Research Bites Podcast
The goal of Research Bites is to bring the science of applied animal behavior to non-scientists. In each episode, Dr. Kristina Spaulding interviews an animal behavior researcher and talks about how we apply science and research to working and living with dogs. Research Bites members get access to full-length episodes, as well as monthly webinars and chats about current research in dog behavior. Visit https://sciencemattersllc.com/research-bites for more details or to become a member.
Research Bites Podcast
#28 Science Myths Busted: Understanding Behavior and the Role of Science
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Kristina Spaulding, PhD, CAAB
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Episode 28
In this episode, we explore two common myths about science and how they relate to the world of dog training and behavior:
Myth #1: Science is elitist and doesn’t apply to the real world.
- The Truth: Science is for everyone! You don’t need a fancy degree to understand and apply science in meaningful ways.
- Science is deeply connected to real-world applications, including the everyday work of dog training and behavior.
- Dr. Spaulding shares examples of research that directly informs and improves how we work with dogs.
Myth #2: There are black-and-white answers about behavior.
- The Truth: Behavior and biological systems are incredibly complex.
- Oversimplifying them can hinder our ability to truly understand and help animals.
- Science evolves as we learn more, and this is a good thing! Progress means discovering better ways to do things, rather than sticking to outdated methods.
Key Takeaways:
- Science matters! It can be approachable and valuable for anyone working with animals.
- Complexity is part of what makes science (and behavior) fascinating—and embracing it can lead to better outcomes.
- Learning and adapting as new evidence emerges is essential for growth, both as individuals and as practitioners.
This episode is about making science less intimidating, highlighting how it connects to what you do every day, and encouraging curiosity about the way we approach training and behavior.
Let’s dive in!
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Research Bites: https://sciencemattersllc.com/research-bites
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