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Biological importance of oxytocin
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The scientific paper “Oxytocin-gaze positive loop and the coevolution of human-dog bonds” presents the theory that an oxytocin-mediated positive loop that is mediated by gaze exists between humans and dogs, and was coevolved in both species in order to facilitate human-dog bonding. It tests that theory via the performance of two experiments; in the first experiment, they examined whether a dog’s gazing behavior had any effect on the urinary oxytocin concentrations in dogs and their owners during a 30 minute interaction, and also examined hand raised wolves and their trainers in order to test whether any findings were due to possible coevolution, or if it was due to early life experiences with humans. The results of that experiment showed that …show more content…
They found that the intranasal administration of oxytocin increased the gazing behavior of female dogs which in turn significantly increased the oxytocin levels in their owners. Although they found it strange that only female dogs seemed to be effected by the oxytocin administration, they concluded that it likely had to do with the administered oxytocin affecting the male animals differently, causing them to be more vigilant. The paper then concluded that the results of their experiments supported the theory of a self-perpetuating oxytocin-meditated positive loop existing in human-dog relationships caused by …show more content…
The introduction was also well written, and gave a few good examples as to why they felt that a gaze mediated oxytocin positive loop likely coevolved between humans and dogs. The introduction was also good in explaining what oxytocin was, and how it worked. They also stated what a gaze mediated oxytocin positive loop was, and gave a good example of it and how it worked as well. The hypothesis, and what they were testing for was also presented in a precise and orderly manner which made it easy to understand just what they were doing and why. The tables and graphs presented in the paper were also fairly easy to read and understand, and the notes explaining what was represented on the graphs were not hard to understand which also really helped to see just how significant a difference the change in oxytocin levels was for the experiments. The fact that they conducted the first experiment with wolves as well as dogs was also a plus for the paper as it helped to give credence to the theory of the gaze dependent loop being a result of coevolution as the significant oxytocin increase only occurred in the humans and dogs that gazed at each other for a long time. Another strong point of this paper was the way they explained the results, and how they explained that the results help to support their hypothesis. The way they explained the
One of the most famous experiments on attachment was Harlow’s monkey experiments. After watching a video of the monkey experiments the conclusion is that ...
A growing number of studies have attempted to support the theory that cats and dogs differ in their personality attributes. Several common factors have emerged across these studies, such as difference among social behaviours. Higher levels of dominance and hostility have been reported among domestic cats (as cited in Fonberg, 1985). Not surprisingly, domesticated dogs are higher in submissive behaviours (as cited in Marder, 1989). Woodward et al. also reflect upon previously held theories of companion animal attachment that suggest attachment is mediated by the needs of the owner and the characteristics of their pet.
Dieter Freya, Peter Fischer “Man's Best Friend: How the Presence of a Dog Reduces Mental
Readers are informed that the research was never in the intentions of psychology but through Pavlov 's curiosity on the dog’s digestive system. By sham feeding, which actually means the removing of the esophagus to make an opening, the dog would eat but the food would never reach its stomach. According to Todes, the creation of more fistulas, the aberrant connections of organs, allowed Pavlov to obtain various secretions which helped him “measure their quantity and chemical properties in great detail,” With all honesty, the method that was used to obtain such facts was undoubtedly disturbing. However, the contributions that came along with it truly changed the way we study the mind, learning and human
Mirror neurons have been one of the most exciting neurological discoveries in recent years. Some researchers have even gone as far as comparing the discovery of mirror neurons to DNA. Mirror neurons may be analogous to other human sensory systems and some believe that mirror neurons represent their own unique sensory system. Mirror neurons fire when a person or animal performs certain activities as well as when they watch another perform the same activity (Winerman, 2005). Basically, they allow animals and humans to imitate and possibly even learn from others. While the original studies were conducted in monkeys, recent research has extended the theory to humans and other abilities outside of basic motor movements. In this paper, research on mirror neurons in humans, language, and autism will be summarized. In addition, the limitations on this work will be discussed.
Pheromones are natural scents, which play an important role in sexual communication. Animals and humans release masses of biological chemicals in tears, saliva and perspiration. These aromas convey signals relating to mood, status, drive and health to the subconscious awareness of the female. The dominant male will exude more of these biological attractants than his submissive counterpart, consequently he inevitably attracts more females and enjoys more conquests. This philosophy holds well in the animal world, pheromones are consciously detected over considerable distances and serve at times in place of spoken communication. They help animals mark territory, recognize mates, and signal sexual interest. For example, female dogs in heat leave their pheromone and can attract male dogs over a mile away (5).
