1. Vicarious Learning in Laboratory Rats
Ashley Crippen and Rebecca Mizelle
Randolph-Macon Woman’s College
Lynchburg, VA 24503
Figure 1
Introduction
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.
Results
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 > 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.
Discussion
Overall, the model rat did not appear to exhibit adequate learning.
No consistent pattern was observed for arm choice, and the model rat rarely consumed reinforcement due to a lack of interest
Results suggest that under these circumstances, vicarious learning was not evident.
Future research should employ the use of an apparatus that ensures the model is in fact being observed.
Method
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.
Figure 2
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,
Photo credits to Emily Diane Fincher