Monkey see, monkey do? An intercultural exploration of the dynamics between humans and non-human primates in a professional animal research setting
This thesis is an exploration of the perceptions of a group of humans in interaction with a group of non-human primates in a professional animal research setting. The study is a novel investigation in the field of intercultural relations, exploring the values and beliefs of a group of research employees, and the intercultural competence and sensitivity these employees model in their interactions with the animals they work with. A focus group was conducted at the Oregon National Primate Research Center and 8 individuals working with non-human primates were interviewed. They were asked a series of 15 open-ended questions in order to explore their identification and appreciation of cultural differences, as well as their general strategies for adapting to cultural difference in the context of an animal research setting. The results of this meeting reflect a range of perceptions, attitudes, and beliefs relative to culture and the possibility of an intercultural relationship between species.
Human-animal relationships Cross-cultural studies, Primates Behavior Cross-cultural studies, Human behavior Cross-cultural studies, Social and Behavioral Sciences
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