Fagen et al. (elephant learning)

Fagen et al. (elephant learning).

• Fagen, A, Acharya, N and Kaufman, G E (2014), Positive Reinforcement Training for a Trunk Wash in Nepal's Working Elephants: Demonstrating Alternatives to Traditional Elephant Training Techniques. Journal of Applied Animal Welfare Science, 17(2): 83-97.
• The study by Fagen et al. investigated the use of positive reinforcement training for trunk washing in a group of working elephants to improve captive management and welfare. Secondary reinforcement training was used to train the elephants to perform specific behaviours. The research method was an observation with success measured using a behavioural checklist.
• The psychology being investigated includes: operant conditioning; reinforcement (positive, negative, primary and secondary); shaping; behavioural chaining.
• For this study, candidates should understand the background, aims, procedure and methodology as appropriate (research method, sample and demographics, sampling technique, experimental design, controls, question types, data-collection technique, and measured and manipulated variables), ethical issues, quantitative and qualitative results and their representation and interpretation, conclusions, and strengths and weaknesses; describe and evaluate the methodology; and relate the study to psychological issues and debates.

This matters because fagen et al. (elephant learning) determines what can be inferred or chosen; begin with the stated conditions and keep the conclusion tied to the evidence.

Example: apply fagen et al. (elephant learning) to one small, clearly defined case, show the key step or comparison, and explain the result in words.

Boundary: Fagen et al. (elephant learning) is not a universal recommendation. Check the syllabus scope, assumptions, units and the limits of the evidence before generalising.