Considering Generalizability: A Lesson from Auditory Enrichment Research on Zoo Animals

Environmental enrichment, particularly auditory has recently gained attention as a potential method for reducing stress, and encouraging more diverse behavior repertoire in captive animals. However, the effects of enrichment on are inconclusive between different studies, interpretation proven difficult. In this commentary, we discuss factors, such small sample sizes diversity social groups, which might contribute to contradicting results. We then value replication studies animal research provide framework practical guidelines developing independent replications prior publication.