Abstract
Shaping, auto-shaping, and observational learning were compared as methods for training albino rats to press a lever for milk reinforcement. The shaping procedure was generally superior, but 9 of 10 rats also learned under auto-shaping. This would seem to be the best procedure for training large numbers of rats. All animals learned under observation, although this procedure generally took longer. The observational procedure employed here more clearly limited learning to the effects of observation alone, as compared to observational procedures which had been employed in earlier experiments.
Article PDF
Similar content being viewed by others
Avoid common mistakes on your manuscript.
References
BLOUGH, D. S., & BLOUGH, P. M. Experiments in psychology, New York: Holt, Rinehart, & Winston, 1964. Pp. 44–47.
BROWN, P. L., & JENKINS, H. M. Auto-shaping of the pigeon’s key peck. Journal of the Experimental Analysis of Behavior, 1968, 11, 1–8.
CORSON, J. A. Observational learning of a lever pressing response. Psychonomic Science, 1967, 7, 197–198.
JOHN, E. R., CHESLER, P., BARTLETT, F., & VICTOR, I. Observation learning in cats. Science, 159, 1489–1491.
POWELL, R. W. Observational learning vs shaping: A replication. Psychonomic Science, 1968, 10, 263–264.
SIDMAN, M., & FLETCHER, F. G. A demonstration of auto-shaping with monkeys. Journal of the experimental Analysis of Behavior, 1968, 11, 307–309.
SKINNER, B. F. How to teach animals. Scientific American, 1951, 185, 26–29.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Additional information
This research was supported in part by a grant from the university of South Florida Research Council.
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Powell, R.W., Saunders, D. & Thompson, W. Shaping, auto-shaping and observational learning with rats. Psychon Sci 13, 167–168 (1968). https://doi.org/10.3758/BF03342463
Published:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.3758/BF03342463