Alternative behaviors training

Delayed alternation behavior can be studied at two phases, during acquisition (as above) or when performance has been stabilized after continued training. 

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This interpretational problem can be diminished by training the animals up to stabilized performance (Roux et al. 1994). Once stabilized, the behavior will more clearly reflect short-term memory because the learning component is no longer present. Indeed, once alternation performance is stabilized, it is possible to introduce delays of different lengths and thereby assess decreases in response accuracy as the retention delay is increased (delay-dependent forgetting). Thus, once animals have been trained up to stabilized performance, they can be used repeatedly to evaluate different drag treatments. 

In some palatability (choice) assays, fish are first trained to consume food particles in the assay, pieces of dried brine shrimp or food pellets coated with extract are offered alternately to controls and fish behavior... 

The bottomline. Before deciding on an intervention approach, conduct a careful analysis of the situation, the behavior, and the individual(s) involved in an observed discrepancy between desired and actual behavior. Do not impulsively assume corrective action to improve behavior requires training or "discipline." A behavioral incident analysis will likely give priority to a number of alternative intervention approaches. 1 discuss critical disadvantages of using "discipline" or a punishment approach to corrective action in Chapter 11. 

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