Why do animals behave certain ways? In this ongoing class, we will discuss the psychology of animals, or comparative psychology. Comparative psychology is the scientific study of the behavior and mental processes of non-human animals. 

Here's how the class will be structured. During the first half of class, I will explain a research article from a scientific journal. During the second half of class, we will discuss the article using guided discussion questions. Learners will have the opportunity to ask questions and share their thoughts about the research.

Learners are welcome to join and leave at any time. I will continually update our schedule below.

Week of August 26th: Facing Danger: Exploring Personality and Reactions of European Hedgehogs (Erinaceus europaeus) towards Robotic Lawn Mowers 

Week of September 2nd: Investigating the relationship between physical cognitive tasks and a social cognitive task in a wild bird

Week of September 9th: Trained quantity discrimination in the invasive red-eared slider and a comparison with the native stripe-necked turtle

Week of September 16th: Social learning about construction behavior via an artefact

Week of September 23rd: Pitch affects human (Homo sapiens) perception of emotional arousal from diverse animal calls

Week of September 30th: Feline Encounters Down Under: Investigating the Activity of Cats and Native Wildlife at Sydney’s North Head