Guest guest Posted October 13, 2004 Report Share Posted October 13, 2004  EMPATHY LEVELS & ATTITUDE TO ANIMALS QUESTIONNAIRE Dear Participant, We are conducting a series of studies which looks at links between attitudes to animals and attitudes to people. This started because we thought there might be a link between empathy levels and attitudes to animals. The data we have gathered so far (in a student population and in a community sample) supports this. We therefore wanted to see if there was anything significantly different within those working for animal protection. The idea behind this is that if people who have favourable attitudes to animals do have better levels of empathy (which seems to be the case) then we can start to address how empathy levels in those with problematic and/or violent behaviour can be addressed. One of the potential ways is through humane education which has been shown to increase empathy levels and has the added benefit of informing people about animal welfare issues. We therefore need members of the animal protection community (in whatever capacity) to complete and return the following, very short, questionnaire. Please consider contributing to this project by filling out the attached questionnaire and returning it to animalsurvey Additionally please feel free to forward this to anyone who works within animal protection who may also be interested in taking part. Participation in this research is voluntary, if at any point you wish to withdraw from this research you may do so. If you decide, after completing the questionnaire and submitting it that you no longer want to have your answers included in the research please contact the principal researchers and your questionnaire will be removed and destroyed with no questions asked. The researchers may use the data generated from the questionnaire to publish at least one refereed journal article looking at relations between human empathy levels and attitudes towards animals however your contribution will remain anonymous at all times. If you do not feel comfortable with this you may withdraw from the research. Thank you for your time. Please return completed questionnaires to the following email address: animalsurvey If you have any queries please contact the project researchers at the above email address. Please contact Central Queensland University’s Office of Research (+61 7 4923 2607) should there be any concerns about the nature and/or conduct of this research project If you experience any problems please contact the researchers at animalsurvey Thank you for your time. EMPATHY LEVELS & ATTITUDE TO ANIMALS QUESTIONNAIRE Please provide the following information: Age (in years) Gender: Nationality Current Country of Residence Do you currently live with any companion animals? As a child were you raised with companion animals? In what capacity do you work for animals (e.g. animal welfare scientist; animal shelter worker; animal rights advocate) Please indicate where you believe you fit on the following scales by clicking on the relevant box: Philosophical beliefs about animal welfare/rights: (with 1 being a belief in animal welfare (e.g., improving the lives of farm animals) through to 5 being a belief in animal rights (e.g., humans do not have the right to use animals at all). 1 2 3 4 5 Practical activities you undertake and/or support in the name of animal protection, if applicable: (1 being a low level of activity (e.g., occasional letter writing) through to 5 being a belief in the need for direct action to liberate animals) 1 2 3 4 5 Thank you. Listed below are statements regarding animals. As above please circle the appropriate number that indicates the extent to which you agree with the statement. STATEMENTS This statement describes my opinion well … STRONGLY DISAGREE DISAGREE UNDECIDED AGREE STRONGLY AGREE It is morally wrong to hunt wild animals for sport. I do not think that there is anything wrong with using animals in medical research. There should be extremely stiff penalties including jail sentences for people who participate in dog-fighting. Wild animals should not be trapped and their skins made into fur coats There is nothing morally wrong with hunting wild animals for food. I think people who object to raising animals for meat are too sentimental Much of the scientific research done with animals is unnecessary and cruel. I think it is perfectly acceptable for cattle to be raised for human consumption. Basically, humans have the right to use animals as they see fit. The slaughter of whales and dolphins should be immediately stopped even if it means some people will be put out of work. I sometimes get upset when I see wild animals in cages at zoos. STATEMENTS This statement describes my opinion well … STRONGLY DISAGREE DISAGREE UNDECIDED AGREE STRONGLY AGREE In general, I think that human economic gain is more important than setting aside more land for wildlife. Too much fuss is made over the welfare of animals these days when there are many human problems that need to be solved. Breeding animals for their skins is a legitimate use of animals Some aspects of biology can only be learned through dissecting preserved animals such as cats. Continued research with animals will be necessary if we are ever to conquer diseases such as cancer, heart disease and AIDS. It is unethical to breed purebred dogs for pets when millions of dogs are killed in animal shelters yearly. The production of inexpensive meat, eggs and dairy products justifies maintaining animals under crowded conditions. The use of animals such as rabbits for testing the safety of cosmetics and household products is unnecessary and should be stopped. The use of animals in rodeos and circuses is cruel. The following statements inquire about your thoughts and feelings in a variety of situations. For each item, indicate how well it describes you by choosing the appropriate number on the scale at the top of the page. When you have decided on your answer please circle the appropriate number. READ EACH ITEM CAREFULLY BEFORE RESPONDING. Please answer as honestly as you can. STATEMENTS This statement describes me well … STRONGLY DISAGREE DISAGREE UNDECIDED AGREE STRONGLY AGREE I often have tender, concerned feelings for people less fortunate than me. I sometimes find it difficult to see things from the “other guy’s†point of view Sometimes I don't feel very sorry for other people when they are having problems I try to look at everybody's side of a disagreement before I make a decision. When I see someone being taken advantage of, I feel kind of protective towards them. I sometimes try to understand my friends better by imagining how things look from their perspective. Other people's misfortunes do not usually disturb me a great deal. If I'm sure I'm right about something, I don't waste much time listening to other people's arguments. When I see someone being treated unfairly, I sometimes don't feel very much pity for them. I am often quite touched by things that I see happen. I believe that there are two sides to every question and try to look at them both. STATEMENTS This statement describes me well … STRONGLY DISAGREE DISAGREE UNDECIDED AGREE STRONGLY AGREE I would describe myself as a pretty soft-hearted person. When I'm upset at someone, I usually try to "put myself in his shoes" for a while. Before criticizing somebody, I try to imagine how I would feel if I were in their place. Thank you for completing this questionnaire. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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