Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 7, 2026
26:41
Perspectives on Neuroscience
Published on: July 31, 2007
5.3K
Animal emotion: Descriptive and prescriptive definitions and their implications for a comparative perspective.
Elizabeth S Paul1, Michael T Mendl1
1School of Veterinary Sciences, University of Bristol, Langford House, Langford, Bristol, BS40 5DU, UK.
Applied Animal Behaviour Science
|August 7, 2018
Summary
Defining animal emotion is complex, with ongoing debate. This study distinguishes descriptive and prescriptive definitions, revealing how different definitions map to varying animal emotional capacities for a new comparative science.
Area of Science:
- Comparative psychology
- Animal behavior
- Neuroscience
Background:
- Growing research interest in animal emotion.
- Lack of consensus on defining "emotion" for non-human species.
- Need for clear definitions to advance scientific study.
Purpose of the Study:
- To distinguish between descriptive and prescriptive definitions of emotion.
- To explore how different definitions apply to animal emotional capacities.
- To establish a framework for a comparative science of animal emotion.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of existing definitions of emotion.
- Categorization into descriptive and prescriptive types.
- Examination of how these definitions align with observed animal processes.
Main Results:
- Descriptive definitions reflect everyday usage of "emotion."
- Prescriptive definitions identify phenomena for scientific explanation.
- Different definitions correspond to distinct biological and cognitive processes across species.
Conclusions:
- The proposed definitions offer a structured approach to studying animal emotion.
- This framework facilitates comparative analysis of emotional capacities in diverse animals.
- Supports the development of a robust, comparative science of emotion.
Related Concept Videos
01:02Prescription, Nonprescription and Orphan Drugs
1.3K
Prescription drugs require a prescription from a medical practitioner and can only be obtained from a pharmacy. They have many applications, including treating pain, anxiety, and hypertension.
The misuse and addiction to prescription drugs is a growing problem that can affect people of all age groups, specifically teenagers. This can happen when prescription medications are used in ways not intended by the prescriber, such as taking someone else's prescription or using medication for...
The misuse and addiction to prescription drugs is a growing problem that can affect people of all age groups, specifically teenagers. This can happen when prescription medications are used in ways not intended by the prescriber, such as taking someone else's prescription or using medication for...
1.3K
01:29Definite Integral
78
Consider a real-valued function defined on a closed interval. One of the fundamental objectives in calculus is to determine the area under the graph of such a function. When an exact computation is not readily available, this area can be estimated by dividing the interval into a finite number of equal subintervals. Each subinterval corresponds to a rectangle whose width is the length of the subinterval and whose height is determined by the value of the function at a selected point within that...
78
01:20Physiology of Emotion
3.4K
The physiology of emotions is a multifaceted process involving the autonomic nervous system, brain structures, hormones, and neurotransmitters. This intricate interplay dictates how emotions manifest in the body and influence behavior.
Autonomic Nervous System
The autonomic nervous system (ANS) plays a critical role in emotional responses by regulating involuntary physiological functions. It consists of two main components: the sympathetic and parasympathetic systems. The sympathetic system...
Autonomic Nervous System
The autonomic nervous system (ANS) plays a critical role in emotional responses by regulating involuntary physiological functions. It consists of two main components: the sympathetic and parasympathetic systems. The sympathetic system...
3.4K
01:26Emotional Expression
1.1K
Emotional expression encompasses how individuals convey their emotions through verbal communication and non-verbal cues. These non-verbal actions include facial expressions, body language, and physical gestures, such as frowning or smiling. Among these, facial expressions play a crucial role in emotional expression and are understood universally, indicating a biological basis for how humans communicate emotions.
Universal Facial Expressions
Psychologist Paul Ekman identified seven basic...
Universal Facial Expressions
Psychologist Paul Ekman identified seven basic...
1.1K
01:27Psychodynamic Perspectives on Personality
1.6K
The psychodynamic perspective in psychology asserts that most personality functions operate unconsciously, outside of awareness. This means that the motives and emotions driving behavior often remain hidden, automatically buried in the unconscious mind as a defense mechanism to shield us from psychological distress. According to this theory, the unconscious mind contains thoughts, memories, and emotions that are too disturbing to face directly.
Psychodynamic theorists argue that unconscious...
Psychodynamic theorists argue that unconscious...
1.6K
01:26Definition of z-Transform
1.6K
The z-transform is a powerful mathematical tool used in the analysis of discrete-time signals and systems. It is an essential analytical tool, analogous to the Laplace transform used in continuous-time systems. It plays a crucial role in the analysis of signals and systems, complementing the discrete-time Fourier transform. Both the z-transform and the Laplace transform convert differential or difference equations into algebraic equations, simplifying the process of solving complex problems.
1.6K