Fagen et al (2014) - Elephant learning

What was the primary goal of the study by Fagen et al. (2014)?

• To test the intelligence of Nepalese elephants
• To evaluate the effectiveness of positive reinforcement training (SPR) for trunk washes
• To compare the dietary habits of captive and wild elephants
• To analyze the sleeping patterns of working elephants

Answer explanation

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What type of reinforcement was used in the study?

• Positive reinforcement
• Negative reinforcement
• Punishment-based training
• Observational learning

What was the sample size used in the study?

• 3 elephants
• 5 elephants
• 10 elephants
• 12 elephants

How many of the elephants successfully completed training?

• 2.0
• 3.0
• 4.0
• 5.0

What type of contact system was used for elephant management in Nepal before the study?

• Protected contact
• Free contact
• Partial contact
• No-contact system

What was the purpose of training elephants for a trunk wash?

• To improve elephant hygiene
• To prepare elephants for tourism activities
• To collect sputum samples for tuberculosis testing
• To train elephants for entertainment purposes

What was the primary positive reinforcer used in the study?

• Apples
• Chopped banana
• Sugar cubes
• Peanuts

What secondary reinforcer was used in the training?

• A clicker
• A whistle
• A hand signal
• A bell

Which of the following is a benefit of positive reinforcement training?

• It increases fear-based responses
• It allows for voluntary participation in veterinary procedures
• It requires more punishment for learning
• It leads to more aggressive behavior

What was the main challenge of traditional training methods in Nepal?

• They relied on food deprivation
• They used aversive techniques such as pain and fear
• They required expensive equipment
• They were only effective on younger elephants