DOG BITES BOY - JUDGMENTS OF BLAME AND SHAME

Separate samples of undergraduates read matched stories about a dog or a boy actor biting a child; others read about a dog or a boy playing with a child. Rating scales were used to obtain evaluations of these o utcomes, and estimates of an actor's intent, volition, and excuse for its behavior In addition, blameworthiness and impressions of actors' f elt shame were assessed for biting; as was praiseworthiness for playin g. Clear evidence for more leniency and generosity toward the dog comp ared with the boy was obtained. For the dog, the bite outcome was eval uated as less negative; and the animal's intent, volition, blame, and felt shame were rated lower Further the dog was granted more excuse fo r biting than was the boy. Concerning play, the dog-related outcome wa s seen as more positive and praiseworthy. These findings are discussed in terms of attribution theory, and with reference to the issue of un derreported bites from owned animals.