title: Suboptimal Choice Behaviour across Different Reinforcement Probabilities

authors: Yang, Le

abstract: Six adult roosters’ choice behaviour was investigated across a series of five experimental conditions and a series of replication of the same five experimental conditions. Stagner and Zentall (2010) found that pigeons prefer to choose an alternative with highly reliable discriminative stimuli but with less food reward over an alternative with non-discriminative stimuli but with more food reward. The current research systematically changed the probability of reinforcement associated with the discriminative stimulus through a series of experimental conditions. Experimental sessions were completed with six adult roosters. The experimental procedure was based on Stagner and Zentall’s (2010) experiment in which the suboptimal alternative with discriminative stimuli was associated with 100% reinforcement on 20% of the trials, and non-reinforcement on 80% of the trials; the optimal alternative with non-discriminative stimuli was associated with both 50% reinforcement on all trials. This research modified the probabilities of reinforcement associated with the discriminative alternative. In the first experimental condition, the probability of getting access to reinforcement was the same (50%) for each discriminative stimulus, thus, what was seen for the first time was that both alternatives were associated with non-discriminative stimuli. To insure reliability, a replication of the conditions was done after the first five experimental conditions were completed. The results showed that four of the roosters had suboptimal choice behaviour in the first five experimental conditions; however, only two of them maintained such suboptimal behaviour in the replication conditions. This result does not support the idea that the suboptimal choice behaviour with strong discriminative stimuli is a robust effect.

text: Suboptimal Choice Behaviour across Different Reinforcement Probabilities Six adult roosters’ choice behaviour was investigated across a series of five experimental conditions and a series of replication of the same five experimental conditions. Stagner and Zentall (2010) found that pigeons prefer to choose an alternative with highly reliable discriminative stimuli but with less food reward over an alternative with non-discriminative stimuli but with more food reward. The current research systematically changed the probability of reinforcement associated with the discriminative stimulus through a series of experimental conditions. Experimental sessions were completed with six adult roosters. The experimental procedure was based on Stagner and Zentall’s (2010) experiment in which the suboptimal alternative with discriminative stimuli was associated with 100% reinforcement on 20% of the trials, and non-reinforcement on 80% of the trials; the optimal alternative with non-discriminative stimuli was associated with both 50% reinforcement on all trials. This research modified the probabilities of reinforcement associated with the discriminative alternative. In the first experimental condition, the probability of getting access to reinforcement was the same (50%) for each discriminative stimulus, thus, what was seen for the first time was that both alternatives were associated with non-discriminative stimuli. To insure reliability, a replication of the conditions was done after the first five experimental conditions were completed. The results showed that four of the roosters had suboptimal choice behaviour in the first five experimental conditions; however, only two of them maintained such suboptimal behaviour in the replication conditions. This result does not support the idea that the suboptimal choice behaviour with strong discriminative stimuli is a robust effect.

year: 2015

title: The policy-research-practice triangle in New Zealand early childhood education: Complexities, impossibilities and silences

authors: Kamenarac, Olivera

abstract: Inspired by the New Zealand Association for Research in Education (NZARE) Conference 2022, entitled ‘The Mighty Triangle: The strength of the research-policy-practice triangle for addressing local, national, and global challenges’ (https://www.nzare.org.nz/ events/te-aonui-the-mighty-triangle/), this article examines some of the relational complexities and specificities within the Aotearoa New Zealand early childhood education and care policy-research- practice triangle. This article problematises the notion of the ‘mighty’ triangle as a ‘durable’ structure by examining how each corner, side and angle is produced in the context of prevailing global neoliberal discourses. We argue that making sense of the complex dynamics within the Aotearoa ECE policy-research- practice triangle requires understanding the politics, relationships and dynamics of conflict and the struggle of those, directly and indirectly, involved in (and excluded) and influenced by the triangle. Therefore, the article critically engages with the ‘impossibilities’ and complexities of the ECE policy-research-practice triangle and takes a closer look at those impacted and/or marginalised by ‘beautiful durable structures’ of ECE triangle politics, particularly the voices of teachers.

text: The policy-research-practice triangle in New Zealand early childhood education: Complexities, impossibilities and silences Inspired by the New Zealand Association for Research in Education (NZARE) Conference 2022, entitled ‘The Mighty Triangle: The strength of the research-policy-practice triangle for addressing local, national, and global challenges’ (https://www.nzare.org.nz/ events/te-aonui-the-mighty-triangle/), this article examines some of the relational complexities and specificities within the Aotearoa New Zealand early childhood education and care policy-research- practice triangle. This article problematises the notion of the ‘mighty’ triangle as a ‘durable’ structure by examining how each corner, side and angle is produced in the context of prevailing global neoliberal discourses. We argue that making sense of the complex dynamics within the Aotearoa ECE policy-research- practice triangle requires understanding the politics, relationships and dynamics of conflict and the struggle of those, directly and indirectly, involved in (and excluded) and influenced by the triangle. Therefore, the article critically engages with the ‘impossibilities’ and complexities of the ECE policy-research-practice triangle and takes a closer look at those impacted and/or marginalised by ‘beautiful durable structures’ of ECE triangle politics, particularly the voices of teachers.

year: 2023

title: Te hau mihi ata mātauranga Māori and science - Cross cultural dialogue

authors: Joseph, Robert

abstract: The Te Hau Mihi Ata Mātauranga Māori and Science research project (the research project) will explore ways to link mātauranga Māori and western science. The purpose of the research project is to open a new creative knowledge space to unleash innovative thinking and cross-cultural connection that is unique to New Zealand which can be a source of untapped economic, social, environmental and cultural potential. The historic marginalisation of alternative value and knowledge systems has prevented quality engagement and dialogue between these two knowledge systems in New Zealand. The research project will develop, inter alia, a new inter-cultural dialogue process between Māori educated in western-based science and experts in mātauranga Māori.

text: Te hau mihi ata mātauranga Māori and science - Cross cultural dialogue The Te Hau Mihi Ata Mātauranga Māori and Science research project (the research project) will explore ways to link mātauranga Māori and western science. The purpose of the research project is to open a new creative knowledge space to unleash innovative thinking and cross-cultural connection that is unique to New Zealand which can be a source of untapped economic, social, environmental and cultural potential. The historic marginalisation of alternative value and knowledge systems has prevented quality engagement and dialogue between these two knowledge systems in New Zealand. The research project will develop, inter alia, a new inter-cultural dialogue process between Māori educated in western-based science and experts in mātauranga Māori.

year: 2008-11