Experimenting with Animal Behavior

Experimenting with Animal Behavior Name:

Lab partner:

Objective:

To demonstrate and understand learned behavior

Materials:

puzzle pieces, timer

Procedure:

1.  Read the procedure completely, and then write a hypothesis below to explain what you expect to happen.

2.  Choose which student in your pair will be the observer/recorder and which will be the test subject.

3.  The experimenter should mix up the puzzle pieces on the table, making sure the subject does NOT see it until time begins.

4.  Time how long it takes the subject to assemble the puzzle pieces into a perfect square.

5.  Record the time it took and call this “Trial 1”. Use data table below.

6.  Immediately dissemble the square and mix up the pieces again.

7.  Repeat step 3 four more times with the same person as the subject.

Hypothesis

Data Analysis

Trial / Time needed to complete square puzzle

Questions to consider (answer on back of page)

1. Using the grid above, create a line graph showing time needed to complete puzzle vs. trial. Don’t forget to label appropriately!

2. Explain how the time needed to complete the puzzle changed from trial 1 to trial 5.

3. Why is this experiment an example of learned behavior and not innate behavior?

4. What type of learned behavior is this? Explain.

5. How might insight learning have also contributed to your solving the puzzle?