An assessment of horse (Equus ferus caballus) responding on fixed interval schedules of reinforcement: An individual analysis.

The research study seeks to understand the behavior of horses under fixed interval schedules of reinforcement. The study involves the analysis of various responsiveness measures in horses with the aid of certain techniques and tools.

Methodology

• 16 horses were used as the subjects of the study.
• The horses were trained to insert their heads into a response hoop to interrupt an infrared beam. The reward for such action was treats from an automated feeder.
• The research utilized fixed interval schedules of reinforcement and a peak procedure to assess various measures of the horses’ temporal control responding.

Data Analysis

• The researchers analysed different parameters including cumulative response records, binned response levels, latency to first response, quarter life, breakpoint, and inter-response patterns of the fixed interval trials. These helped to construct a comprehensive understanding of the timing performance of the horses.
• Bin analyses were performed for the peak procedure trials. This involved grouping the data into bins for easier analysis and interpretation.
• Individual trial and subject analyses were conducted using Observation Oriented Modeling and ordinal analysis. Avoiding potential pitfalls of aggregate analysis led to a more nuanced understanding of the individual behaviors of the horses.

Results

• Most subjects showed clear indications that their responses came under the temporal control of the fixed interval schedules according to most of the investigated measures, validating the effectiveness of the method used.
• Some horse’s response levels peaked at half of the peak trial intervals, highlighting variability in response rates amongst horses.
• This study presents the first quantitative proof of timing performances in horses using protocols based on fixed interval schedules of reinforcement.