scholarly journals A Biosemiotic Perspective on Reward-Based Animal Training Techniques

Biosemiotics ◽  
2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Amelia Lewis
Keyword(s):  
Animal Communication ◽  
Companion Animals ◽  
Alternative View ◽  
Training Methods ◽  
Reinforcement Schedules ◽  
Individual Agency ◽  
Training Techniques ◽  
Social Signal ◽  
Animal Training ◽  
Primary Means

AbstractIn this paper, I examine the way humans interact with domestic companion animals, with a focus on ‘positive reward-based training’ methods, particularly for dogs. From a biosemiotic perspective, I discuss the role of animal training in today’s society and examine what binary reward- based reinforcement schedules communicate, semiotically. I also examine the extent to which reward-based training methods promote better welfare, when compared to the more traditional methods which rely on aversive stimuli and punishment, if and when they are relied upon excessively. I conclude that when used as the primary means of communication, they have the potential to be detrimental to animal welfare, because the underlying social signal is control and resource dominance. As an alternative view to behaviourist-based learning theory and conditioning, I outline how enactivist theories of cognition support a semiotic approach to interspecific human-animal communication. I therefore propose a move toward a dynamic semiosis and mutual understanding based upon Peirce’s phenomenology, resulting in a more balanced merging of Umwelten. The aim is to create rich and more complex semiospheres around humans and domestic animals, which allow for individual agency and autonomy.

scholarly journals Conditioning or cognition? Understanding interspecific communication as a way of improving animal training (a case study with elephants in Nepal)

2009 ◽  
Vol 37 (3/4) ◽  
pp. 542-557
Author(s):  
Helena Telkänranta
Keyword(s):  
Animal Communication ◽  
Full Range ◽  
Physical Punishment ◽  
Human Society ◽  
Training Methods ◽  
Negative Consequences ◽  
Animal Suffering ◽  
Animal Training ◽  
Human Animal

When animals are trained to function in a human society (for example, pet dogs, police dogs, or sports horses), different trainers and training cultures vary widely in their ability to understand how the animal perceives the communication efforts of the trainer. This variation has considerable impact on the resulting performance and welfare of the animals. There are many trainers who frequently resort to physical punishment or other pain-inflicting methods when the attempts to communicate have failed or when the trainer is unaware of the full range of the potential forms of human-animal communication. Negative consequences of this include animal suffering, imperfect performance of the animals, and sometimes risks to humans, as repeated pain increases aggression in some animals. The field of animal training is also interesting from a semiotic point of view, as it effectively illustrates the differences between the distinct forms of interaction that are included in the concept of communication in the zoosemiotic discourse. The distinctions with the largest potential in improving human-animal communication in animal training, is understanding the difference between verbal communication of the kind that requires rather high cognitive capabilities of the animal, and communication based on conditioning, which is a form of animal learning that does not require high cognitive ability. The differences and potentials of various types of human-animal communication are discussed in the form of a case study of a novel project run by a NGO called Working Elephant Programme of Asia (WEPA), which introduces humane, science-based training and handling methods as an alternative to the widespread use of pain and fear that is the basis of most existing elephant training methods.

Acquiring and Refining CBT Skills and Competencies: Which Training Methods are Perceived to be Most Effective?

2009 ◽  
Vol 37 (5) ◽  
pp. 571-583 ◽  
Author(s):  
James Bennett-Levy ◽  
Freda McManus ◽  
Bengt E. Westling ◽  
Melanie Fennell
Keyword(s):  
Reflective Practice ◽  
Learning Strategies ◽  
Evidence Base ◽  
Training Methods ◽  
Specific Training ◽  
Training Techniques ◽  
Training And Supervision ◽  
Effective Training ◽  
Different Types ◽  
Enactive Learning

