A theoretical comparison of the consumer surplus and the elasticities of demand as measures of motivational strength
The price and income elasticities of demand have been used by ethologists to estimate motivational strength. The consumer surplus is an alternative measure of motivation, deriving from microeconomic theory. We made a theoretical assessment of the validity and versatility of these indices. Two factors are expected to compromise the internal validity (veracity) of the elasticity […]
The Push-Door for Measuring Motivation in Hens: An Adaptation and a Critical Discussion of the Method
Animals should be given the opportunity to perform behaviours that they are motivated to show if we are to maximise their welfare. Research studies into motivation and appropriate methods of studying it are therefore important. Different factors may need to be taken into consideration depending on the form of the behaviour being studied. Certain commodities, […]
Rats Demand Social Contact
There is some evidence that rats benefit from social housing and from some forms of environmental enrichment, such as platforms and shelters. It is less clear whether they benefit from more spacious cages. There is a lack of information about the relative benefits of social contact, enrichment and increased space, because existing studies tend to […]
Assessing feeding motivation in sheep using different behavioural demand models and measures
Motivation tests have been used to assess the strength of an animals drive to obtain specific resources and, indirectly to gain insight into the animal’s welfare state as it is likely that chronic high motivation for unobtainable resources leads to diminished welfare. A variety of measures have been used to assess motivation with behavioural demand […]