Research has shown that we have a bias in assuming goodwill in dogs and other people.
The Independent writes that although we think we understand the behavior of other people and animals well, research has shown that we are very biased when it comes to recognizing aggression.
A group of scientists from the Max Planck Institute in Germany decided to focus in a new study on how people interpret signals in social situations. The ability to determine whether another person or animal is happy or aggressive has a huge evolutionary advantage. But it seems we’re doing it worse than we thought.
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The new study included 92 adults, they were divided into two groups. Both groups were asked to watch a series of videos showing the onset of nonverbal interactions between animals and humans. The videos showed interactions between two people, two pet dogs, and two Barbary macaques.
After watching short videos, the first group of participants were asked to classify the interaction as aggressive, neutral, or playful, and the second group was asked to guess the outcome of three possible options. Note that all videos are paused before interaction begins, and recipients base their assumptions on body posture and facial expressions.
Curiously, those surveyed luckily outperformed the scientists in both tasks. However, they were unable to read the information when assessing aggressive interactions in humans and dogs. Thus, while 70% of respondents accurately described game interactions, buyers were particularly bad at predicting the consequences of aggressive interactions in humans.
Scientists have discovered that humans can bias goodwill in other humans and dogs, and this seems to interfere with recognition of aggressive interactions.
The researchers suggest that the results of their study could significantly reduce dog bites. Scientists note that we are pretty good at classifying and predicting social situations involving humans, dogs, and monkeys, but it all depends on context. Surprisingly, we still underestimate aggression in dogs. Researchers suggest that pet owners should spend more time studying dog behavior to reduce the amount of aggressive interaction.
Previously Focus He wrote that scientists discovered an unusual ability in dogs – they reproached their owners for stupidity.
Source: Focus
Ashley Fitzgerald is an accomplished journalist in the field of technology. She currently works as a writer at 24 news breaker. With a deep understanding of the latest technology developments, Ashley’s writing provides readers with insightful analysis and unique perspectives on the industry.