| 研究実績の概要 |
The first experimental study is now in progress, looking at the reactions of individually chimpanzees to a dead bird in the presence of a chemical cue to death (the necromone putrescine) compared to control odors. This is the first ever study to examine nonhuman primates' sensitivity to chemical cues associated with death. So far 10 chimpanzees have been filmed as they approach the visual stimulus (a taxidermically prepared small bird) in the presence of the odor of putrescine, ammonia, or water (control stimuli). The sample size will be increased, and the videos analyzed for measures such as latency to approach, attention, latency to withdraw, self-directed behaviors (as a sign of arousal) etc. The outcome of this experiment will determine the next phase of research, but we will also look at the effects of putrescine on another mammalian species, namely horses.
The methods for the first study of children's developing understanding of death have now been finalized. The procedure will involve children watching a scene in which either a puppet of a recognizable animal (e.g., a pig) or a robot will encounter a "fatal" accident. After watching the scene, children will be asked several questions about the event, and whether the now-dead individual (animal or robot) can hear, feel, waken up etc.
Preliminary results and research ideas have already been presented at scientific meetings.
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| 現在までの達成度 (区分) |
現在までの達成度 (区分)
3: やや遅れている
理由
Working with nonhuman primates - especially great apes - requires considerable advance preparation, careful scheduling, and a dedicated person to run the experiments. We are now in the position that the first experiment is running smoothly.
In view of the sensitive nature of the research topic (understanding death and dying, further discussion was necessary to arrive at the best procedures for conducting studies with young children. We now have in place a protocol that we consider appropriate for obtaining the required data.
It was also necessary to recruit a native Japanese speaker to conduct the experimental sessions with children. We now have an appropriate person in place.
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| 今後の研究の推進方策 |
The study on chimpanzees' responses to putrescine will be completed in the summer. The next experiment will involve presenting more socially salient stimuli to the apes (i.e., an imitation though realistic chimpanzee corpse), again along with (or in the absence of) chemical cues to death).
We will conduct the first study on the responses of horses to the main chemical cue about death (putrescine). In the absence of any visual cues, the horses' behavior will be monitored for signs of increased vigilance, arousal. etc.
The question of children's developing concept of death will be approached in the first experiment on their interpretation of an accident that results in the "death" of a puppet figure, or a robot. Through the use of a structured questionnaire children at different ages will be assessed for their understanding of four sub-components of death. Discussions are ongoing with colleagues regarding the feasibility of a cross-cultural comparison between Japanese and European children.
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