A Lab Lesson In Random Reinforcement (from the lab point of view)

My boyfriend Argil is a beaten broken man. He learned the hard way that he is no match for the determination of a certain stocky English Lab named Talley. Argil (foolishly) entertained the notion that Talley could be kept from her coveted corner cave, complete with her own personal AC duct. For Talley, the latter is the best of worlds, a cave and lovely cold air to lie over. Argil has not found this arrangement to be so compelling. You see, he is a strong believer in effective circulation of cold air throughout the house. As badly as Talley wants access to that corner, Argil wanted equally as badly for her not to be there. He loves Talley dearly, but thought surely she could settle upon another place to repose.

 So where does the random reinforcement come in? First, a common example most folks can relate to, puppies engaging in the undesirable behavior (from the human standpoint) of jumping up on people. Clients bring their puppies to class, and are taught to reinforce sit always. See puppy coming, cue sit and reinforce. Tether work is introduced, to teach impulse control: puppy sees human coming= puppy should sit. We discuss the use of baby gates, and puppies being on leash, away from exciting doorway activity.  However, if there is not good management and consistent effort from all humans in the family, and occasionally the undesired behavior is being reinforced, teaching efforts are undermined. If the occasional visitor reaches down to pet the jumping up puppy, random reinforcement has just occurred. Puppy gets the message that this behavior really is ok. While not desirable from a human standpoint, puppies find this behavior delightful. Bottom line: puppy will continue to repeat this undesired behavior, as long as the behavior is randomly reinforced. From a behavior standpoint, it is important to know that random reinforcement produces stronger behaviors.

 Enter Talley and her cave dwelling tendencies. Think 1: 4 ratios,(on a random basis) as in human vs. determined lab. For every instance where Argil was successful in barring access to the cave, Talley scored four times (at least) in taking up residence. Furniture was moved. Obstacles were placed in the path of the vent. Gates were put up. And: end tables were shoved aside, with lamps in danger of crashing. Drinks were spilled. Heavy magazine baskets were nosed out of the way. Gates? Talley picked her times and got in there before the gate came out. In order to make the cave dwelling behavior extinct, access would need to be blocked 100% of the time.  The extinction burst taking place would not be pretty. (Talley more determined than ever in stepped up efforts to gain access.) In Talley world, she has every right to occupy that corner, as access is hers at least 75 % of the time. In her mind, humans are crazy for sometimes attempting to keep her out. In her mind, it just does not make sense. You could say the random reinforcement occuring has ensured that Talley will never quit returning to that corner. She has staked her claim. Argil has learned his lesson. Surely he should erect a sign of occupancy for her. This has been a life lesson from a lab.

Until next time, Leslie and the labbies.