Project 7 Outline: Bridging the Human-Animal Divide: Applying Intergroup Relations Theory to Animal Behaviour Communication

Supervisor(s)

Dr Anna Stefaniak, Dr Sam Pehrson, Dr Manon Schweinfurth (Psychology & Neuroscience)

Project description

This project sits at the cutting edge of social psychology and animal behaviour, tackling a fundamental and consequential bias: the tendency for humans to downplay animals’ cognitive and emotional capacities, particularly in less “appealing” species. Despite strong evidence that many animals possess rich mental lives, these misconceptions persist and they matter. Perceiving animals as fundamentally different from humans is linked to reduced empathy and greater acceptance of their mistreatment, whereas recognising similarities can foster moral concern and support for animal welfare.

Focusing on rats, an intelligent yet often stigmatised species, this project addresses a striking gap in current research. Rats play central roles in science and society, yet they are rarely studied in the context of human–animal perception. Their negative reputation makes them an ideal test case for understanding how attitudes can be shifted.

The project will experimentally investigate how different forms of science communication shape perceptions of animal minds and influence attitudes and behavioural intentions toward animals. A central focus is to determine which communication modalities (such as text, audio, and video) most effectively convey evidence of animals’ cognitive and emotional capacities. By moving beyond traditional, text-based approaches, the research examines whether more immersive and engaging formats can foster stronger emotional responses, increase perceived similarity between humans and other animals, and ultimately promote greater concern for their welfare.

In addition, the project explores the role of indirect interspecies contact in reducing perceived boundaries between humans and animals. Specifically, it investigates whether exposure to positive human–animal interactions can enhance the impact of communicated scientific evidence, making animals appear more relatable and psychologically similar to humans. Drawing on theories of intergroup relations, the research aims to understand how observing such interactions may reshape attitudes and encourage more compassionate behavioural intentions.

This is a challenging, interdisciplinary project that combines experimental design, psychological theory, and real-world ethical implications. It offers an opportunity to contribute to a growing field with direct relevance to how society understands, and treats, other animals.

Skills & Requirements

We seek a highly motivated candidate with a good undergraduate degree in psychology, animal behaviour/cognition/welfare, or a related discipline (e.g. 2.1 in the UK system; equivalent entry requirements for overseas qualifications can be found here). The ideal candidate will have some experience with data analysis software (e.g., SPSS, R); knowledge and experience with survey-based data collections methods is desirable.

Relevant References

  1. Amiot, C. E., & Bastian, B. (2015). Toward a psychology of human–animal relations. Psychological Bulletin, 141(1), 6–47. https://doi.org/10.1037/a0038147
  2. Ben-Ami Bartal, I., Decety, J., & Mason, P. (2011). Empathy and pro-social behavior in rats. Science, 334, 1427–1430. https://doi.org/10.1126/science.1210789
  3. Dhont, K., Hodson, G., Loughnan, S., & Amiot, C. E. (2019). Rethinking human-animal relations: The critical role of social psychology. Group Processes & Intergroup Relations, 22(6), 769–784. https://doi.org/10.1177/1368430219864455
  4. LaFollette, M. R., O’Haire, M. E., Cloutier, S., Blankenberger, W. B., & Gaskill, B. N. (2017). Rat tickling: A systematic re-view of applications, outcomes, and moderators. PLoS ONE, 12(4), 0175320. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0175320
  5. Leach, S., Sutton, R. M., Dhont, K., Douglas, K. M., & Bergström, Z. M. (2023). Changing minds about minds: Evidence that people are too sceptical about animal sentience. Cognition, 230, 105263. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cognition.2022.105263

Further details and application process

This project has been awarded IBANS Research Bursary of £1000 for research expenses. If you are planning to apply for this project, first contact the supervisors, Dr Anna Stefaniak ([email protected]), Dr Sam Pehrson ([email protected]) or Dr Manon Schweinfurth ([email protected]) to discuss eligibility and obtain approval. Once an agreement is reached, you can proceed to submit your formal application.

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