FAGEN ET AL (methods, Procedure) Flashcards
What is the aim of the study?
To investigate whether SPR techniques could be effective in training (free-contact) elephants in Nepal.
What was the research method used?
Controlled observation
Structured observation
What is a controlled observation?
the social/physical environment has been manipulated by researchers
What is a structured observation?
The observer records a limited range of behaviours
Why is Fagen’a study a controlled observation?
The elephants behaviour was observed in captive controlled environment
Why is Fagen’a study a structured observation?
Researchers observed the elephants behaviour in response to SPECIFIC stimuli.
Behavioural checklist was used to record the elephants responses as a % pass
Why was a behavioural checklist used generally?
To record the elephants responses as a % pass
How much elephants were in the sample?
5
Describe the sample
5 female elephants
4 juveniles(born into captivity)/ 1 adult
Traditionally trained. No experience of SPR
Free contact with mahouts
How old were the juvenile elephants?
5-7 years old
How old was the adult elephant?
50s
Why were these specific elephants chosen?
- Docile
- Not pregnant
- Notlooking after a calf
- Their manhouts were willing to participate in the study.
Describe the daily routine of the elephants?
Spent most of the day grazing in the jungle (under mahout control). Spent the rest of the day leg-chained in a a stable with freedom to move 6-8 feet.
Describe the elephants diet during the study
Fresh grasses, grain, nutritional supplements. Access to water at the river. (During grazing hours)
