Naming “animal ambassadors” in an educational presentation: Effects on learner knowledge retention

ABSTRACT

This study examined the effect of naming animals used in education on the knowledge retention of college students. Researchers implemented owl educational presentations to students using a live owl during each presentation. The control group was given the common name of the owl whereas the treatment group was given only an anthropomorphized name for the owl. Students completed a knowledge questionnaire following the presentation. Findings indicated that the treatment group significantly retained more information on owl adaptations than the control group. Future research should explore the use of anthropomorphized names for animals used in education, particularly with male learners.