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PSYC 100B CTT Sample Response
Critical Thinking Topics Sample Response
For critical thinking topics each question is different so there are many different approaches to
take. Below is just one example of how you might approach a question. We have annotated it to
highlight some of the key details.
Question answered: Does a dog’s mind make attributions about the behaviour of either other
dogs, of humans, or both?
Horowitz (2008) studied how dogs use visual and auditory communicative cues when
conducting themselves around and with other dogs. Over a 21-month period, unleashed,
natural, canid interactions were filmed between 4 and 6 pm at Orpheus Park in California, USA
for frame-by-frame post analysis. Researchers looked for interaction signals to form a
rudimentary understanding of how dogs process such events. The environment remained
uncontrolled; dogs and humans passed freely by the subject dogs. At any given time, there
were typically 20-40 filmable dogs at the park. In total, 200 interaction episodes were filmed.
The filmed subjects ranged in age from 0.4 to 12 years old and were of various breeds.
Differences in breed and age were assumed to be partially attributable to the individuality of a
dog’s response; however, these variables were not controlled for. Behaviours were categorized
into play and/or attention-getting signals to study the process of dogs’ observation, action
interpretation, and personal action when communicating.
Canines are aware of the need for strong visual attention of their audience to communicate well;
they also pay close attention to the head and body position, posture, and mannerisms of their
potential partner (Horowitz, 2008). Like chimpanzees who are known to have a more developed
mind compared to other animals, dogs are perceptive to attentional and playful cues of the
recipient. In the study by Horowitz (2008), the studied dogs were determined to be highly
adaptive toward social cognitive tasks, and were unusually skilful at communicating through the
generation and interpretation of auditory signals and visual cues. Possibly because of
domestication, dogs perceive differences in vocalization, gestures, and tone better than many
species (Horowitz, 2008; Udell et al., 2010).
Canids use visual and auditory attention cues to signal requests for play and other interactions.
They generally follow a cognitional ordered sequence of actions; they attempt to apply attention-
getting cues followed by initiating-cues for play or for other interactions (Horowitz, 2008).
However, it would be inaccurate to say all dogs are equally proficient at gaining attention as one
scene demonstrated a dog repeatedly barking to an uninterested play partner. Although the dog
in this episode misinterpreted the behaviour of the other dog, it demonstrated a capacity to learn
as it continued in socialization with other dogs. In general, most dogs showed a sensitivity and
understanding of the behaviour and communication of their partner (Horowitz, 2008).
Horowitz (2008) determined that dogs choose their type of attention-getting actions based on
their analysis and interpretation of the others’ reactions. The studied dogs were observed to
analyze their partners head direction and gaze, and to respond with various follow-on actions
including a bite, paw, bow, approach, nose touch, bump, or retreat to further engage the other
dog. The intensity and extent to which the dogs carried out these actions varied greatly based
on the dogs’ perceived best means to communicate with their partner. Attention getting cues,
based on my own personal experience with my two litter-mate dogs are certainly individualistic.
One dog will bark to gain attention, while the other almost always prefers to make eye contact or
jump up.
Commented [LC1]: Reference summary was clear,
summarized, and written in own words. Described what
researchers were looking at and methods here. Source of
reference for the research summary is a scholarly article
published in the last 15 years.
Commented [LC2]: In-text citation #1: At the end of a
sentence, put author’s surname followed by a comma and
then the year all in parentheses.
Commented [LC3]: Example of multiple references
between parentheses. It should be in alphabetical order
separated by a semi-colon. If there are three or more
authors, use the first author’s surname and then “et al.”
followed by a comma and then the year.
Commented [LC4]: Reference summary includes results
and interpretation
Commented [LC5]: In-text citation APA: At the beginning of
the sentence use the author’s surname (last name) without
any suffixes (e.g., Jr.) followed by the year of the publication
in parentheses.
PSYC 100B CTT Sample Response
Although not directly studied in this paper, Horowitz (2008) referenced other works that support
the concept of canine cognitional recognition of attentional states and visual cues of and toward
humans. Ultimately, Horowitz inferred that dogs use patterned indications of attention and
playfulness to guide their actions. Through this research conducted by Horowitz, a preliminary
understanding of behavioural attribution in dogs is revealed. Further research focusing on
interaction versus action delay and type would provide an even fuller understanding of dogs’
cognitive and social behaviours.
References
Horowitz, A. (2009). Attention to attention in domestic dog (Canis familiaris) dyadic play. Animal
Cognition, 12(1), 107-118. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10071-008- 0175-y
Udell, M. A. R., Dorey, N. R., & Wynne, C. D. L. (2010). What did domestication do to dogs? A
new account of dogs' sensitivity to human actions. Biological Reviews, 85(2), 327- 345.
https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1469-185X.2009.00104.x
Commented [LC6]: Answered the question that was posed
and provided insights into the research study/question.
Commented [LC7]: No or almost no mistakes in grammar
and/or spelling
Commented [LC8]: References in APA format and include a
link to the reference (doi). The word “Reference” is bold and
centered.
Commented [LC9]: Source of reference for the research
summary is a scholarly article published in the last 15 years
Commented [LC10]: Title in sentence case
Commented [LC11]: Italicized journal and volume number.