Document Type
Thesis
Date of Degree Completion
Spring 2007
Degree Name
Master of Science (MS)
Department
Psychology
Committee Chair
Megan Matheson
Second Committee Member
Terry L. DeVietti
Third Committee Member
Wendy Williams
Abstract
The effects of providing participants with educational information on enrichment as measured by the looking time at and ratings of zoo photographs were examined. One hundred and seventeen participants viewed photographs of zoo exhibits, 10 from each of the following categories: artificial exhibit with artificial enrichment, artificial exhibit with naturalistic enrichment, naturalistic exhibit with naturalistic enrichment, and naturalistic exhibit with artificial enrichment. Participants rated the photographs on exhibit aesthetic appeal, perceived animal happiness, and effectiveness of the enrichment. Pre- and posttest ratings of the importance of zoo roles were also collected. Results showed support for the hypothesis that participants provided with information on enrichment rated photographs more positively overall as compared to participants provided with neutral information. Implications for zoo educational and enrichment programs are discussed.
Recommended Citation
Webb, Elizabeth Marie, "The Public Perception of Enrichment for Captive Animals" (2007). All Master's Theses. 1662.
https://digitalcommons.cwu.edu/etd/1662
Language
English
Included in
Animal Sciences Commons, Animal Studies Commons, Psychology Commons