I've done operant conditioning for years. Both with critters and humans. Just can't seem to think of anything to put the ravens to work doing. It's pretty basic stuff.
In livestock worlds, we usually call it clicker training and is a form of positive training. The principles are identical to those which motivate people to gamble at slot machines..... they are actually being "trained" if you want to look at it in that manner.
Not only is utilized with mammals (sea mammal trainers love it too!), it's been utilized at all levels of life. Among many other research projects that have been done are some that are really intriguing to me involving.... WASPS!
http://www.sciencedaily.com/videos/2006/0702-wasps_mans_new_best_friend.htm Back to ravens.... I live in an area known for it's gold mines. The ravens LOVE to drop things in my
water troughs for my livestock (found my cell phone there a couple of times). Occasionally I find hunks of pyrite. I keep hoping that they'll find the real thing one of these days!
Seriously, if someone can come up with a training project for these birds it would probably be worth it. They aren't tame, they are incredibly shy. If I look in the direction of one, or move my arm as if to point, they fly. They are incredible communicators, anytime I go for a walk, there are always a couple keeping an eye on me and "reporting" verbally back to the others. Some of the communications are very subtle, but if I pay close attention to them, I can often tell when someone is driving up my road... as far as a mile away. In the winter, rather than shoveling paths in the snow, I do intentionally
feed them on occasion. Remembering that there are a large number and their toes are as big as a gooses, I will leave a trail of some sort of grain or something they like to eat, in the snow. They come in enforce and work the snow with their beaks, however, their heat from their feet as well as their weight compacts it... and I end up with some nice trails. Only thing I've ever found that they can do for me that is benefecial and I'd be glad to shovel if they'd just go elsewhere!