animals. E.g. flight, migration, camouflage,
hibernation, resource conservation, hair
- The Role of Genetics
- Inherited characteristics have huge influence on animal behavior. Lab experiments show some mice are
more calm than others. Dog breeds result from centuries of selective breeding e.g. ability to hunt, herd
animals, guard homes, friendly or not. Some behavior patterns are unique to a species e.g. songs from
birds vary. This is to recognize members of its own species easily. Other types do not differ e.g. majority
of birds fly. Early ethologists referred to predictable behaviors as FIXED ACTION PATTERNS. This assumed
patterns were the same for all members of a species.
- Inherited responses to env stimuli (instincts) enable members of species to respond correctly to a
wide range of situations. Instinctive behaviors are patterns of feeding, mating, parenting, aggression.
Natural selection develops and refines behavior patters in each species. INSTINCT = natural inherent
ability to perform tasks - hunting, feeding, mating. Instincts permit animals to perform complex
behaviors without learning through trial-and-error. E.g. honeybees have great navigation &
communication instincts - finds food then calculates way back to hive, allowing for wind and sun
movement. Then perform a dance to tell other bees where the food is. Rely upon genetic
predisposition to know. So. instincts are important in developing unique or creative responses to env.
- Inherited responses to env stimuli (instincts) enable members of species to respond correctly to a
wide range of situations. Instinctive behaviors are patterns of feeding, mating, parenting, aggression.
Natural selection develops and refines behavior patters in each species. INSTINCT = natural inherent
ability to perform tasks - hunting, feeding, mating. Instincts permit animals to perform complex
behaviors without learning through trial-and-error. E.g. honeybees have great navigation &
communication instincts - finds food then calculates way back to hive, allowing for wind and sun
movement. Then perform a dance to tell other bees where the food is. Rely upon genetic
predisposition to know. So. instincts are important in developing unique or creative responses to env.
- Inherited characteristics have huge influence on animal behavior. Lab experiments show some mice are
more calm than others. Dog breeds result from centuries of selective breeding e.g. ability to hunt, herd
animals, guard homes, friendly or not. Some behavior patterns are unique to a species e.g. songs from
birds vary. This is to recognize members of its own species easily. Other types do not differ e.g. majority
of birds fly. Early ethologists referred to predictable behaviors as FIXED ACTION PATTERNS. This assumed
patterns were the same for all members of a species.
- Terminology
- POSITIVE REINFORCEMENT = any immediate pleasant occurrence that follows a
behavior and can be used to reinforce desired behaviors. (pleasant event must
occur within 20 seconds). E.g. when a pet sits on command, owner praises them,
sitting is positively reinforced. Some owners provide PR for undesirable behaviors
e.g. feeding pets whilst at dinner table may reinforce begging behavior.
- NEGATIVE REINFORCEMENT = any immediate unpleasant occurrence used to
create a desired behavior. Involves removing an unpleasant sensation to increase
desired behavior. It results in the animal seeking to avoid the unpleasant event.
E.g. pet receives small shock from electric fence, quickly learns where to go
without being shocked, so stay within yard.
- PUNISHMENT = unpleasant occurrence used to eliminate an undesirable behavior.
Positive punishment = adding an undesirable occurrence to decrease a behavior (gets a
shock when it begs for food). Negative Punishment = removing a desirable occurrence to
decrease a behavior (withhold a treat, dog stops begging, give the treat). Punishment is
the most difficult method of behavior modification. Used inappropriately, punishment
can create aggression. To be effective it must 1. occur every time the behavior occurs, 2.
be applied immediately, 3. be of right intensity & 4. not be associated with the owner.
- IMPRINTING = rapid learning process that enables young to recognize and bond
with caretaker. E.g. chicks reared by humans prefer those humans. To survive, an
immature animal must recognize its own parent and escape from any other
creature. Imprinting occurs during a specific stage early in its life which is sensitive.
SENSITIVE PERIOD = period of time when imprinting occurs. E.g. cats/dogs this is
between 2nd-12th week of being born and being positively exposed to humans
during this means they can be raised into a household. Recognition of individuals is
more complex process that allows animals to distinguish their place in a broader
social context - in the wild young learn how they fit in via play, grooming & feeding.
- IMPRINTING = rapid learning process that enables young to recognize and bond
with caretaker. E.g. chicks reared by humans prefer those humans. To survive, an
immature animal must recognize its own parent and escape from any other
creature. Imprinting occurs during a specific stage early in its life which is sensitive.
SENSITIVE PERIOD = period of time when imprinting occurs. E.g. cats/dogs this is
between 2nd-12th week of being born and being positively exposed to humans
during this means they can be raised into a household. Recognition of individuals is
more complex process that allows animals to distinguish their place in a broader
social context - in the wild young learn how they fit in via play, grooming & feeding.
- PUNISHMENT = unpleasant occurrence used to eliminate an undesirable behavior.
Positive punishment = adding an undesirable occurrence to decrease a behavior (gets a
shock when it begs for food). Negative Punishment = removing a desirable occurrence to
decrease a behavior (withhold a treat, dog stops begging, give the treat). Punishment is
the most difficult method of behavior modification. Used inappropriately, punishment
can create aggression. To be effective it must 1. occur every time the behavior occurs, 2.
be applied immediately, 3. be of right intensity & 4. not be associated with the owner.
- NEGATIVE REINFORCEMENT = any immediate unpleasant occurrence used to
create a desired behavior. Involves removing an unpleasant sensation to increase
desired behavior. It results in the animal seeking to avoid the unpleasant event.
E.g. pet receives small shock from electric fence, quickly learns where to go
without being shocked, so stay within yard.
- POSITIVE REINFORCEMENT = any immediate pleasant occurrence that follows a
behavior and can be used to reinforce desired behaviors. (pleasant event must
occur within 20 seconds). E.g. when a pet sits on command, owner praises them,
sitting is positively reinforced. Some owners provide PR for undesirable behaviors
e.g. feeding pets whilst at dinner table may reinforce begging behavior.
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