Describe the psychology being investigated in the study by Fagen et al. (elephant learning).

Mark scheme

Marking points from the official mark scheme (May/June 2024). The mark or mark type is shown in brackets.

1. [1] Operant conditioning is learning by consequence.
2. [1] If behaviour is rewarded (reinforced), it is more likely to be repeated.
3. [1] The elephants received chopped banana (primary reinforcer) for successful tasks (example).
4. [1] Secondary positive reinforcement involved a sound consistently followed by food (example).
5. [1] If behaviour is punished, it is less likely to be repeated.
6. [1] Includes concepts like shaping and behavioural chaining.
7. [4] Similarity: Both Fagen et al. and Bandura et al. used observation as a data collection technique. This allowed specific behaviours to be operationalised and measured objectively, improving the validity of their findings (e.g., 'trunk down' in Fagen and 'gun play' in Bandura).
8. [4] Similarity: Both studies collected quantitative data, which facilitated objective comparisons and statistical analysis.
9. [4] Similarity: Both studies exhibited a degree of standardisation in their procedures, contributing to their reliability.
10. [4] Difference: Fagen et al. studied elephants (a non-human species), while Bandura et al. studied human children. This difference affects the generalisability of findings to human behaviour and involves distinct ethical guidelines.
11. [4] Difference: The aims differed; Fagen et al. focused on operant conditioning in animals, whereas Bandura et al. investigated observational learning and aggression in children.
12. [4] Difference: Fagen's study involved direct reinforcement of behaviours, while Bandura's involved vicarious reinforcement through observation of models.