As an undergraduate, despite majoring in physics and taking a great many mathematics courses, I always found the subject of psychology interesting. Of particular interest were the different branches of psychological thought (personality, social, cognitive, etc.). One branch which catches many people's attention is behavioral psychology epitomized by the research of B.F. Skinner (Burrhus Frederic Skinner, possibly the coolest first name ever). Skinner is considered the founder of the behavioral theory known as operant conditioning. Skinner's theory was that animal (including human) behavior is shaped by reinforcers. Behavior that receives reinforcement becomes more frequent while behavior that is not reinforced dies out. Reinforcements can be divided into four categories:
- Positive reinforcement: increases the frequency of a behavior by giving the subject a wanted reward when the behavior is exhibited.
- Negative reinforcement: increases the frequency of a behavior by removing an adverse stimulus from the individual's environment.
- Positive punishment: decreases the frequency of a behavior by imposing an adverse stimulus or event in response to the behavior.
- Negative punishment: decreases the frequency of a behavior by removing a stimulus desired by the individual.
Flash forward from college to now when we have an absolutely lovely cat (see below) with one annoying habit. He prefers to urinate beside the litter box rather than in it. We have consulted with veterinarians for a physical cause, changed the litter used, the box, the location of the box, the number of boxes. Nothing worked and the behavior persisted. Punishment did not seem to be the solution to this habit, because I do not think the cat would know why he was being punished. Just before the winter holidays my wife suggested that we try positive reinforcement in order to change his behavior. Finally my study of behavioral theory would pay off. When the cat urinates in the litter box (we must witness the occurrence) he gets one cat treat. A couple of cat treats per day is not going to ruin his diet. It worked! Within a few days, he urinates exclusively in the litter box. Now we do not have to place puppy training pads around the litter box.
Of course there have been a few amusing unintended consequences of this behavioral modification technique.
- At first the cat though he was being rewarded for standing in the litter box and would get in the box and do nothing whenever we came near it. He still expected a treat (which he would not get).
- The cat waits until we return home to urinate and announces it with soft meows.
- When he cannot wait any longer to urinate (for instance if we have been out for several hours), the cat will try to fool use by getting in the litter box to re-cover an existing urine spot.
Lest anyone think we are cheating the cat on his treats, intermittent positive reinforcement is thought to be more effective than regular positive reinforcement. Just ask anyone with a gambling problem. If you have a pet exhibiting an unwanted behavior, try a little positive reinforcement. The solution to your problem may be easier than you think.
Falco enjoying his favorite sunbeam.