title: Sub-optimal choice in the Brushtail possum (Trichosurus vulpecula): The effect of terminal link duration on choice

authors: Bremner, Stephanie J

subjects: Sub-optimal

abstract: Sub-optimal choice procedures are commonly used to investigate an animal model of human gambling, and the numerous variables which can affect choice responding (Zentall, 2011). This procedure typically presents two alternatives, one which provides less overall reinforcement than the other. This study aimed to examine whether manipulating terminal link duration on both alternatives would have an effect on possums level of preference towards either alternative, and whether possums would attend to overall reinforcement probability, or discriminative stimuli. Overall, subjects responded optimally at all terminal link durations, regardless of position of the optimal alternative. Response latencies towards the non-preferred alternative were longer than those towards the preferred alternative. Response rates towards both stimuli on the discriminative alternative were similar, indicating that possums were not discriminating between these stimuli. This suggests that terminal link duration does not affect preference when it is altered on both alternatives. The results of this study along with other research in this area suggests that the variables that appear to have the strongest influence on sub-optimal choice are impulsivity and reinforcer deprivation levels, or motivating operations.

text: Sub-optimal choice in the Brushtail possum (Trichosurus vulpecula): The effect of terminal link duration on choice Sub-optimal choice procedures are commonly used to investigate an animal model of human gambling, and the numerous variables which can affect choice responding (Zentall, 2011). This procedure typically presents two alternatives, one which provides less overall reinforcement than the other. This study aimed to examine whether manipulating terminal link duration on both alternatives would have an effect on possums level of preference towards either alternative, and whether possums would attend to overall reinforcement probability, or discriminative stimuli. Overall, subjects responded optimally at all terminal link durations, regardless of position of the optimal alternative. Response latencies towards the non-preferred alternative were longer than those towards the preferred alternative. Response rates towards both stimuli on the discriminative alternative were similar, indicating that possums were not discriminating between these stimuli. This suggests that terminal link duration does not affect preference when it is altered on both alternatives. The results of this study along with other research in this area suggests that the variables that appear to have the strongest influence on sub-optimal choice are impulsivity and reinforcer deprivation levels, or motivating operations.

year: 2016

title: Far-flung markers

authors: Lowe, David J.

abstract: Tephras are fragmentary materials that are blasted explosively into the air during volcanic eruptions. Distributed throughout Zealandia, tephras provide useful markers for connecting and dating land surfaces, sediment layers, and archaeological sites.

text: Far-flung markers Tephras are fragmentary materials that are blasted explosively into the air during volcanic eruptions. Distributed throughout Zealandia, tephras provide useful markers for connecting and dating land surfaces, sediment layers, and archaeological sites.

year: 2008

title: Kaupapa Māori framework and literature review of key prinicples

authors: Kennedy, Nathan

subjects: New Zealand

abstract: The literature review in this report was the starting point for the development of a Māori research strand within the Planning Under Co-operative Mandates (PUCM) research programme. The original purpose of this report Kaupapa Māori Framework and Literature Review of Key Principles was to establish definitions of environmentally significant concepts of kaupapa and tikanga Māori. In  addition,  the  review  sought  to  identify  and  briefly  describe  significant  variations between  understandings of the key concepts without attempting to reconcile these. As the purpose of the review in 2005 was to inform the development of a kaupapa Māori methodology for the identification and development of Māori environmental outcomes and indicators, we paid particular regard to Māori perceptions of the environment and the relevance of each concept in environmental terms.

text: Kaupapa Māori framework and literature review of key prinicples The literature review in this report was the starting point for the development of a Māori research strand within the Planning Under Co-operative Mandates (PUCM) research programme. The original purpose of this report Kaupapa Māori Framework and Literature Review of Key Principles was to establish definitions of environmentally significant concepts of kaupapa and tikanga Māori. In  addition,  the  review  sought  to  identify  and  briefly  describe  significant  variations between  understandings of the key concepts without attempting to reconcile these. As the purpose of the review in 2005 was to inform the development of a kaupapa Māori methodology for the identification and development of Māori environmental outcomes and indicators, we paid particular regard to Māori perceptions of the environment and the relevance of each concept in environmental terms.

year: 2009-06-30