Article Review 3

Thinking About the Article/Abstract
This is a unique article with a fairly original subject that deals with the parallel between human and canine personalities. Considerable forethought and planning was implemented within this study. Although this was a distinctive inquiry the authors used methodical and logical approaches to deal with the subject matter. By understanding the nuances of human and canine personality we can create an outline for future cross-species studies.
This study questions the exclusivity of personality traits to homo sapiens. By devloping this idea further Gosling (in Gosling, Kwan, & John, 2003) uncovered similarities between humans and canines that may lead to future studies that could generalize to a more broad collective of animals.

Theory Author Used
Gosling, et al, generously use bits of the attribution theory that Fritz Heider first came up with in 1958 (Williams, 2003) to explain that canines do in fact have personalities similar to that of humans. Previously researchers either believed or disbelieved that animals could have personality, and now this study gives people the facts they need to reach a more informed opinion.
Social learning theory developed by Albert Bandura in 1970 (Liebert & Spiegler, 1990, p.451) cannot be ignored within this article due to its reliance on interaction and base communication between dogs and their owners.

Purpose of the Study
The purpose of this study is to uncover the possibility that personality is not restricted to human beings and can be measured within other species as well. If animals have unique personalities then there is the potential to influence research in genetics, the development of species in general, and even interspecies communication.

HQ or Research Question(s)
Evolutionary continuity includes personality traits within animals and is not limited to humans.

Population or Sample
The population used within this study included 78 canine owners, over 50 of which were women, and the domesticated dogs of those owners, half of which were female. The owners were people who agreed to rate the personality of their dogs as well as their own. Also involved in the study were third party observer/raters that were familiar with the owners and canines. Information concerning the age and sex of the dogs were submitted by their owners. The canines also had to be able to perform normal dog activities and travel with a minimal amount of complications.

Instruments or Measures Used
Care was expressed among the instruments within this study to ensure precise results by checking the three conditions used for accuracy "internal consistency, consensus, and correspendence" (Gosling, et al., p.1162). These criteria are commonly used to judge human personality (Gosling, et al.). By utilizing a reasonable method for collecting data (judgments made by well-acquainted individuals) a valuable point of reference was obtained and the study was able to begin.
A five factor model generally employed with humans was modified into a four factor model for this study. By dropping one personality trait (conscienciousness) that did not appear to be evident or measurable within the canine personality researchers could effectively draw parallels between humans and dogs. According to Gosling, et al, "these four dimensions represent canine analogs of four of the five human FFM factors: Energy (analogous to human Extraversion), Affection (analogous to human Agreeableness), Emotional reactivity (analogous to human Neuroticism), and Intelligence (analogous to human Openness/Intellect)" (p. 1163). The alpha that was reported for the owners averaged .82 and peers .85. These numbers demonstrate better than average internal consistencies for both humans and dogs.

Procedures Used to Conduct Study
Several beneficial procedures were used within this study. Dog and owner recruitment was performed to gain participants. Multiple level observations were made before and during the dogs performances of routine tasks by three independent raters who were unfamiliar with the canines. Multiple question surveys were filled out by owners and peers to determine consistency of personality judgments and these surveys were analyzed by researchers. Researchers requested that owners predict responses and then elicit specific tasks from the target animals. Control for variables was also considered by including a section of the study that dealt with perceptions and judgments that are possibly precipitated solely on prejudices concerning specific dog breeds.

Research Design Used
Research design within this study was clearly noted by Gosling, et al, in 2003 "A cross-species comparative approach . . .In a single design, parallel procedures and instruments were used in 2 species, dogs and humans, to test whether personality differences exist and can be judged in dogs as accurately as in humans" (p.1161).

Data Collection Methods
Detailed personality surveys were distributed among pet owners and peers requesting qualitative data regarding pets and owners. Two types of observers - those familiar or unfamiliar with the pets commented on the canines personality traits.

Findings or Outcomes
On the whole, this study determined that consensus, internal consistency and correspondence were all as accurate for canines as they were for humans. When taken as a whole, this highlights the presence of canine personality traits. Personality traits can and do exist in dogs and are likely to be generalizable to other species as well.

Application of Methodology in Other Studies
Similarities between amenities in airplanes and motor vehicles could be determined in creating a merge between the two. Cross-"species" parallels could be drawn between seat comfort, audio options, visual stimulation, availability, cost, and many other items so that we may create a vehicle that offers the best of both worlds.

References

American Psychological Association. (1999). Publication manual (3rd ed.).
Washington, DC: American Psychological Association.

Gosling, Samuel D., Kwan, Virginia S. Y., & John, Oliver P. (2003). A dog's got personality: a cross-species comparative approach to personality judgments in dogs and humans. Journal of personality and social psychology, 85 (6). Washington, DC: American Psychological Association.

Liebert, Robert M., Spiegler, Michael D. (1990). Personality strategies and issues (6th ed.) Pacific Grove, California: Brooks/Cole Publishing Company

Williams, Dan. (2003). Attribution theory. [On-line]. Available: http://www.peaceandhealing.com/attribution.asp Retrieved October 18, 2004

Measures

Three accuracy criteria used as a measurement tool for this study: "To estimate consensus between the owner and an independent judge, we obtained judgments of the dogs by a second person a familiar with the target animals ( a peer). Internal consistency was studied in the judgments of both informants (owners and peers). Finally, we tested the correspondence of the owner's judgments by comparing them with the doe's behavior rated by independent observers in a local dog park." (Gosling, p. 1162)

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