Cognitive bias tests: optimism, pessimism, or a matter of risk tolerance?
Welfare Footprint Institute. https://doi.org/10.17605/osf.io/8cf27 (2023)
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Abstract
This article delves into the world of animal emotions, addressing traditional interpretations of ‘optimistic’ and ‘pessimistic’ choices in judgment bias tests. It discusses whether these choices should be interpreted as directly reflecting an animal’semotional state, as they may emerge from an animal’stolerance for risk and propensity for exploration. It suggests that terms like ‘novelty-seeking’ or ‘risk-seeking’ are more appropriate (affectively neutral) descriptors of an animal’sseemingly optimistic choices
Recommended citation:
Schuck-Paim, C. & Alonso, WJ (2023). Cognitive Bias Tests: Optimism, Pessimism, or a Matter of Risk Tolerance? Technical Paper Series. Welfare Footprint Institute. DOI: 10.17605/OSF.IO/8CF27