First, pet stores carry a range of species suitable for comparative investigations. Second, pet stores are ideal for ethological studies of various species including humans. Third, pet stores do not drain departmental resources. The use of pet stores to provide animal behavior experiences for students is illustrated with two projects. Concept The use of animals to demonstrate principles of psychology has been steadily declining over the past 20 years.
Students work in groups or individually and can perform many noninvasive studies of animal behavior.
Students can directly observe the similarities and differences among species, develop comparative research skills, and receive practical experience in the study of animal behavior. Petscope projects are ideal for classes in general psychology, comparative psychology, research methods, and experimental psychology. For projects requiring size measurements, it is helpful to photocopy a ruler onto a worksheet so that students will have a ruler readily available. This is necessary because the pet store is a privately owned business, and therefore permission must be sought before students begin class projects. In addition to the discussion of these issues, pet store personnel should provide the instructor with a list of animals available for study.