Abstract
Here I summarize the main points covered in the book, discuss important limitations, and make suggestions for future research. Throughout this work, I have promoted inquiry into the process of animal-assisted intervention. Human–animal interaction (HAI) analysis was introduced as a potential practice to better understand interventions with animals and tie the animal to measured outcomes. Basic and applied studies provide examples of just how we can think empirically about the process of incorporating animals in interventions. After a brief summary of major points, this chapter discusses limitations of the research discussed and provides suggestions for improved investigation moving forward. Suggestions include operationalizing variables in a variety of ways, emphasizing sociocultural variables, considering animal autonomy and welfare, and reporting activities and findings responsibly.
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Fournier, A.K. (2019). Toward Empirical Thinking and Creative Inquiry. In: Animal-Assisted Intervention. Palgrave Pivot, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-32972-3_7
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