One. Introduction:
The skinner box, also known as the operant conditionalization box, is a device widely used in animal behavior experiments to study operant conditionalization and zoological Xi. The inventor of this device is the psychologist Bf.Skinner, whose work has had a profound impact on behaviorist psychology. Operant conditionalized chambers provide a controlled environment that enables researchers to observe and analyze the process of animals taking actions in response to specific stimuli.
Two. Principle:
The principle of the Skinner Box is based on the theory of behaviorism, which emphasizes learning Xi behavior through the operating environment. Inside the box, animals learn specific behaviors, such as pressing a lever or button, in order to obtain a reward or avoid punishment. This learning Xi is based on trial and error, and the animals adapt their behavioral strategies according to the results by constantly trying different behaviors. Through the skinner box, researchers were able to gain insight into the reward and punishment mechanisms in animal Xi and how they adjust their behavior to adapt to their environment.
Three. Equipment Composition:
Skinner cases are usually closed and have a delicate internal structure. The main components include:
Lever or button: A device provided to an animal to manipulate that the animal can press or manipulate to trigger a specific event.
Reward system: Provides rewards, such as food, electrical stimulation, or medications, to reinforce specific behaviors.
Sensors and recording devices: used to monitor and record the animal's behavior, including the number of compressions, reaction time, etc.
Control Unit: Used to adjust the conditions inside the box, such as the conditions for providing rewards and penalties.
Environmental control: The environment in the chamber can be adjusted according to the needs of the experiment, including light, temperature, etc.
Fourth, the process of the experimental procedure of the skinner box.
4.1. Purpose of the experiment:
To study the self-management behavior of animals (e.g., rats) in response to a specific stimulus (e.g., medication) in an operant conditioned box, and the process by which this behavior is resolved.
4.2 Experimental materials and equipment:
Operational conditioned box (skinner box).
Rats. Syringes and medications (e.g., methamphetamine).
Food rewards or other stimuli.
Recording device (for monitoring animal behavior).
4.3 Experimental Procedure:
4.3.1 Animal Adaptation Period:
Introduce the rat to the operant conditioned chamber and acclimatize it, including exploring the chamber space and familiarizing with the manipulative device.
During acclimatization, some basic food rewards can be provided to establish associations between rats and rewards.
4.3.2. Leverage Training Phase:
Guide the rat to learn to press or manipulate the lever to obtain a reward. This can be achieved by providing a food reward when the rat presses the lever.
Behavioral data such as the number of times the rat pressed the lever, the frequency and the reaction time were recorded.
4.3.3 Self-Managed Sessions:
At this stage, rats are allowed to inject drugs (e.g., methamphetamine) from the master by pressing the lever.
Rats were recorded to self-administer the drug, including the number of injections, the interval between injections, and possible behavioral changes.
At the same time, rat responses to food rewards can continue to be monitored to assess the effect of the drug on self-management behavior.
4.3.4 Extinction Phase:
After the self-administration phase, the provision of drug rewards is reduced or stopped, and the behavioral responses of the rats are observed.
The adaptation process of rats to drug regression was recorded, including behavioral changes such as reducing the number of injections and extending the injection interval.
Rats can be continuously monitored for response to food rewards to compare behavioral patterns for drug self-administration and non-drug self-management.
4.3.5 Data Analysis:
Perform a detailed analysis of behavioral data during the experiment, including but not limited to the number of compressions, reaction time, regression speed, etc.
Statistical methods were used to compare differences in behavior at different stages and conditions.
Combined with the data of the recording device and the observational record, conclusions are drawn about the mechanism of drug self-management and regression.
4.3.6 End of the experiment and summary:
Write a report based on the results of the experiment, summarizing the findings and observed patterns of behavior.
Discuss the limitations of the experiment and possible improvements, as well as implications for animal behavior and drug dependence research.