Are Pets a Healthy Pleasure? The Influence of Pets on Blood Pressure | Karen Allen (2003)
The Impact of Pets on Human Health and Psychological Well-Being: Fact, Fiction, or Hypothesis? | Harold Herzog (2011)
Then, answer the following questions;
In both articles a study focused on the stress response in stockbrokers by Allen, Shykoff, & Izzo, (2001), is mentioned. The next several questions will ask you about the research methods used in that study.
Participants were RANDOMLY ASSIGNED to one of two conditions. What was the EXPERIMENTAL condition and what was the CONTROL condition?
What was the INDEPENDENT variable?
What was the DEPENDENT variable?
What were the researcher’s basic conclusions?
What are some of the benefits to pet ownership discussed in either of the two articles?
What are some of the drawbacks to pet ownership that may detract from potential benefits to health?
Take some time to name and discuss other activities or relationships that are more effective than pet ownership for managing stress and/or improving health.
