Anderson, R. E., Russell, J., White, J. & Weir, J. (2001). HYPERWOLF, v2.0
If you have been here before, you can continue on to the coding section. You may also examine the glossary or the bibliography.
HYPERWOLF is a motivationally-neutral, annotated coding system originally designed to be used for frame-by-frame analysis of wolf social interactions. Coding in this system does not require reference to presumed motivation or intent. Rather, this system guides the coder through a series of simple decisions to code complex aspects of canid social behavior (across frames), about the position of the body, head, ears, and tail of the initiator and the recipient, their mutual orientation, vocalizations, and movements. At each stage, a series of choices is presented to the coder, and depending upon which alternative is chosen, the system advances to the next appropriate stage. At all stages, the coder can access additional relevant information in the form of definitions, descriptions, figures, and photos. This information was gleaned from the literature on wolf social behavior and is presented in chronological order. Our ultimate goal (not yet realized) is to develop a coherent set of motivationally-neutral well-defined terms that can be used to describe aspects of wolf social behavior.
We initially developed HYPERWOLF as a tool for exploring differences between play and aggression in wolves. We coded playful and aggressive interactions between pairs of adult wolves to determine which (if any) postural cues were diagnostic of adult wolf play and aggression, either separately or in combination. In this study, we found that aggressive interactions appeared to be more structured and consistent with predictions from the literature than playful interactions (Anderson, Weir, White, Russell, Ryon & Fentress, 1996; in preparation). Although we initially thought of HYPERWOLF as a tool for our research on social behavior, we came to realize that it could also be useful for other researchers and educators.
Teaching/learning: HYPERWOLF could be used to learn more about wolf social behavior by coding it and reading the relevant information at each choice point. HYPERWOLF could also be used to learn about issues related to coding social behavior in general, e.g. reliability, etc. In either case, the coder would use HYPERWOLF to code still photos or video frames of dyadic wolf interactions.
Assessing behavior and well-being: HYPERWOLF could be used by veterinarians and canid behavior specialists to help them assess the health and well-being of different breeds of dogs. Although this version focuses on wolf (Canis lupus) social behavior, HYPERWOLF can be adapted for use by those interested in the social behavior of other canids. If you'd like more information about adapting HYPERWOLF, please contact Dr. Anderson.
For research - complete the coding session and use data as appropriate
For leisure - explore the website and try some of the keys to learn more about wolf social behaviour.
This project owes its existence to Jenny Ryon and the wolves at the
Canadian Centre for Wolf Research in Shubenacadie, Nova Scotia. After over twenty fruitful years,
the pack is now retired, but not forgotten.
On the computer front, this project would not have emerged from chaos without the gentle guidance
and encouragement provided by Avery Earle. In addition, the following people contributed greatly to
the development of HYPERWOLF: Richard Lush and Janice White created the link structure for the first hypertext version;
Krista Puddester made the final check of the quotes for the glossary;
Craig Brown turned
the first hypertext version into its current web instantiation and finally, Tracy Tucker fine-tuned this version by alternately testing and revising it. Many thanks to all for their diligence
and commitment to seeing the project to completion.
Contact Information
Dr. Rita E. Anderson
Associate Professor
Department of Psychology
Memorial University of Newfoundland
St. John's, NF
A1B 3X9
(709) 737-8771; fax: (709) 737-2430
rita@play.psych.mun.ca