Association for Behavior Analysis International

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39th Annual Convention; Minneapolis, MN; 2013

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Symposium #374
CE Offered: BACB
Snakes, Fish, and Cockroaches: Expanding the Frontiers of Behavioral Science
Monday, May 27, 2013
3:30 PM–4:50 PM
101 I (Convention Center)
Area: EAB; Domain: Basic Research
Chair: Mark T. Harvey (Florida Institute of Technology)
Discussant: Mark T. Harvey (Florida Institute of Technology)
CE Instructor: Mark T. Harvey, Ph.D.
Abstract:

Snakes, fish and cockroaches exemplify organisms whose anatomy, physiology, and motivation are seemingly divergent from animal models typically used by researchers to demonstrate learning. This symposium presents modified methods that researchers developed to study operant conditioning in nontraditional models. These studies represent a cutting-edge approach to develop interventions to affect ecological threats of nonindigenous animals, enhance the knowledge of behavioral scientists, and diminish fiscal barriers historically associated with establishing experimental laboratories. The three studies presented within this symposium will show how: (a) An operant was established for snakes so visual processes could be studied, (b) a fish lab was developed so students could examine behavioral processes as part of a graduate curriculum, and (c) Madagascar Hissing Cockroaches can be used to demonstrate behavioral processes. Logistical issues (e.g., dealing with IACUC rules and regulations, fiscal concerns, shaping the animal to eat smaller consumables) will be compared and contrasted with the utility of advancements to behavioral science. Data will be used to establish the utility of operant conditioning using nontraditional organisms to study biological and behavioral processes. Additionally, the successes and pitfalls of using nontraditional organisms will be discussed within the context of behavioral science.

Keyword(s): cockroaches, fish, nontraditional organism, snakes
 
The Operant Conditioning of Burmese Pythons
SHERRI EMER (Florida Institute of Technology), Michael Grace (Florida Institute of Technology), Heather DeMarr (Florida Institute of Technology), Cordula Mora (Bowling Green State University), Mark T. Harvey (Florida Institute of Technology)
Abstract: Large pythons and boas have biological requirements and functions that are extremely different from traditional mammalian, avian and other reptilian models often used in learning experiments. We report here behavioral conditioning of the Burmese python (Python molurus bivitattus) using pre-killed juvenile mice as positive reinforcers. Gradual modifications of the natural python feeding biology were used to establish patterns of response to reinforcement comparable to other animals. Over the course of ten months, six pythons transitioned from weekly sessions with a live free-roaming adult rat, to sessions every 72 hours during which access to each of six pre-killed juvenile mice was contingent on contact with an illuminated pushbutton. Learning was demonstrated by decreased latencies over the course of training sessions, and by the fact that latencies in each training session decreased significantly between the first and final trial. Snakes maintained performance through the skin shedding process despite decreased motivation and the cessation of trials during shedding. Operant conditioning paradigms can be used to test behavioral sensitivity to physiologically relevant environmental stimuli used for feeding and thermoregulation. Furthermore, because the Burmese python is an invasive exotic megapredator in the sensitive Florida Everglades ecosystem, it is important to understand the ecological consequences of its learned behaviors.
 

Golden Opportunities: FIT's Aquatic Operant Learning Lab

JOSHUA K. PRITCHARD (Florida Institute of Technology), Ryan Lee O'Donnell (Florida Institute of Technology), Mark Malady (Florida Institute of Technology), Anita Li (Florida Institute of Technology), Carlos Freeman (Florida Institute of Technology)
Abstract:

Skinner built our science on the hard work of mice and pigeon pushing levers and pecking keys inside a box sporting his name. They worked hard, but were well rewarded. Skinner even more so. Today's graduate students are more and more likely to enter the workforce having never seen a rat or pigeon, an unfortunate circumstance. We believe that this experience is critical for graduate training and sought a solution. Given the challenges facing behavioral departments that desire to begin and operate traditional animal labs using rats or pigeons, we have explored a less-traditional species to populate our operant learning lab: Carassius auratus. This paper will discuss the trials and tribulations of bootstrapping a new operant lab. It will examine the benefit of this species given the current constraints of animal care requirements and budgetary concerns that schools face. Additionally, we will present an overview of a curriculum to teach graduate students in an operant lab course piloted via this lab. The results derived from our aquatic operant chambers will be discussed and compared with traditional behavioral patterns on schedules and future implications and directions detailed.

 

Operant Learning in the Cockroach (Gromphadorhina portentosa)

JACOB H. DAAR (Southern Illinois University), Mark R. Dixon (Southern Illinois University), Allison Chamberlain (Southern Illinois University ), Karl Gunnarsson (Southern Illinois University), Abigail Kennedy (Southern Illinois University), Matthew L. Johnson (Southern Illinois University), Ashley Shayter (Southern Illinois University)
Abstract:

Pigeons and rodents have been conditioned to demonstrate a wide variety of behavior topographies, schedules, and discriminations in the laboratory setting. While an important research and instructional tool, many programs cannot afford to establish or maintain such animal research labs due to financial constraints and increasingly complex animal research regulations. Many invertebrate organisms, such as the Madagascar Hissing Cockroach (Gromphadorhina portentosa), fall under few research regulations and cost far less to maintain than the typically utilized model organisms. The following paper will provide a brief overview of the behavioral literature involving invertebrate organisms, introduce the Madagascar Hissing Cockroach as a financially feasible model organism, and present current research being conducted with these giant three inch insects. Research demonstrations of positive reinforcement, reinforcement schedules, preference, stimulus discrimination, and shaped behaviors will be highlighted. Additionally, the paper will discuss the specific laboratory requirements, methodological difficulties, and apparatus modifications involved in the study of these unique organisms.

 

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