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Author (up) Dougherty, D.M.; Lewis, P. doi  openurl
  Title Generalization of a tactile stimulus in horses Type Journal Article
  Year 1993 Publication Journal of the Experimental Analysis of Behavior Abbreviated Journal J Exp Anal Behav  
  Volume 59 Issue 3 Pages 521-528  
  Keywords Animals; Behavior, Animal; Female; *Horses; Male; Reinforcement (Psychology); *Touch  
  Abstract Using horses, we investigated the control of operant behavior by a tactile stimulus (the training stimulus) and the generalization of behavior to six other similar test stimuli. In a stall, the experimenters mounted a response panel in the doorway. Located on this panel were a response lever and a grain dispenser. The experimenters secured a tactile-stimulus belt to the horse's back. The stimulus belt was constructed by mounting seven solenoids along a piece of burlap in a manner that allowed each to provide the delivery of a tactile stimulus, a repetitive light tapping, at different locations (spaced 10.0 cm apart) along the horse's back. Two preliminary steps were necessary before generalization testing: training a measurable response (lip pressing) and training on several reinforcement schedules in the presence of a training stimulus (tapping by one of the solenoids). We then gave each horse two generalization test sessions. Results indicated that the horses' behavior was effectively controlled by the training stimulus. Horses made the greatest number of responses to the training stimulus, and the tendency to respond to the other test stimuli diminished as the stimuli became farther away from the training stimulus. These findings are discussed in the context of behavioral principles and their relevance to the training of horses.  
  Address Human Behavioral Pharmacology Laboratory, University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston 77030  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language English Summary Language Original Title  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 0022-5002 ISBN Medium  
  Area Expedition Conference  
  Notes PMID:8315368 Approved no  
  Call Number Equine Behaviour @ team @ Serial 3571  
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