Background: A theoretical and empirical base for CBT training and supervision has started to emerge. Increasingly sophisticated maps of CBT therapist competencies have recently been developed, and there is evidence that CBT training and supervision can produce enhancement of CBT skills. However, the evidence base suggesting which specific training techniques are most effective for the development of CBT competencies is lacking. Aims: This paper addresses the question: What training or supervision methods are perceived by experienced therapists to be most effective for training CBT competencies? Method: 120 experienced CBT therapists rated which training or supervision methods in their experience had been most effective in enhancing different types of therapy-relevant knowledge or skills. Results: In line with the main prediction, it was found that different training methods were perceived to be differentially effective. For instance, reading, lectures/talks and modelling were perceived to be most useful for the acquisition of declarative knowledge, while enactive learning strategies (role-play, self-experiential work), together with modelling and reflective practice, were perceived to be most effective in enhancing procedural skills. Self-experiential work and reflective practice were seen as particularly helpful in improving reflective capability and interpersonal skills. Conclusions: The study provides a framework for thinking about the acquisition and refinement of therapist skills that may help trainers, supervisors and clinicians target their learning objectives with the most effective training strategies.

scholarly journals Mental training and influence of temperamental dimensions in preparation of the Czech Republic weightlifting representative in junior category under 23 years: Case study

E-psychologie ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 14 (4) ◽  
pp. 31-42
Author(s):  
Petr Krol ◽  
◽  
Dana Štěrbová ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Czech Republic ◽  
Training Program ◽  
Mental Skills ◽  
Training Methods ◽  
Mental Training ◽  
Sports Training ◽  
The Czech Republic ◽  
National Team ◽  
Training Techniques ◽  
Significant Difference

Background. According to the coaches, the weightlifters of the national team show deficiencies in mental skills, which leads to unbalanced performance at top competitions. Based on the knowledge of the efficacy of mental training (MT) from other sports, it is possible to conclude the potential of the MT in top weightlifting. Objective. The main aim of the authors was to create and verify a program based on mental training techniques implemented in sports training of weightlifter of the junior category of the Czech Republic, and also to reflect the influence of the competitor's tem­peramental dimensions on the implementation of the MT program in her sports training. Methods. Semi-structured interviews with the athlete and the coach before and after the implementation of the mental training program were conducted. A psychodiagnostic tests – Test of attention d2 and TEZADO measuring attention resp. temperamental dimensions were used in addition to subjective statements. Self-assessing scales were also used to obtain more quantitative data. Results. Results showed that some of the mental training techniques had a positive effect on deficient mental skills. These mental skills are crucial in the preparation of the weightlifting representative and can have a significant influence on a sports athlete's per­formance. The most significant difference was achieved in the skill of refocusing and the smallest difference in imagination. According to the subject, the influence of the temperamental dimensions on the mental training program had a significant impact in connection with the refocusing and anger coping. Conclusion. Mental training techniques can help top weightlifters to overcome the mental skills deficiencies used in their sports training, which may have a positive influence on performance in both training and competitions. Self-knowledge of the temperamental dimensions is significant to the success of the program.

scholarly journals Auditory training methods in children with psychiatric diagnosis: an integrative literature review

Revista CEFAC ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 22 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Humberto de Oliveira Simões ◽  
Sthella Zanchetta ◽  
Erikson Felipe Furtado
Keyword(s):  
Auditory Processing ◽  
Pediatric Population ◽  
Signs And Symptoms ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Auditory Training ◽  
Formal Context ◽  
Training Methods ◽  
Bottom Up ◽  
Training Techniques ◽  
Sound Amplification

ABSTRACT Purpose: to identify auditory training approaches used in the pediatric population with psychiatric diagnoses and to characterize the contexts in which the intervention took place, as well as protocols and discernment of the results. Methods: a search was carried out in four databases, using the fixed terms "auditory training" OR "auditory rehabilitation". Regarding the sampling, there was a considerable range of diagnoses, signs and symptoms, including the most common ones. Articles published until August 2018 whose population did not present hearing loss were selected; articles whose subjects had made use of any personal sound amplification products, presented otitis or had any isolated diagnosis of auditory processing disorder, were excluded. Results: 16 articles out of the 103 references found, met the inclusion criteria. The samplings studied were children and adolescents with learning, language or reading disorders, dyslexia, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, autism spectrum disorder and schizophrenia. The bottom-up intervention and the combined approach (bottom-up and top-down), in the formal context, were the most frequent approaches, whose results led to the improvement in linguistic, metalinguistic and auditory skills. The amount and frequency of sessions, as well as their duration varied. Conclusion: the heterogeneity of auditory training techniques diversified the results. However, it seems there is a potential for recommending auditory training in the reviewed population.

