Association for Behavior Analysis International

Costly, bulky, and complicated interface equipment between computers and experimental equipment may no longer be needed for experiments and application. Modern computers feature several USB ports, and low-cost interface equipment that connects directly to a USB port is available from several vendors. Rudimentary understanding of programming code enables the user to control the interface to turn lights, sounds, and feeders on and off and to record responses via switches and photo sensors. Several programming languages can be used to implement control of equipment and recording of responses via the USB interface. The presentation will feature the particular interface and programming platforms used in different laboratories and in a zoological garden. Programs written in Visual Basic Net or Liberty Basic using relatively simple code read inputs and controls outputs from the interfaces. The presentations will illustrate the practical use of the interface devises both in teaching and research laboratories (where each experimental chamber has its own interface and PC). In addition, we will show how the USB interface is being used for research in a zoological garden to operate feeders and record a variety of responses in different species of animals. Using small notebook computers, the setup is easily transported for application purposes. Having one individual PC with one individual interface connect to one equipment setup creates considerable flexibility both in research and application and voids the need for complex systems that rely on expensive equipment and professional programming.

Laboratory courses are an essential supplement to classes on behavior analysis. High-cost of control equipment, however, limits the creation of laboratories for teaching purposes. Microcontroller boards can be used as inexpensive alternatives to commercial equipment not only for demonstrating the basic principles of behavior in classrooms but also for teaching basic electronics. We have developed and tested two portable systems based on Arduino microcontroller boards that can be used for controlling operant conditioning chambers for rats in the classroom. One system consists of an app (Ratuino Mobile) running on an Android tablet or smart phone. This app communicates via Bluetooth with an Arduino board connected to an operant chamber. Within the app, students select different reinforcement schedules that are executed automatically. A second system consists of using Arduino boards as standalone control equipment. An Arduino board is connected to an operant chamber and to a keypad. Students control stimuli by pressing buttons. Experimental events are automatically recorded using an SD card. The two systems were assembled by the students during the courses. These systems are inexpensive, relatively easy to setup, and could help students experiencing first-hand the basic principles of behavior by bringing the laboratory to the classroom.

Operanda placed in the zoo include different levers for chimpanzees and for tigers, chains for orangoutans, keys for hens, and a tongue switch for giraffes, and stimuli controlled from the computer (Sds and reinforcers) include lights, sounds, smells, and a diversity of dispensers. We will also show some simple programming text lines from visual basic, to demonstrate how behavior can be recorded in cumulative records and in event records.