“Do animals have emotions?” When animal lovers and pet owners are asked this question, the answer is a quick and definite, “Yes!” For others, the answer isn 't so simple. Many of the researchers that had reservations, spent their time wondering what dogs (and other animals) were capable of feeling, or if they were capable of feeling anything at all. Since these researchers were unable to put feelings under a microscope, their research lead no where, and they remained skeptics. To the contrary,Marc Bekoff, author of several books including The Emotional Lives of Animals: A Leading Scientist Explores Animal Joy, Sorrow, and Empathy and Why They Matter, begins his research three decades ago with the question, “What does it feel like to be a
Numerous studies have linked oxytocin with bonding between males and females and between mothers and their offspring (maternal behavior). For example, when scientists injected female prairie voles with oxytocin, the animals practically glued themselves to their new mating partners. These female voles also tended to lick and cuddle more than untreated voles. Finally, after being injected with oxytocin antagonists, the females deserted their partners. Vasopressin is hypothesized to have a similar effect in males, possibly even transforming some men into jealous boyfriends or husbands. Such bonding and attachment characteristics, however, are what caused oxytocin to persist throughout mammalian evolution.
The human perspective of staring, whether it is directly or aversely, is a phenomenon that psychologists have been trying to figure out for decades. Do we notice if someone else is staring at us from a far? What emotions run through our minds if we do feel someone else’s presence among us? Does our behavior change if we figure out someone is staring at us from a distance? The reactions and behaviors of the human mind change with each given circumstance, with each different scenario shedding light on our perceptions. In some cases, there won’t be any change in their behavior. In other cases, a person will behave differently than they normal would, possibly moving faster or even adverting their behavior to reflect or even mask their emotions. This means that a person will consciously change their behavior because of the staring. Numerous variables in which a person is staring, i.e. how far away they are, the intensity of their stare, is directly correlated to how a person will behavior to the staring (Argyle and Dean, 1973). This correlation is seen clearly when the person in the study knows they are being stared at, especially when the person/experimenter is staring directly into their eyes. A person in this situation will more than likely engage in behavior that will gauge how someone else perceives them and then this person will adjust to their other according to that analysis.
For many humans, a pet provides unconditional love and affection. Others feel an overwhelming calming, happy feeling when they are around animals. According to The American Veterinary Medical Association, studies have shown that due to these positive emotions that are stirred, the presence of and interaction with animals can lower heart rates and blood pressure. Animals that meet specific training criteria can become an integral part of a treatment process for a variety of psychological and physiological problems.
Clark, R. E. (2004). The Classical Origins of Pavlov's Conditioning. Integrative Physiological & Behavioral Science, 39(4), 279-294.
In Japan, a new study from Kyoto University has revealed that dogs can sense when someone is being mean to their owners and will hold a grudge against them! Even when the person offers treats or food to the dog, the dog will ignore it because they have declined to help their owners in a positive way. The experiment consisted of three groups of 18 dogs each, who were put into role-playing situation in which their owner needed help opening a box. Two random strangers were introduced into the situation, some of whom helped the owner open the box, while some refused (Dawn). After the box was opened, the dog was offered food by the strangers and was more inclined to accept the offer to those that helped out their owners then those that refused to help. Now if that’s not loyalty, I don’t know what is! The ability to be able to connect with humans emotionally is a key factor to why dogs are better pets then cats. If the dogs were like cats, they would simply take the food for themselves from anyone who offered it, regardless of any emotionally factors. Similarly, history shows that dogs and cats behave differently towards humans. In the past, dogs lived to hunt with their owners and need to know who is their hierarchy. Contrastingly, cats form loose colonies and usually hunt alone (Hartwell). It’s no wonder that this social bond between humans and dogs are completely different then cats.
Jhon B Watson, a behaviorist, conducted an experiment inspired by the Russian psychologist Ivan Pavlov to determinate the classical condition in humans. Little Albert experiment was conducted in a 9 month old baby whom a rat is showed to see his r...
Scientific studies have proven that animals do have certain feelings. Scientists believe that certain brain cells in humans called spindle cells are responsible for an individual's social behavior and the interplay between thoughts and feelings. Moreover, in several studies it has been found that many animals posses this certain cell, however animals do not clearly need this cell to present their feelings. Which means that whether this cell is present or not animals do express feelings. Dogs do not have spindle cells, but they have shown behavior that can suggest a human-like social sense. For example: When dogs have shown that they know how to follow a human's pointed finger to find a food treat. Though, this is an action they reacted to, however this may prove that they do have feelings. It is important to realize, tha...
Have you ever wondered why the sky is blue. Often times I find myself looking up on a clear day, pondering over that question? Why isn’t it green, or red or pink for even that matter. Every day, the human eye blinks more than 23,00 times. The human eye is a complicated organ that performs one of the most important tasks for our body. There are many questions about the eye however. What function do they perform? What happens if we don’t take care of them? How exactly do they work together to help us form images? Exactly how far can they human eye see?