> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://manymanys.gitbook.io/mm1-lab-manual/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://manymanys.gitbook.io/mm1-lab-manual/procedure/acclimation-and-shaping.md). # Acclimation and shaping Subjects who are tested in a novel testing environment and/or with a new type of reward must undergo an acclimation phase. The acclimation phase serves to ensure the subject is comfortable and behaves naturally within the testing environment and with the reward used. Once the subjects successfully complete the acclimation phase (if applicable), they undergo a shaping phase. The shaping protocol serves to ensure the subject learns the basic contingency that making physical contact with—or moving into close proximity to—a stimulus object results in reward delivery. The acclimation and shaping protocols must be completed sequentially for the subject to advance to the testing phase. ### Step 1: Acclimation to the testing environment (if applicable) This step is required for subjects who are tested in an unfamiliar environment (i.e., outside their home enclosure or regularly used space) and/or with a new type of reward. The subject begins the experiment in the starting zone while a reward is randomly placed within the reward zone (i.e., left or right), out of sight of the subject (e.g., using the barrier). After removal of the barrier (if applicable), the subject is allowed to enter and freely explore the testing environment without any experimental apparatus or stimuli present. The subject remains in the testing environment until it obtains the reward while displaying species-typical behavior without signs of stress, anxiety, or stereotypical behaviors (e.g., repetitive pacing, freezing, escape attempts, excessive vocalizations). This step is considered complete when the subject obtains the reward on two consecutive trials. Once this criterion is met, the subject proceeds to the stimulus shaping phase (Step 2). If the subject does not meet this criterion within 10 trials, the acclimation phase ends and the subject is dropped from the study. ### Step 2: Stimulus shaping Once the subject is acclimated to the testing environment (Step 1), it is then presented with a reward that remains clearly visible (typically in front) while positioned in immediate proximity (≤ 1 centimeter) to a single three-dimensional object constructed from Lego or Duplo® bricks, randomly placed within the reward zone (i.e., left or right). This shaping stimulus should be similar in size to the experimental stimuli but differ in both shape and color to avoid pre-exposure effects or stimulus-specific learning that could influence later test performance (for examples of shapes and colors, see Stimuli section above) . This step is considered complete when the subject obtains the reward on two consecutive trials. Once this criterion is met, the subject proceeds to the reward contingency shaping phase (Step 3). If the subject does not meet this criterion within 10 trials, the stimulus shaping phase ends and the subject is dropped from the study. ### Step 3: Reward contingency shaping 1 This step is similar to Step 2 except that the shaping stimulus is presented alone (i.e., without reward). Here, any physical contact with the stimulus (using a species-appropriate response: reaching, pecking, grasping with the mouth, nose touching, etc.) or close proximity to it (≤ 1 centimeter; e.g., using body, limbs, digits, etc.) always results in immediate reward delivery, establishing the basic action-outcome contingency. No unrewarded stimuli are present during this phase, ensuring that all responses are reinforced to build motivation and task engagement. The time taken by the subject to interact with the stimulus is documented. The reward contingency shaping criterion is operationally defined as: the subject makes contact with—or moves into very close proximity to—the shaping stimulus and obtains the reward on two consecutive trials. This criterion demonstrates that the subject (a) attends to the stimulus object, (b) is motivated to interact with it, and (c) understands the basic contingency between stimulus-reward association. Once this criterion is met, the subject proceeds to the experimental testing phase (see below). If the subject does not meet this criterion within 10 trials, Step 3 ends and the subject moves on to Step 4. ### Step 4: Reward contingency shaping 2 (optional) It is possible that some subjects/species struggle with approaching the shaping stimulus without reward present in Step 3 (e.g., due to strong neophobic behavior or lack of motivation). If the subject fails to complete Step 3, it receives additional trials in which it is briefly presented with a reward next to the shaping stimulus (similar to Step 2). This additional step aims to facilitate/motivate the approach of the stimulus. The duration of exposure to the reward in that phase is determined by each lab/team/site and must be documented. This step is considered complete when the subject makes contact with—or moves into very close proximity to—the shaping stimulus and obtains the reward on two consecutive trials. Once this criterion is met, the subject proceeds to Step 3 again. If the subject does not obtain the reward on two consecutive trials within 10 trials, Step 4 ends and the subject is dropped from the study entirely. ### Important notes on acclimation and shaping * The time taken by the subject to interact with the shaping stimulus in Step 3 should be documented. * The number of acclimation and shaping trials required to meet criterion (Steps 1-4) should be reported for each subject as a potential covariate in analyses (e.g., task motivation, exploratory tendency). * The duration of exposure to the reward in Step 4 should be documented. * If a subject fails to obtain the reward on two consecutive trials within 10 trials in Step 4 (Reward contingency shaping 2), this should be documented, and the subject should be excluded entirely from further testing. * The shape and color of the shaping stimulus should not be used again during experimental testing to maintain stimulus novelty for the test phase. --- # Agent Instructions This documentation is published with GitBook. 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