BIRD MODELING: TEACHING OPERANT BEHAVIOR IN COCKATIEL

Abstract

Studies focused on teaching behaviors in non-humans (e.g., rats, pigeons, and monkeys) are quite common in the literature of Experimental Analysis of Behavior. Usually, the teaching of operant behavior is done through the modeling procedure, which involves two behavioral processes (i.e., extinction and positive reinforcement). The present study aimed to teach a specific behavior (i.e., pecking a paper disc) to a cockatiel (Nymphicus hollandicus), using the principles of behavior analysis. The experiment was conducted by fourth-semester students of the Psychology course at UNIFIMES and was proposed as a requirement for passing the subject of Experimental Analysis of Behavior II. In addition to teaching the specific behavior to the bird, the proposal aimed to promote the learning of basic behavioral principles by the students through a practical activity. The procedure consisted of the following stages: adapting the animal to the experimental environment, observing the operant level, and modeling the desired behavior. The modeling involved reinforcing behaviors through successive approximations to the target behavior (i.e., pecking at the paper disk). Sunflower seeds were used as reinforcers. The results indicated that the consequence selected the bird's behavior, but with a visual cue. This could not be removed due to time limitations and interruption of the experiment. The study contributed to the investigation of behavioral principles in non-humans, with the differential being the use of a cockatiel (Nymphicus hollandicus) as an experimental subject, which is uncommon in studies in the area. Furthermore, the study favored the learning of basic behavioral principles by Psychology students through a practical activity.