scholarly journals Education in ear and hearing care in remote or resource-constrained environments

2018 ◽  
Vol 133 (1) ◽  
pp. 3-10 ◽  
Author(s):  
M P A Clark ◽  
B D Westerberg ◽  
D Nakku ◽  
P Carling
Keyword(s):  
Low Income ◽  
Surgical Care ◽  
Low Income Countries ◽  
Resource Poor Setting ◽  
Training Methods ◽  
Open Approach ◽  
Care Needs ◽  
Ear Surgery ◽  
Training Requirements ◽  
Primary Means

AbstractBackgroundAt the heart of surgical care needs to be the education and training of staff, particularly in the low-income and/or resource-poor setting. This is the primary means by which self-sufficiency and sustainability will ultimately be achieved. As such, training and education should be integrated into any surgical programme that is undertaken. Numerous resources are available to help provide such a goal, and an open approach to novel, inexpensive training methods is likely to be helpful in this type of setting.The need for appropriately trained audiologists in low-income countries is well recognised and clearly goes beyond providing support for ear surgery. However, where ear surgery is being undertaken, it is vital to have audiology services established in order to correctly assess patients requiring surgery, and to be able to assess and manage outcomes of surgery. The training requirements of the two specialties are therefore intimately linked.ObjectiveThis article highlights various methods, resources and considerations, for both otolaryngology and audiology training, which should prove a useful resource to those undertaking and organising such education, and to those staff members receiving it.

Preschool Leadership: A Review and Critique

1983 ◽  
Vol 5 (2) ◽  
pp. 78-89 ◽  
Author(s):  
Margie K. Kitano ◽  
Nancy Tafoya
Keyword(s):  
Early Childhood ◽  
Early Identification ◽  
Critical Analysis ◽  
Training Methods ◽  
Leadership Potential ◽  
Early Childhood Leadership ◽  
Training Techniques ◽  
Preschool Leadership ◽  
And Training

Literature on early childhood leadership urges promotion of leadership abilities prior to the school years, offers methods for early identification of leadership potential, and suggests training techniques. Yet critical analysis of the literature on leadership cautions that such efforts may be premature. This article evaluates the concept of preschool leadership and points to several topics requiring consideration. These include consensus on definitions of preschool leadership, validation of identification and training methods, and examination of models for reflective as well as action leadership.

An Evaluation of Training Methods and their Characteristics

1965 ◽  
Vol 7 (4) ◽  
pp. 347-354 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ralph W. Walker
Keyword(s):  
Selection Criteria ◽  
Training Methods ◽  
Training Techniques ◽  
Evaluation Of Training ◽  
Educational Psychological

Sixteen training techniques were rated by experienced training personnel each with respect to 34 training selection criteria. Training personnel tend to narrow their selection criteria to those elements which are administratively and contractually imposed. Educational/psychological principles tend to be overlooked. Selection on training techniques in practice should be on a broader and more systematic basis if the selection is to be properly justified.

Utilizing Increased Resistance to Motion and Progressive Pacing Training Techniques to Increase Karate Strike Velocity

1981 ◽  
Vol 52 (1) ◽  
pp. 147-152
Author(s):  
Joel Thirer ◽  
Mark D. Grabiner
Keyword(s):  
College Students ◽  
Movement Time ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Training Methods ◽  
Training Techniques ◽  
Additional Resistance ◽  
The One ◽  
Increased Strength

Increased resistance to motion and progressive pacing were examined relative to their effect on the execution of a forward middle punch karate strike (movement time). It was expected that both training methods would increase striking velocity. The method of utilizing increased resistance to motion would prove superior to the one which did not utilize additional resistance if increased strength would provide greater force, and thereby allow the inertia of the striking segments to be overcome within a shorter time. The results for 42 college students did not support the hypotheses as there was no perceivable difference in striking velocity for the two experimental groups or the control group who received no treatment.

