CATA NCE study plan

Define and contrast classical (respondent) and operant conditioning with one original example of each drawn from a species you plan to work with

Diagram the three-term contingency (discriminative stimulus, behavior, consequence) and label each element in four scenarios you write yourself

Explain the four basic reinforcement schedules (fixed ratio, variable ratio, fixed interval, variable interval) and predict response patterns for each

Distinguish positive reinforcement, negative reinforcement, positive punishment, and negative punishment using a 2x2 matrix you construct from memory

Compare primary and secondary reinforcers and describe how a bridging stimulus acquires its function

Trace the process of shaping by successive approximation and write a 6-step shaping plan for a novel behavior in a chosen species

Analyze stimulus control, generalization, and discrimination and explain how each affects cue reliability in training

Evaluate the role of extinction, extinction bursts, and spontaneous recovery in behavior change

Design a luring-to-capture fading protocol that removes the prompt within a set number of trials

Construct a variable reinforcement schedule for a duration behavior and calculate the mean criterion

Differentiate respondent from operant procedures in a counterconditioning and desensitization plan

Identify and correct three common training errors (reinforcing the wrong approximation, poisoned cues, cue overshadowing) in written case vignettes you author

Map critical or sensitive periods of development across at least three species and explain the behavioral consequences of missing them

Compare social learning, observational learning, and habituation across species with original examples

Outline a functional behavior assessment: define target behavior operationally, select observation methods, and identify antecedents and consequences

Draft an operational definition of a target behavior that passes a stranger-reliability test

Build a baseline data set and calculate inter-observer agreement from a simulated double-coding exercise

Select an appropriate measurement method (event recording, interval sampling, duration) for four different behavior topologies and justify each choice

Write a SMART behavior intervention goal and identify ethical limits on aversive procedures

Evaluate intervention effectiveness using a simple reversal or multiple-baseline logic and describe when each design is appropriate

Summarize the Five Freedoms and the Five Domains model and apply them to evaluate welfare in two contrasting housing scenarios

Explain the professional obligations of informed consent, confidentiality, scope of competence, and referral

Draft a client-intake script that gathers history, sets expectations, and identifies welfare red flags

Anticipate and practice responses to three difficult client situations (non-compliance, unrealistic expectations, suspected neglect) using role-play notes

Identify safety hazards in handling, restraint, and equipment use for at least three species and state a mitigation for each

Evaluate the suitability of common training equipment and enrichment items against species-typical needs

Design an enrichment plan that addresses sensory, cognitive, social, and physical needs with a rotation schedule

Differentiate animal-to-human and animal-to-animal risk factors and describe reporting or escalation steps

Synthesize all seven domains into a single integrated case study linking assessment, intervention, welfare, and client communication

Diagnose and correct your weakest two domains using targeted practice questions and error-log review

Rehearse timed mixed-domain question sets under exam conditions and analyze error patterns by domain

Consolidate a one-page master summary of high-yield concepts across all domains