The Effects of Touching Dolphins on Children's Acquisition of Attitude and Knowledge

Date of Award

2004

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Bachelors

Department

Social Sciences

First Advisor

Harley, Heidi

Keywords

Dolphins, Attitude, Knowledge, Children, Touch, Hands-On

Area of Concentration

Biological Psychology

Abstract

An increasing interest in environmental education runs parallel to the growing degradation of ecosystems. It is imperative to increase knowledge and influence change in attitudes to preserve the quality of the environment. Thus, the current study examined the influences of hands-on versus no-hands-on exposure to live marine mammals on children�s attitudes, knowledge of animals and knowledge of marine mammals. Children participated in two programs designed to teach children about ocean marine life and our environment through field explorations, classroom lectures, diving/snorkeling trips and outdoor activities. Children in both programs were exposed to live dolphins. Children in one program also received hands-on structured exposure to live bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus). A group of 52 students (25 no-hands-on, 27 hands-on) in grades 3 through 8 took tests designed to measure participants� basic level of knowledge and attitudes toward animals before and after each program. Kellert�s (1985) nine-point typology was used to identify different categories of individuals and their attitudes in relation to animals. In addition, knowledge regarding wildlife, in particular marine mammals, was also measured. Children in both groups learned more about marine mammals, but children in the hands-on condition learned significantly more about marine mammals than did children with no-hands-on exposure. The results of this study suggest that knowledge regarding marine mammals can be influenced effectively as a result of direct experience with animals. Individuals who have a chance to approach and make contact with animals through hands-on exposure display higher levels of knowledge. Therefore, educational programs that emphasize direct contact and experiential involvement with animals are particularly effective.

Rights

This bibliographic record is available under the Creative Commons CC0 public domain dedication. The New College of Florida, as creator of this bibliographic record, has waived all rights to it worldwide under copyright law, including all related and neighboring rights, to the extent allowed by law.

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