How animals choose when to migrate, with whom to mate, or what to eat can have a huge impact on their ability to survive and reproduce, and thus, the evolution of their species. That’s why evolutionary biologists like Tamra Mendelson, associate professor of biological sciences at UMBC, want to learn more about decision-making processes in animals. But the existing literature doesn’t make it easy to compare studies or unravel the many steps between input and action.

Researchers use “a mish-mash of terms to describe cognition,” says Mendelson. One research team might say that a female fish can “discriminate” between green and red male fish, meaning she can detect a difference. Another team might report that an insect “discriminates” by choosing a mate who offers her a larger morsel of food. In that case, the “discrimination” is the choice that follows the detection of difference. Inconsistencies in terminology like this can lead to confusion and discourage collaboration across research areas.

Because most evolutionary biologists are not trained in the language of psychology, “We come up with our own language,” explains Mendelson, “We say, ‘We know what we mean,’ but do we?”

In her new opinion paper, published in Trends in Ecology and Evolution and funded by the National Evolutionary Synthesis Center, Mendelson and colleagues propose a solution to the imprecision of language in their field. They argue adopting it would improve communication between research teams and also our understanding of how animals make decisions. The team recommends employing the Judgment and Decision Making (JDM) Framework, a lexicon that psychologists have used for decades to describe the steps involved in human decision-making.

The framework differentiates between “judgments,” the process of gaining knowledge about the world, and “decisions,” the process of choosing what to do with that knowledge, and it precisely defines terms associated with each stage. Terms like “discrimination” and “recognition” are associated with judgment, while “preference” and “choice” are decision-related terms.

The JDM Framework emphasizes the actual components of cognition (how animals think) rather than the behavioral outcome (what they do after thinking). Breaking down the process of decision-making into its components opens up a whole new world of possible research questions. Using the framework could reveal previously undiscovered complexities in animal thought, and eventually guide researchers to the specific genes that contribute to different components of cognitive processes.

Better understanding how animals think could have important implications for how humans work with animals, such as informing wildlife conservation efforts. As Mendelson points out, “An animal’s first defense against climate change is behavior.” Based on how they think, some species may be better than others at adapting to a changing climate. The species that have more trouble adapting may need more of our attention.

Mendelson acknowledges understanding the animal mind is an uphill battle. “It’s cognition,” she says, “It’s very complicated.” But adopting a consistent vocabulary could speed research progress. The terms the field needs are out there, she says, “It’s a matter of matching them to consistent, precise meanings to improve communication in the field and across disciplines.”

Image: Mendelson at a research field site; courtesy Tamra Mendelson.

TRW File Photo

This month, an anti-semitic hate crime was committed in the majority freshman Patapsco Hall. A swastika was drawn on the door of a Jewish resident assistant, who shall remain unnamed. Police were called to the scene and an investigation is underway.

The incident, which occurred on Sept. 4, shocked the RA, who was excited about the recent partnership between UMBC Hillel and Tel Aviv University in Israel.

“I was really excited about the tech startup collaboration at first because UMBC and Israel really care about technology and research,” they said.

“What upsets me so much is I’m an RA. You might not like me or respect me when I have to do my job and enforce policy, but a swastika isn’t different from the n-word, a gay slur, or a burning cross,” the resident assistant said. “There was no reason for a personal attack like that. It’s extremely disrespectful, upsetting and hurtful, as I have grandparents that were Holocaust survivors. That symbol almost murdered them,” they continued.

The event has shocked many members of the UMBC community, especially those of Jewish descent. “It’s an awful thing. It’s personally the first time I’ve ever seen such a thing happen on campus. This school is better than that,” said Michael Daugherty, a computer engineering major. Michael was a birthright and Israel engagement intern for Hillel last semester.

Benjamin Schulman, a psychology major, is also shocked by the event. “As a third generation Holocaust survivor I think that’s absolutely disgusting. My grandma and other members of my family had to endure unimaginable horrors under the vicious reign of Nazi Germany. If it weren’t for my grandma getting out alive of the labor camp she was forced into, I wouldn’t be here today,” he said.

Schulman continued, “People should be able to feel safe living on campus, regardless of their religious or cultural background and bigotry of any kind should be immediately shut down and the person or people responsible should be punished accordingly.”

Others aren’t as surprised with what happened due to the current political climate. “Although UMBC is generally a very liberal campus, those who don’t fit those criteria tend to be shunned. This riles up the racists so they take to anonymous or online forums like YikYak or Facebook to voice their bigotry,” said Hannah Pursley, a junior social work major.

Despite what has occurred, the student affected still maintains an optimistic outlook, with hopes that the UMBC community learns from this incident.

“In the future, I hope all targeted minorities can stand together, work for tolerance and openness through organizations like black lives matter, UMBC Hillel, the interfaith center, freedom alliance and the mosaic center for diversity. Intolerance, anti-Semitism and racism are sadly still prevalent in our culture, but that doesn’t mean we should let it happen. We have to fight back and stand up for who we are or what we believe in,” the resident assistant student proudly proclaimed.

The investigation is still open.

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National Biosafety Stewardship Month is a period during which institutions, such as UMBC, are encouraged to focus  efforts on promoting awareness of investigator responsibilities and sustaining a culture of safety/responsibility in life science research.

 For more information and materials about biosafety stewardship, please click on the IBC website or contact Environmental Safety and Health at safety@umbc.edu or the ORPC at compliance@umbc.edu.