Application and analysis of concurrent chain schedules in large mammals: initial findings and future directions

Parker, Matt, Redhead, Ed and Goodwin, Deborah (2006) Application and analysis of concurrent chain schedules in large mammals: initial findings and future directions. Association for Behaviour Analysis, Chicago, USA. 30 Apr 2006.

Abstract

Stabled horses often present with abnormal repetitive behaviours (ARBs). Recent research has examined the possibility that ARBs may be the result of neurological change, brought about by environmentally induced, chronic under stimulation. The studies have typically correlated behavioural data from affected species with existing lesion studies and neuropsychological data. Results from these studies have shown that ARB animals appear to show signs of reduced response inhibition and perseveration, similar to animals with lesions on the striatum (putamen and caudate nucleus of basal ganglia). Many of the studies supporting this have used extinction procedures as measures of perseveration. However, many are methodologically weak. In view of this we are currently exploring ARB horses using concurrent chain schedules. Concurrent chains procedures will many benefits to furthering the evaluation of ARBs, including analysis of perseveration and disinhibition, and self-control and choice. Initial findings have been pleasing. Horses perform well on concurrent chain procedures with the data fitting mathematical models of concurrent chain performance (CCM; Grace, 1994). In addition, it seems from initial analysis that horses displaying ARBs show abnormal response patterns on the concurrent chains.

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Contributors

Author: Ed Redhead

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