Langara College Psychology instructor Dr. Laura Adams leads a unique study on crows, giving students hands-on research experience in human-animal psychology.
Psychology instructor Dr. Laura Adams is gaining media attention for her unique research on the relationship between Vancouverites and crows. Her independent project has been featured by several outlets, drawing attention to her innovative work at the intersection of psychology and animal behaviour.
The crow study
Adams recently conducted a survey involving over 400 residents in B.C.’s Lower Mainland to explore their attitudes toward crows. "We wanted to know people's attitudes," she explains, emphasizing the mixed feelings many have towards these intelligent birds.
Her findings revealed that 67 percent of respondents expressed positive feelings about crows, while only five percent reported negative sentiments. "Most people felt very positive about crows, even if they had been dive-bombed," she notes, pointing to the fascinating complexity of human emotions towards wildlife.
Although the crow project was not part of her formal teaching duties, Adams received support from Langara’s Research Ethics Board and involved several student volunteers to analyze data efficiently. "I had brilliant students who helped me with the coding of the stories," Adams mentions, showcasing her commitment to hands-on learning and collaborative research.
Connecting research and the classroom
Adams sees a strong connection between studying animal behaviour and understanding the human mind. "There's a lot of parallels in understanding how the mind works," she explains. Her teaching approach encourages students to think critically about real-world applications of psychological concepts. "If a child behaves this way, how can you understand their behavior?" she often asks her students, encouraging them to make meaningful connections between academic theory and everyday situations.
"The ideas in the classroom are magic," she adds, celebrating the dynamic conversations that emerge from student engagement. She takes pride in fostering an atmosphere where students can connect theoretical knowledge to practical scenarios, preparing them for diverse careers.
Langara’s support for faculty projects
Langara College’s support helped bring Adams’s research to life. “The support comes from my chair and my department's enthusiasm and ideas," she says. With access to research software, guidance and encouragement from her department, Adams was able to explore a topic she’s passionate about while offering students an opportunity to get involved.
Her crow study is just one example of how faculty at Langara combine academic expertise with innovative research to create hands-on learning experiences for students.
Students as research partners
Students played a key role in the success of the project, helping to analyze survey data and reflect on what the data revealed. "The number of people that really had more positive attitudes towards crows... was surprising for me," she reflects, emphasizing the enthusiasm her students brought to the study. She hopes that the experience will empower them to pursue their own research and deepen their interest in psychology.
Looking ahead
Laura Adams’s work with crows is just the beginning. She plans to continue her research, focusing on crow cognition and further exploring human-animal relationships. "Hopefully this is just the first step," she says.
Through her innovative study and commitment to student involvement, Laura Adams is not only advancing our understanding of crows but also enriching the educational experience at Langara College. Her work is a testament to the power of curiosity and collaboration in academia.
Laura Adams’s crow research reflects the kind of hands-on learning and faculty-led projects students can be part of at Langara College. Learn more about our Psychology courses and programs and explore how real-world research enhances the student experience.
