by Mona » Tue Nov 17, 2009 12:44 pm
Good topic. Controversial too!
Even scholars argue the difference between "primary" and "secondary" reinforcers. One reason is that these are not fixed categories, they are fluid. As you wrote earlier, secondary reinforcers can and do become primary reinforcers within different behaviorial streams.
Food is a good, strong primary reinforcer. It's easy to understand (in terms of training) and it's a generalized reinforcer among just about all living organisms. I do use favorite treats to reinforce cued behaviors. It's simple. It's elegant. It is flexible. Once you get the hang of it, it will apply to almost every training situation. It's also extremely predictable. Other reinforcers may not be as predictable (for the trainer).
Most species of parrots that we keep in captivity are highly social animals. I personally believe that there is a flock or social dynamic at work that is also a primary reinforcer. It is difficult to articulate this operationally.....but it's pretty clear to see for any body who develops a strong relationship with a parrot. If you keep a flighted parrot, it is extremely easy to understand. If your parrot follows you around, that parrot is doing it because they are reinforced by "being with you". If you have a bonded pair, one will follow the other parrot . They feed each other, but they also preen each other. There is also an attraction between opposite sexes that is undeniable and clearly primary.
Can you use a "social primary reinforcer" when training? I think you can. A lot of trainers will argue against it and say "stick with food" but I believe that there are always many tools available to a trainer and it's a mistake to stay focused on only one. Parrots are highly adaptable and as trainers, we need to be adaptable as well. We also need to PAY ATTENTION to the birds so we learn what work as reinforcers with each individual bird. I think the biggest disadvantage to using a "social primary reinforcer" is that it is not always flexible.
One benefit to keeping birds as companions in a safe environment is that you can spend more time learning about your bird and you can experiment every once in a while in a safe environment. It is perfectly alright to just have FUN!
So...I will say, yes there are other primary reinforcers. I think you can term one as the "social reinforcer". I'd say it is when a bird chooses to be NEAR a person or animal over any other behavior. Can you use this when training? I would say, "yes" but it is very unconventional and it may be more fluid than food.....so it's harder to predict behaviors if you use it. I do think that it is very useful when working on flight training behaviors - especially if you are working with your companion bird in a safe environment.
It works EXTREMELY well with Senegals. For some reason, they seem to be highly reinforced socially. When they fly, they like to keep their "partners" near at hand.
Obviously, a lot more to write about this topic......
Thanks!
Mona in Seattle
Phinneous Fowl (aka Phinney) TAG
Babylon Sengal
Doug (spousal unit)
Jack and Bailey (Gremlins)
Kiri (CAG)
http://www.flyingparrotsinside.comyoutube: Avian Flyers