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Psychology

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Fall 2013 Humane Education Study Analysis
Humane education presentations are an increasingly popular way for animal advocates to introduce young people to issues related to animals. Studies are being conducted into the efficacy of humane education presentations aimed at different age groups and within various contexts. This research looked at nearly 170 U.S. students exposed to a humane education presentation at their school, and explored the effects that the presentation might have had on their consumption of animal products. The study found that humane education programs aimed at students cannot affect change on their own, and that this age group, which still lives at home with their families, are likely to be strongly influenced by their living constraints. READ MORE

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Does the Attachment System Towards Owners Change in Aged Dogs?
The bond between humans and dogs has been well studied, yet researchers are always looking to explore new angles of the relationship to deepen our understanding. In this study, the authors examined the emotional bonds between older dogs and their human companions, to explore the type of attachment and see how it compares to bonds formed by younger dogs. Using a modified version of the "Strange Situation Test" and a salival cortisol sampling, the researchers looked at 50 dog/human groups, and found that aged dogs cope less efficiently with emotional distress. READ MORE

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Survey of Vegans 2013, The Results
Undertaken by independent researcher M. Butterflies Katz, this survey of over 7,000 people was conducted through vegan Facebook groups over a period of 2.5 months in 2013. It examines a broad range of aspects associated with veganism, exploring everything from whether or not respondents had epiphanies, to whether they feed their companion animals a vegan diet. The results of the study give an interesting snapshot of English-speaking vegans located around the world. READ MORE

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Despite Esteem for Science, Public at Odds with Scientists on Major Issues
The Pew Research Center is taking a close look at the real and perceived role of science in the eyes of the American public and policy-makers. In a study of both the scientific community and a broad cross section of the public, Pew examined how Americans view science in relation to their own lives and public policy, in addition to investigating how scientists see themselves as agents of influence in American life. Of special interest to animal advocates is a considerably large difference in how both groups view animal research issues as well as certain matters related to food. READ MORE

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Repugnance as a Constraint on Markets
In a unique paper exploring the pressure of "repugnance" on economic markets, researcher Alvin E. Roth shows how people's distaste for certain transactions can have a serious constraint on different types of economic activity. Outlining a wide range of examples, including paying for organ transplants, the "game" of "dwarf tossing," and the sale and consumption of horse and dog meat, Roth shows how repugnance is culturally engrained and can sometimes change over time given certain circumstances, or become further entrenched. The paper offers interesting theoretical information for animal advocates who work on issues where "repugnance" may feature. READ MORE

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Challenges and Supports for Vegetarians
The Toronto Vegetarian Association (TVA) surveyed current and former vegetarians and vegans to better understand the challenges they face in their dietary choices, and see what kind of support would help them the most. This online survey of over 1000 people discovered that both current and former vegetarians and vegans found that "eating out" and "getting enough nutrients" were central challenges. In addition, the best supports that could be offered were cheaper vegetarian and vegan food and giving "suggestions for eating out". None of the support mechanisms identified addressed the issue of nutrients. READ MORE

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Underlying Differences Between Conscientious Omnivores and Vegetarians in the Evaluation of Meat and Animals
As the consumption of so-called "ethically produced meat" continues to rise, the differences between "Conscientious Omnivores" (COs) and vegetarians / vegans (known together here as veg*ns) becomes increasingly useful to animal advocates. This study surveyed a variety of COs and veg*ns, to find out how they view themselves, animals, and meat. The results show that there are significant ethical differences between COs and veg*ns, especially when it comes to self-identity, and how they view animals in relation to themselves. READ MORE

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Proper Names and the Social Construction of Biography: The Negative Case of Laboratory Animals
In this piece, Mary T. Phillips explores the importance of providing names and a narrative for animals used in research, as a way of forming ethical relationships. Because lab animals are so often only identified by a number, or another identifier which are not "names" per se, they demonstrate a "negative case" enabling lab workers to distance themselves from the animals' situation. Phillips deconstructs the category of "laboratory animal," and provides some comparisons to our treatment of companion animals that could be useful for research animal advocates. READ MORE

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Pay Per Read Study Results
This study from Vegan Outreach compares the impact of two pro-veg pamphlets in order to measure the effectiveness of paying people to read outreach literature. In addition to seeing how much people changed their behavior based on being exposed to the different leaflets, the study also measured how much money (in the form of pay-per-read payments) might be required to effect pro-veg behavior change per person. The results provide insight into the effectiveness of different literature, as well as the kind of budgeting that might be useful for pay-per-read outreach programs. READ MORE
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