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Methodological Comparisons of Classification Techniques and Refinement of an Operant go/no-go Procedure
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- Author / Creator
- Sahu, Prateek K.
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Bioacoustic analyses have been used for a variety of purposes including classifying
vocalizations for biodiversity monitoring and understanding mechanisms of cognitive processes.
A wide range of statistical methods, including various automated methods, have been used to
successfully classify vocalizations based on species, sex, geography, and individual. Here, I used
several classification techniques, namely Discriminant Function Analyses (DFAs), Support
Vector Machines (SVMs), and Artificial Neural Networks (ANNs), for sex-based classification
of zebra finch (Taeniopygia guttata) distance calls using acoustic features measured from
spectrograms. We found that all three methods (DFAs, SVM, and ANNs) correctly classified the
calls to respective sex-based categories with high accuracy between 92% and 96%. Frequency
modulation of ascending frequency, total duration, and end frequency of the distance call were
the most predictive features underlying this classification in all our models. My results presented
here agree with previous results and identified highly convergent acoustic features involved in
this classification. My comparison of classification methods gives researcher much needed
information to select an optimal classification method.
Refining and modifying experimental procedures play a vital role in improving
methodology while also reducing animal distress. Standardized experimental procedures are
often modified for obtaining optimal responses. Many automated operant conditioning
procedures have been developed and modified over time. Here, I asked if an increase in feed
time duration affects discrimination in an operant go/no-go task. Specifically, we used zebra
finches’ sexually dimorphic distance calls as acoustic stimuli to test whether there were any
significant differences in performance on an operant discrimination task requiring zebra finches
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to classify calls according to the sex of the producer when a key experimental parameter, feed
time duration, was increased from 1 second to 2 seconds. We found no significant differences in
learning speed (trials to criterion) between birds that were given 1 sec or 2 sec of food access
following a correct go response. Our results indicate doubling food access duration did not
impact the speed of acquisition of distance call discrimination in zebra finches. These findings
suggest that we can provide twice as much time for zebra finches to access food, potentially
improving animal welfare, whilst still being able to compare new results with historical results. -
- Graduation date
- Fall 2022
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- Type of Item
- Thesis
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- Degree
- Master of Science
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- License
- This thesis is made available by the University of Alberta Library with permission of the copyright owner solely for non-commercial purposes. This thesis, or any portion thereof, may not otherwise be copied or reproduced without the written consent of the copyright owner, except to the extent permitted by Canadian copyright law.