We have all seen animal trainers manage to get different animals perform very difficult and complex tasks through training. One of the tools they use to achieve this level of communication with the animals is a clicker (though a short-tone whistle is also used). The point of the clicker is to help the animal map the expected action in their brains when the click is perceived.
In a recent episode of Hidden Brain, the origins of this training method, and its potential were explored. At our core, we humans, are just animals with a larger brain to body ratio. Could a clicker be used to “teach” us skills we normally feel are “God-given”. Are we born surgeons or athletes; people with great hand-eye coordination? Or can those skills be taught and even mastered by “mere” mortals?
It turns out, with the proper break-down of complex actions into digestible steps, motivation, and a clicker, you can teach anyone, anything.
