It Takes More Than Fish: The Psychology of Marine Mammal Training

Abstract

The training of marine mammals is based on findings from comparative psychology, particularly those associated with the psychology of learning. In this paper, we examine the manner in which principles that were originally discovered in laboratory settings are now used in the training of marine mammals. These principles are used in a variety of training contexts, including teaching show behaviors at entertainment parks, husbandry, military applications, and research on cetacean cognition and communication. We also suggest future areas of research that would advance our understanding of marine mammal cognition and enhance the efficacy of existing training procedures.