Most of us learned about group experimental research in our middle school years. You know the one – there is a treatment group and a control group and after the treatment is delivered to the first group, group means are compared in an attempt to measure the effect of the treatment. This methodology is suited to questions about averages and probabilities for example, the average lifespan of a particular breed of dog.
Some of us learned about single subject experimental research designs (SSD). You may have heard of reversal or multiple baseline designs. SSDs are especially suited to understanding and improving the behavior of an individual across different conditions, i.e., baseline measures compared to intervention phases. These designs are important for tracking and dynamically tweaking training interventions.
For example, we could measure the baseline rate of a particular dog jumping on visitors and then measure the rate again when “4 feet on the floor” is reinforced with praise and a toy.
The feature that makes both of these methodologies “experimental” is that there is treatment variable, or intervention, that is systematically manipulated and the effects of that manipulation is quantified in some way.
A perhaps less well known research methodology in the social sciences, but equally important, is called qualitative research. Qualitative research is not experimental. Rather, “Qualitative researchers seek to make sense of personal stories and the ways in which they intersect” (Glesne & Peshkin, 1992). You can see how this methodology is well suited to questions for which personal experience is the most important information we seek, such as the detriments of a lifetime of the lack of diversity, inclusion and equity.
This is the methodology that Dr. Katherina Alvarez used in her study, “The Reality of Being a Black, Indigenous, and Global Majority Dog Professional.” With each deep interview, we are given the opportunity to gain insight into what it feels like to be another person and to understand the world as another experiences it.
For additional information about the contributions of the qualitative research paradigm as researchers seek to improve the quality of life for all learners, see https://researchbasics.education.uconn.edu/qualitative_research/ and https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4275140/#:~:text=Qualitative%20research%20involves%20asking%20participants,world%20as%20another%20experiences%20it.
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About Susan Friedman, PhD, Psychology Professor Emeritus at Utah State University of BehaviorWorks
Susan pioneered the application of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) to captive and companion animals. ABA, with its roots in human learning, offers a scientifically sound teaching technology and ethical standard that can improve the lives of all learners.
She has written chapters on learning and behavior for three veterinary texts (Behavior of Exotic Pets, Clinical Avian Medicine, and Manual of Parrot Behavior), and is a frequent contributor to popular magazines. Her articles appear around the world in eleven languages. Susan has presented seminars for a wide variety of professional organizations around the world such as the Association of Avian Veterinarians, the European Association of Zoos and Aquaria, Moorpark College Exotic Animal Training and Management program, and NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center.
She has been nominated for the Media Award given by the International Association of Behavior Analysis for her efforts to disseminate to pet owners, veterinarians, animal trainers and zookeepers the essential tools they need to empower and enrich the lives of the animals in their care.
Susan also teaches Why Animals Need Trainers Who Adhere to the Least Intrusive Principle in the Grisha Stewart Academy