JD - CH. 2 - Observation vs Interpretation Flashcards
What is Jeans stand in the Q of understanding dog behavior?
We can observe behavior + context (place, time, etc).
Can’t observe why + the internal events (emotions,thoughts - If at all thinking) that mediate behavior.
What is JD’s stand in the subject of uding MRI data as a tool to interpret dog behavior?
Record CORRELATES, like blood flow to specific regions. Should not be passed off as facts as to what animal is thinking/feeling.
Give examples on dog behavior interpretations we do.
Can’t observe dog establishing dominance or pretending to hunt for birds = Interpretations!
What is the big thing to be aware of when working to understand animal behavior?
Stick to observation. Try resisting temptation to interpret. Be aware of the difference between observation - interpretation!
What si behaviorisms stance in understanding animal behavior?
In behaviorism what goes on internally not perceived as essential to behavior or process of changing behavior.
Dog growling to person approaching when it has a bone: Give a behaviorist’s interpretation and another interpretation.
Behaviorist: Growled at this distance at this type of approach. Create plan to stop growling.
Other interpreter: Displays dominance. Measures to lower dogs presumed status in family hierarchy.
Shelter strategies to classify dogs: Give behaviorist startegy and example of other strategy.
Behaviorist: Test behavior in specific situations. See if tests were predictive in adopter’s home. Ask, want more/less of this behavior?
Other shelters(fixed temperament aficionados): Temperament tests similar situations, but focus on traits dog has, rather than on something they did. Dog is dominant, pushy etc. After change conclude that true nature of temperament was masked.
Is temperament of value in this context? Who is right?