scholarly journals Chemiosemiosis and Complex Patterned Signals: A Chemosemiotic Hypothesis of Language Evolution

2021 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
pp. 10-24
Author(s):  
Amelia Lewis
Keyword(s):  
Pattern Recognition ◽  
Animal Communication ◽  
Language Evolution ◽  
Signal Transmission ◽  
Complex Pattern ◽  
Social Signal ◽  
Functional Aspects ◽  
Sensory Modalities ◽  
Unicellular Organisms ◽  
Taxonomic Groups

Abstract Olfaction, as a semiotic modality, receives relatively less attention than other sensory modalities. However, chemiosemiosis and semiochemicals are fundamental components of zoosemiosis, occurring across animal taxonomic groups. Indeed, olfaction is thought to be one of the most ancient sensory modalities from an evolutionary perspective and significantly, even unicellular organisms, such as the bacterium Escherichia coli, utilize a form of chemiosemiosis when foraging for nutrients, as part of a process known as ‘chemotaxis’. Further, many taxonomic groups have evolved to produce dedicated ‘semiochemicals’ (often known as pheromones or allomones) which have the sole purpose of being diffused into the environment as a social signal. In this paper, I highlight the importance of Umwelt theory when studying animal communication, by reviewing the less conspicuous and intuitive chemiosemiotic modality, across animal taxa. I then go on to discuss chemiosemiosis within a linguistic framework and argue that complex pattern recognition underpins linguistic theory. Thus, I explore the concept that chemiosemiosis has features in common with language, when the factor of time, in the transmission and decoding of a signal, is taken into account. Moreover, I provide discursive evidence in support of a unified theory of sensory perception, based on structural and functional aspects of signal transmission and cognitive complex pattern recognition. I conclude by proposing a chemosemiotic hypothesis of language evolution.

scholarly journals Does training method matter?: Evidence for the negative impact of aversive-based methods on companion dog welfare

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ana Catarina Vieira de Castro ◽  
Danielle Fuchs ◽  
Stefania Pastur ◽  
Liliana de Sousa ◽  
I Anna S Olsson
Keyword(s):  
Cognitive Bias ◽  
Positive Reinforcement ◽  
Negative Reinforcement ◽  
Negative Impact ◽  
Companion Animals ◽  
Training Methods ◽  
Long Term Effects ◽  
Welfare Assessment ◽  
Companion Dogs

ABSTRACTThere is a growing number of dogs kept as companion animals, and the methods by which they are trained range broadly from those using mostly positive punishment and negative reinforcement (aversive-based methods) to those using primarily positive reinforcement (reward-based methods). Although the use of aversive-based methods has been strongly criticized for negatively affecting dog welfare, these claims do not find support in solid scientific evidence. Previous research on the subject lacks companion dog-focused research, investigation of the entire range of aversive-based techniques (beyond shock-collars), objective measures of welfare, and long-term welfare studies. The aim of the present study was to perform a comprehensive evaluation of the short- and long-term effects of aversive- and reward-based training methods on companion dog welfare. Ninety-two companion dogs were recruited from three reward-based (Group Reward, n=42) and four aversive-based (Group Aversive, n=50) dog training schools. For the short-term welfare assessment, dogs were video recorded for three training sessions and six saliva samples were collected, three at home (baseline levels) and three after the training sessions (post-training levels). Video recordings were then used to examine the frequency of stress-related behaviors (e.g., lip lick, yawn) and the overall behavioral state of the dog (e.g., tense, relaxed), and saliva samples were analyzed for cortisol concentration. For the long-term welfare assessment, dogs performed a cognitive bias task. Dogs from Group Aversive displayed more stress-related behaviors, spent more time in tense and low behavioral states and more time panting during the training sessions, showed higher elevations in cortisol levels after training and were more ‘pessimistic’ in the cognitive bias task than dogs from Group Reward. These findings indicate that the use of aversive-based methods compromises the welfare of companion dogs in both the short- and the long-term.

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