Anderson, R. E., Russell, J., White, J. & Weir, J. (2001). HYPERWOLF, v2.0
Hello, and welcome to HYPERWOLF. This is the less browser-intensive version of HYPERWOLF; it requires no cookies, but instead requires that you manually code the wolf's behavior. Choices usually are associated with a letter, please place this letter in the appropriate blank on your Coding Sheet and follow the associated link. If there is no letter, just follow the associated link. You may also examine the glossary or the bibliography.
Because the initiator and recipient cannot be coded simultaneously, it is advisable that you begin by coding the initiator and once you have finished, repeat the coding process with the recipient.
If you are interrupted while coding wolf behavior using HYPERWOLF, you may bookmark the page where you wish to resume, and return at your convenience.
If you have printed the codesheet from the link above, please continue
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 leisure - explore the website and try some of the keys to learn more about wolf social behaviour.
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