Vinia
Posted : 8/29/2007 5:03:36 PM
Perhaps it is just the behaviourist in me, but...
One thing that has been bugging me a little is the impression that operant conditioning principles only applies to training, learning and lab experiments, and therefore is not completely relevant to dog psychology.
I would like to argue this: reinforcers and punishers are
anything that increase or decrease behaviour- so not only does this include what most people consider rewards (treat, play, etc.) but can also other more "internal" motivators such as sense of belonging, approval, positive/negative emotions, reproduction etc.
Also, external events such as social learning and communication can also be incorporated into an OC interpretation of dog behaviour/psychology as stimuli signalling whatever "reinforcement/punishment schedule" is currently in place. For example- another dog looks aggressive- if I continue bugging him, I will get punished (by a doggy beating), if I back off, or give a calming signal, or do something else, then I won't (and perhaps will get reinforced by some other way)
So I think OC can and does apply to natural doggy behaviour and "dog psychology" (although, as Mudpuppy said, it isn't necessary to consider the "psychology" in order to modify behaviour).
ETA: in case it differs from others, my definition of psychology is the science of the mind and behaviour, including learning and cognitive processes.