RobertNiles.com
About Robert
Reporting Help
Finding Data on the Internet
Questions for Candidates
Stats Lessons
Mean
Median
Percent
Per capita
Standard Deviation
Margin of Error
Data Analysis
Sample Sizes
Stats Tests
Help Board
Bookstore


The Cartoon Guide to Statistics

This isn't some dumb-downed whitewash. It's a must-read for a beginner taking his or her first steps toward understanding stats.
More information
-->

Home > Statistics Every Writer Should Know > The Stats Board > Discusssion

Are dogs smarter than Cats?
Message posted by Guy on November 9, 1999 at 12:00 AM (ET)

This being a research question, saying "dogs are smarter than cats" would become the null hypothesis, righjt? What would be the best test to run in this type of observational problem?
Thank You


READERS RESPOND:
(In chronological order. Most recent at the bottom.)

Re: Are dogs smarter than Cats?
Message posted by JG on November 10, 1999 at 12:00 AM (ET)

First of all define 'intelligence' as it applies to animals or even humans.
Are you 'intelligent' enough to survive as a homeless person. If you were transformed into a dog or cat, would you be intelligent enough to run for your life if you were about to be sent on a one way trip to the animal shelter ?


Re: Are dogs smarter than Cats?
Message posted by Kir (via 64.214.56.153) on April 7, 2001 at 10:46 AM (ET)

I just want to know who is smarter could you email me back and tell me please.
Kir


Re: Are dogs smarter than Cats?
Message posted by Karina (via 64.214.56.153) on April 7, 2001 at 10:49 AM (ET)

Are dogs asmarter than cats or not? How do you know? If you don't atleast give me an idea where to look to find out please.
Karina


Re: Are dogs smarter than Cats?
Message posted by Alexis (via 144.132.73.5) on April 25, 2001 at 7:14 AM (ET)

Have you ever seen or heard of a cat sniff out illegal drugs or assist a blind person across the road?
If you answered NO to both you will clearly know of Dogs sniffing out illegal drugs and assisting blind people in their everyday lives.
You be the judge...who is the smarter animal?


Re: Are dogs smarter than Cats?
Message posted by Brandy (via 205.247.206.29) on May 31, 2001 at 6:22 AM (ET)

Although it's true that dogs are more easily TRAINABLE, that doesn't make them more intelligent. Humans are the most intelligent species on the planet, and if someone tried to get us to roll over and play dead, or go fetch a stick, most of us would raise an eyebrow and wonder if they were insane. Cats are much more independent that dogs. Also - notice that most dogs will bark a challenge at a stranger, while cats will usually keep a wary distance at first. Which behavior seems more intelligent? Think about it this way - if someone were walking around in YOUR yard, would you run out and start screaming at them, daring them to fight you...or would you keep a distance, and exercise caution because you don't know if this stranger is here to hurt you or help you. Cats exhibit behaviors found in more intelligent species - dogs do not. They function on instinct, and a desire to please the "head dog" of the pack. (Which is what a dogs owner is usually perceived as).


Re: Are dogs smarter than Cats?
Message posted by Jack Tomsky (via 208.249.113.130) on May 31, 2001 at 4:40 PM (ET)

The null hypothesis would be that dogs and cats are equal in intelligence. To perform the statistical test, you would take samples of dogs and cats and define some task, representing intelligence, for them to perform. From the data thus obtained, you would then statistically test your null hypothesis.


Re: Are dogs smarter than Cats?
Message posted by Rob (via 209.67.246.67) on August 14, 2001 at 2:52 PM (ET)

You are confusing intelligence with instinct. Intelligence is the ability to acquire and apply knowledge. Dogs show this in their ability to be TRAINED. Some of you are basing an animals intelligence on their instinct's appeal to society.


Re: Are dogs smarter than Cats?
Message posted by Phil (via 216.175.115.57) on August 15, 2001 at 3:51 PM (ET)

What Jack said.


Re: Are dogs smarter than Cats?
Message posted by mark (via 62.252.128.5) on October 14, 2001 at 4:20 PM (ET)

define intelligence?
theres only one plausible answer look at there body and the sizes of brain.determine how much of brain needed to use the body and the rest would be their intelligance.the you can have the answer to your question,are dogs smarter than cats


Re: Are dogs smarter than Cats?
Message posted by Sorkin (via 24.189.228.53) on November 12, 2001 at 2:44 AM (ET)

Cat people often attempt to use reverse psychology -- cats are more intelligent, they say, because they choose not to obey. Yeh..that may be..or it may be that they just can't grasp it.


Re: Are dogs smarter than Cats?
Message posted by zhaba (via 24.189.228.53) on November 12, 2001 at 2:47 AM (ET)

I noticed the original question was posed in 1999. You are probably finished with your research. Can you please e-mail me back the findings. Thanks.


Re: Are dogs smarter than Cats?
Message posted by chrissy (via 24.185.244.213) on February 16, 2002 at 12:59 PM (ET)

You people are very stupid unless you know that cats are smarter than dogs.


Re: Are dogs smarter than Cats?
Message posted by christina (via 24.185.244.213) on February 16, 2002 at 1:02 PM (ET)

cats are smarter then dogs.HaHa! Cats are independent and you can leave them home when you go on vacation.not that you would want to leave them home.you just need to give them food, water, and a litterbox.



Your $5 contribution helps cover part the $500 annual cost of keeping this site online.

Niles Online Sites:RobertNiles.comTheme Park InsiderViolinist.com

RobertNiles.com™, the site, content and services 咀opyright 1996-2002, Robert Niles.
All rights reserved. Questions? Comments? Read my Privacy Policy, or E-mail me!