Supplementary material for the paper "The Predominance of Relational Nature and Physical Capacity in Spontaneous Dimensions of Animal Species"

Resum

Whereas a variety of attributes has been empirically associated to the social perception of animals, the identification of the underlying fundamental dimensions has been infrequent. Rooted in the stereotype content conceptualization and using multidimensional scaling, we explore the dimensions in which people organize animal targets based on how humans relate to them. Asking about the similarity in which humans relate to animals, participants rated thirty-four salient animals (from a pilot study; N = 76) using Likert scales in Study 1 (N = 108) and grouping similar animals in Study 2 (N = 112). A 3-dimension scaling solution fitted adequately the data (S-Stress < .15) and Study 3 aimed to interpret those dimensions using independently rated animals’ attributes (N = 176) through regression analysis. Results showed the relevance of relational nature – ferocity, wildness, avoidance/approach, warmth, and physical capacity – size, strength; whereas animal’s competence were less important. The findings signal a) the predominance of two dimensions for how people organize spontaneously animals – relational nature and physical capacity; and b) the similarity between stereotype content dimensions for animals and social groups. Implications for human-animal relations, conservation and environmental issues toward animal are advance. Data from pilot and three studies. Pilot Study: List of salient animal species through an open-ended question (N = 76 Spanish college participants). Study 1: Similarity measures (7 point Likert-type scale, 1 is completely different, 7 completely similar) between 34 animal species based on how people relate to them (N = 108 Spanish college participants). Study 2: Similarity measures (card sorting task, 0 if the species do not appear together, 1 if they do appear together) between 34 animal species based on how people relate to them (N = 112 college participants). Study 3: Ratings (7 point Likert-type scale) of the 34 animal species in 11 relevant attributes (N = 176 Spanish college participants).