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Application of functional analysis methods to assess human–dog interactions
Author(s) -
Feuerbacher Erica N.,
Wynne Clive D. L.
Publication year - 2016
Publication title -
journal of applied behavior analysis
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.1
H-Index - 76
eISSN - 1938-3703
pISSN - 0021-8855
DOI - 10.1002/jaba.318
Subject(s) - functional analysis , reinforcement , psychology , behavioral analysis , function (biology) , applied behavior analysis , developmental psychology , token economy , cognitive psychology , social psychology , autism , biochemistry , chemistry , evolutionary biology , biology , gene
Research on owner–dog relationships suggests that they have remarkable features, paralleling those of infant to parents. In this study, we investigated whether, after being separated, access to the owner would function as a reinforcer for domestic dog behavior. We then conducted a functional analysis to determine the specific functional reinforcer (e.g., owner access, attention). Our results demonstrate that owner access can function as a reinforcer. This has implications for understanding the owner–dog relationship and using owner access as a training tool.