Feathered Focus study description

Researchers investigated operant conditioning and discrimination learning in domestic pigeons (Columba livia).

Pigeons were placed in a custom operant chamber containing two keylights (one green, one red).

The pigeons experienced one of the following conditions:

Condition W: A high-grade mixed seed reward was delivered immediately every time the pigeon pecked the illuminated green key.
Condition X: A mixed seed reward was provided on a variable interval schedule (averaging every 45 seconds for pecks on the green key).
Condition Y: A mixed seed reward was provided on a fixed ratio schedule (delivered only after every 6th consecutive peck on the green key).
Condition Z: A sudden, high-intensity blast of cold air (pressure 65 PSI) was directed at the pigeon for 5 seconds whenever it pecked the incorrect red key.

The mean session time to reach a criterion of 20 correct responses (in minutes) and the mean number of incorrect pecks on the red key during a 30-minute training session were recorded.

Table 1: Performance of pigeons across the four reinforcement conditions

Condition	Mean session time (minutes)	Mean number of incorrect pecks
Condition W	12.5	2.8
Condition X	28.4	8.3
Condition Y	15.1	4.1
Condition Z	35.6	11.2

Using the study description, explain one ethical consideration that the researchers of the "Feathered Focus" study would have had to consider when conducting their investigation.

Feathered Focus study description

Researchers investigated operant conditioning and discrimination learning in domestic pigeons (Columba livia).

Pigeons were placed in a custom operant chamber containing two keylights (one green, one red).

The pigeons experienced one of the following conditions:

Condition W: A high-grade mixed seed reward was delivered immediately every time the pigeon pecked the illuminated green key.
Condition X: A mixed seed reward was provided on a variable interval schedule (averaging every 45 seconds for pecks on the green key).
Condition Y: A mixed seed reward was provided on a fixed ratio schedule (delivered only after every 6th consecutive peck on the green key).
Condition Z: A sudden, high-intensity blast of cold air (pressure 65 PSI) was directed at the pigeon for 5 seconds whenever it pecked the incorrect red key.

The mean session time to reach a criterion of 20 correct responses (in minutes) and the mean number of incorrect pecks on the red key during a 30-minute training session were recorded.

Table 1: Performance of pigeons across the four reinforcement conditions

Condition	Mean session time (minutes)	Mean number of incorrect pecks
Condition W	12.5	2.8
Condition X	28.4	8.3
Condition Y	15.1	4.1
Condition Z	35.6	11.2

Using the study description, explain one ethical consideration that the researchers of the "Feathered Focus" study would have had to consider when conducting their investigation.

Research methods and skills

Question 4

Feathered Focus study description

Table 1: Performance of pigeons across the four reinforcement conditions

Markscheme

Research methods and skills

Question 4

Feathered Focus study description

Table 1: Performance of pigeons across the four reinforcement conditions

Markscheme

Research methods and skills

Question 4

Feathered Focus study description

Table 1: Performance of pigeons across the four reinforcement conditions

Research methods and skills Questions

Research methods and skills

Question 4

Feathered Focus study description

Table 1: Performance of pigeons across the four reinforcement conditions

Research methods and skills Questions