Anthropomorphism: Definition and uses in academic writing
A writer often uses various literary devices for effect (like paradoxes). One such device is anthropomorphism.
What is anthropomorphism?
Anthropomorphism is defined as “the interpretation of nonhuman things or events in terms of human characteristics.” In other words, you attribute human traits like anger, jealousy, malice, etc. to animals, inanimate objects, natural phenomena, etc.
Anthropomorphism in academic writing
Now, if you’re going to treat non-humans like humans (e.g., call a rat that doesn’t do what’s expected in an experiment, “naughty”), it’s going to lead to a lot of confusion. That’s why style guides like the APA manual recommend avoiding anthropomorphism.
To understand this further, look at the examples below:
Avoid: husband and wife rats
Preferred: male-female rat dyads
The terms “husband” and “wife” are used for human married couples, so applying them to rats is a form of anthropomorphism.
Avoid: These findings conclude that…
Preferred: On the basis of these findings, we conclude that …
Your “findings” cannot conclude something. A researcher can conclude something on the basis of their findings.
Avoid: As a result of growing discontent with the new labor regulations, numerous factories in southern Panchpakwanaland went on strike.
Preferred: As a result of growing discontent with the new labor regulations, workers in numerous factories in southern Panchpakwanaland went on strike.
A factory cannot go on strike. People working in a factory can go on strike.
Avoid: MRI confirmed abnormalities in the frontal lobe in 87 patients.
Preferred: MRI data confirmed abnormalities in the frontal lobe in 87 patients.
MRI (a technology) by itself cannot confirm anything. The findings from an MRI study confirm something.
Anthropomorphism vs personification
Another common literary device is personification. It’s somewhat like anthropomorphism, but when you use personification, you’re giving something human characteristics. In contrast, anthropomorphism involves assuming that something is capable of human behavior.
Personification: the wind is howling
Anthropomorphism: Characters like Baloo and Bagheera in The Jungle Book or Napoleon and Boxer in Animal Farm
While there can be some benefits to the intentional use of anthropomorphism in certain cases, overall, in scientific publishing it is best avoided. This is to ascertain clear and accurate attribution of the author's the ideas and methods, along with their conclusions and recommendations.
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