Learning of efficient behaviour in spatial exploration through observation of behaviour of conspecific in laboratory rats

Recent studies have suggested that rodent behaviour is influenced by the behaviour of surrounding conspecifics (e.g. emotional contagion and prosocial behaviour). However, little is known about deferred imitation and complex observational learning in rats. The purpose of this study was to reveal whether rats can learn from another rat's experiences. In a maze, observer rats watched the foraging behaviour of other rats (demonstrators) and then foraged in turn. The results showed that demonstrators explored inefficiently, but observers explored more efficiently after observing inefficient exploration by the demonstrators. This observational learning probably involved the acquisition of an efficient strategy through spatial exploration.

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Using Video Modeling Intervention and Speech Generating Devices To Teach Requesting Behaviors to Persons With Autism

Perspectives on Augmentative and Alternative Communication ◽

10.1044/aac20.4.109 ◽

2011 ◽

Vol 20 (4) ◽

pp. 109-113

Author(s):

Karen Copple ◽

Rajinder Koul ◽

Devender Banda ◽

Ellen Frye

Keyword(s):

Developmental Disabilities ◽

Experimental Design ◽

Communication Skills ◽

Observational Learning ◽

Video Modeling ◽

Single Subject ◽

Design Studies ◽

Communicative Behaviors ◽

Speech Generating Device ◽

Treatment Package

Abstract One of the instructional techniques reported in the literature to teach communication skills to persons with autism is video modeling (VM). VM is a form of observational learning that involves watching and imitating the desired target behavior(s) exhibited by the person on the videotape. VM has been used to teach a variety of social and communicative behaviors to persons with developmental disabilities such as autism. In this paper, we describe the VM technique and summarize the results of two single-subject experimental design studies that investigated the acquisition of spontaneous requesting skills using a speech generating device (SGD) by persons with autism following a VM intervention. The results of these two studies indicate that a VM treatment package that includes a SGD as one of its components can be effective in facilitating communication in individuals with autism who have little or no functional speech.

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Cognitive Processes Underlying Observational Learning of Motor Skills

The Quarterly Journal of Experimental Psychology Section A ◽

10.1080/027249899390882 ◽

1999 ◽

Vol 52 (4) ◽

pp. 957-979 ◽

Cited By ~ 23

Author(s):

Yannick Blandin ◽

Lena Lhuisset ◽

Luc Proteau

Keyword(s):

Motor Skills ◽

Cognitive Processes ◽

Observational Learning

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Context Aversion, Pavlovian Conditioning, and the Psychological Side Effects of Chemotherapy

European Psychologist ◽

10.1027/1016-9040.2.118 ◽

1997 ◽

Vol 2 (2) ◽

pp. 118-124

Author(s):

Geoffrey Hall

Keyword(s):

Animal Model ◽

Side Effects ◽

Theoretical Analysis ◽

Conditioned Response ◽

Behavioral Strategies ◽

Contextual Cues ◽

Anticipatory Nausea ◽

Laboratory Rats ◽

Anticipatory Nausea And Vomiting ◽

Parallel Case

Patients who have undergone several sessions of chemotherapy for cancer will sometimes develop anticipatory nausea and vomiting (ANV), these unpleasant side effects occurring as the patients return to the clinic for a further session of treatment. Pavlov's analysis of learning allows that previously neutral cues, such as those that characterize a given place or context, can become associated with events that occur in that context. ANV could thus constitute an example of a conditioned response elicited by the contextual cues of the clinic. In order to investigate this proposal we have begun an experimental analysis of a parallel case in which laboratory rats are given a nausea-inducing treatment in a novel context. We have developed a robust procedure for assessing the acquisition of context aversion in rats given such training, a procedure that shows promise as a possible animal model of ANV. Theoretical analysis of the conditioning processes involved in the formation of context aversions in animals suggests possible behavioral strategies that might be used in the alleviation of ANV, and we report a preliminary experimental test of one of these.

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