Control and complexity in novel object enrichment

T. D. Sambrook, H. M. Buchanan-Smith

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

105 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

We discuss the properties of controllability and complexity in novel object enrichment, their definition and present a critique of previous work related to them. We address the relationship between control and complexity, the evolutionary basis of their attractiveness and suggest that the acquisition of control may be a more enriching process than its execution. We propose that, although little work has been directed at separating their relative contributions to enrichment, controllability appears more important than complexity. We discuss the ways in which objects can be responsive both in terms of the predictability of the response and the 'grade' of actor-object interaction.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)207-216
Number of pages10
JournalAnimal Welfare
Volume6
Issue number3
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Aug 1997

Keywords

  • animal welfare
  • control
  • complexity
  • enrichment
  • novel object
  • responsive

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