Transcript Mizelle & Crippen (2008)

Vicarious Learning in Laboratory Rats
Ashley Crippen and Rebecca Mizelle
Randolph-Macon Woman’s College
Lynchburg, VA 24503
Figure 1
Introduction
Day One Performance
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Results
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Right
Left
Discussion
•Overall, the model rat did not appear to exhibit
adequate learning.
Preference
Method
Figure 2
•No consistent pattern was observed for arm choice, and
the model rat rarely consumed reinforcement due to a
lack of interest
Test Performance
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Frequency
Subjects
The subjects were adult, male Long-Evans rats (N=2). Rats were on
food deprivation throughout the experiment. Water was available ad
libitum.
Apparatus
The T-Maze was used with a small plastic cup at the end of each choice
arm. The plastic cup at the end of the right hand arm contained the
reinforcer, Froot Loops (FL).
Procedure
The model rat received training for 10 days, each day consisting of 10
trials with ten second intertrial intervals.. The rat was placed into the T
Maze and removed when either 2 FLs were consumed or one minute had
passed. The observer rat was positioned in his cage above the T Maze
for each trial, with the intent for him to view the model rat. Testing
occurred on the eleventh day; the observer rat was place in the T Maze
for ten trials with ten second intertrial intervals, with no reinforcement.
Arm choice was recorded for every trial of model and observer.
There was a significant difference for arm preference between Day
1 (M = 1.40, SD = .52) and Day 5 (M = .80, SD = .63), t(9) = 2.25,
p = .05. However, there was no significant difference for arm
preference between Day 1 (M = 1.40, SD = .52) and Day 10 (M =
1.0, SD = .67), t(9) = 1.809, p > .05. The preferences of the model
(M = 1.40, SD = .52) and observer (M = 1.40, SD = .52) were
identical for Day 1/Test, t(9) = .00, p = 1.
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Frequency
When there is a increase or decrease in behavior as a result of
observing a model’s behavior, it can be said that vicarious learning is
occurring (Masia & Chase, 1997). Behavior will be more likely to
increase if the model’s behavior is reinforced. Behavior is likely to
decrease if behavior is punished. There are many findings that indicate
that vicarious operant conditioning is possible, although there has not
been as much attention placed on vicarious learning compared to
operant or Pavlovian learning (Chase, 2006). It is easy to see how
vicarious learning could apply to humans, but it also extends to the
animal kingdom.
The present study examines vicarious learning in rats, utilizing a
T Maze and a food reward. We expected to find that the observer rat
would exhibit vicarious learning after witnessing the model rat being
reinforced after a specific behavior.
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•Results suggest that under these circumstances,
vicarious learning was not evident.
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•Future research should employ the use of an apparatus
that ensures the model is in fact being observed.
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Right
Left
Preference
References
Chance, P. (2006). Learning and behavior: Active learning edition (5th
ed.). Belmont, CA: Thomson/Wadsworth.
Masia, C. L., & Chase, P. N. (1997). Vicarious learning revisited: A
contemporary behavior analytic interpretation. Journal of
Behavioral Therapy & Experimental Psychology, 28, 41-51.
Photo credits to Emily Diane Fincher