In Animal Learning and Intelligence, students will explore the reasons why we consider certain animals “intelligent” or “not intelligent”, and the theories surrounding how animals learn. They will discover how ZSL uses the science of learning behaviours to benefit animal welfare at the zoo - including the opportunity to try out animal training techniques on each other!
Age group: Years 12-13 (AS/A2, Ages 16-18)
Duration: 45 minutes approx.
Capacity: 35 students
Learning Space: Education Centre
Exam Board Specification links:
AQA A Level Psychology A
Unit 3 PSYA3 Topics in Psychology - Animal learning and intelligence
- Simple learning (classical and operant conditioning) and its role in non-human animal behaviour
- Intelligence in non-human animals, for example, self-recognition, social learning, Machiavellian intelligence
OCR A Level Biology (H421):
A2 Unit F215: Control, Genomes and Environment
Module 4: Responding to the Environment - 5.4.3 Animal Behaviour
- (c) explain the meaning of the term learned behaviour
- (d) describe classical and operant conditioning as examples of learned behaviours
EDEXCEL A Level Psychology (8PS01):
Unit 2 Understanding the Individual
- 3a Describe the main features of classical conditioning, including unconditioned stimulus (UCS), unconditioned response (UCR), conditioned stimulus (CS), conditioned response (CR), extinction and spontaneous recovery
- 3b Describe the main features of operant conditioning, including positive and negative reinforcement, punishment, primary and secondary reinforcement
AQA A Level Physical Education
3.1 Unit 1 PHED1 - Opportunities for, and the effects of, leading a healthy and active lifestyle
Learning and Performance
- Learning theories: operant conditioning, positive & negative reinforcement
OCR AS Level Physical Education (H154):
AS Unit G451: An introduction to Physical Education
Section B Acquiring Movement Skills - 3.1 B. Learning skills in physical activity
- theory of operant conditioning
- discuss positive reinforcement, negative reinforcement and punishment
Intended learning outcomes:
Students will be able to:
- Explain how animals learn through classical and operant conditioning, and social learning
- Give examples of how this knowledge is used to benefit animals in the zoo
Please be aware that though we aim to use a live animal in this session, we do not guarantee that they will be present – animals can fall ill or be unwilling to be handled and their welfare is ZSL’s first priority.
Additional Resources
- Support your students' learning before, during or after their visit with our online resources.
