Question

1. When farmers used conditioning to reduce the loss of flock to ship, they were successful in doing so.
   1. Explain why this was a form of aversive conditioning (3 points)
   2. Identify CS/UCS in this situation (3 points)
2. The immune system response seems sensitive to classical conditioning. How do scientists show this relation? (5 points)

Answer 1

Both the Operant conditioning and Classical condition are used to train the flock. In case of the Operant conditioning such stimuli are produced that lead the flock to remain confined in a particular place. Other characteristics remain dormant. Such conditionings are:

• Suddenly creating an unnatural sound that make the flock fearful. Such stimuli may be the sounds of hunting dogs or sounds of other animals that flock generally fears.
• Training by the owner not to move.
• Training by giving food to those that remain fixed in a particular place and punish the those that cause disturbance.

In case of shipping the flock face unnatural environment. Various Operant conditionings are also used. The conditional stimuli consist food or showing affection. Food is given to those that listen to the words. Again, with the ringing of a bell food should be supplied. After certain period, bell is rung and the flock expect food. Naturally they spend time with such habits and hostile situation can not disturb them. Even in the hostile situation the conditioning stimuli excite them.

Again unconditional stimuli like sudden frightening sound or punishment keep them aware of the situation. They suit themselves with the hostile situation.