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The use of gaze to study cognition: limitations, solutions, and applications to animal welfare

Wilson, Vanessa A.D.; Bethell, Emily J.; Nawroth, Christian

Authors

Emily J. Bethell

Christian Nawroth



Abstract

The study of gaze responses, typically using looking time paradigms, has become a popular approach to improving our understanding of cognitive processes in non-verbal individuals. Our interpretation of data derived from these paradigms, however, is constrained by how we conceptually and methodologically approach these problems. In this perspective paper, we outline the application of gaze studies in comparative cognitive and behavioral research and highlight current limitations in the interpretation of commonly used paradigms. Further, we propose potential solutions, including improvements to current experimental approaches, as well as broad-scale benefits of technology and collaboration. Finally, we outline the potential benefits of studying gaze responses from an animal welfare perspective. We advocate the implementation of these proposals across the field of animal behavior and cognition to aid experimental validity, and further advance our knowledge on a variety of cognitive processes and welfare outcomes.

Citation

Wilson, V. A., Bethell, E. J., & Nawroth, C. (2023). The use of gaze to study cognition: limitations, solutions, and applications to animal welfare. Frontiers in Psychology, 14, Article 1147278. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1147278

Journal Article Type Article
Acceptance Date Apr 17, 2023
Online Publication Date May 2, 2023
Publication Date May 2, 2023
Deposit Date Sep 18, 2024
Publicly Available Date Sep 24, 2024
Journal Frontiers in Psychology
Electronic ISSN 1664-1078
Publisher Frontiers Media
Peer Reviewed Peer Reviewed
Volume 14
Article Number 1147278
DOI https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1147278
Keywords Looking time; Attention; Visual bias; Animal behavior; Social cognition; Methodology; Study design; Welfare indicators
Public URL https://hull-repository.worktribe.com/output/4832536

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Publisher Licence URL
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0

Copyright Statement
Copyright © 2023 Wilson, Bethell and Nawroth. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (CC BY). The use, distribution or reproduction in other forums is permitted, provided the original author(s) and the copyright owner(s) are credited and that the original publication in this journal is cited, in accordance with accepted academic practice. No use, distribution or reproduction is permitted which does not comply with these terms.




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