Question

Researchers are placing robotic dogs in the homes of lonely old people to determine whether they can improve the quality of life for humans. Alan Beck, an expert in human-animal relationship, and Nancy Edwards, a professor of nursing, are leading the animal-assisted study concerning the influence of robotic dogs on old people's depression, physical activity, and life satisfaction. “No one will argue that an older person is better off being more active, challenged, or stimulated (刺激),” Edwards points out. “The problem is how we promote that, especially for those without friends or help. A robotic dog could be a solution.”

In the study, the robot, called AIBO, is placed for six weeks in the houses of some old people who live alone. Before placing AIBO in the home, researchers will collect baseline data for six weeks. These old people will keep a diary to note their feelings and activities before and after AIBO. Then, the researchers will review the data to determine if it has inspired any changes in the life of its owner.

“I talk to him all the time, and he responds to my voice,” says a seventy-year-old lady. “When I'm watching TV, he'll stay in my arms until he wants down. He has a mind of his own.”

The AIBOs respond to certain orders. The researchers say they have some advantages over live dogs, especially for old people. Often the elderly are disabled and cannot care for an animal by walking it or playing with it. A robotic dog removes exercise and feeding concerns.

“At the beginning, it was believed that no one would relate to the robotic dog because it was metal and not furry,” Beck says. “But it's amazing how quickly we have given up that belief.”

“Hopefully, down the road, these robotic pets could become a more valuable health helper. They will record their masters’ blood pressure, oxygen levels, or heart rhythms. AIBOs may even one day have games that can help stimulate older people's minds.”

1.The purpose of Beck and Edwards’ study is to ____.

A. understand human-animal relationship

B. find the causes of old people’s loneliness

C. make lonely old people’s life better

D. promote the animal-assisted research

2.In the research, the old people are asked to ____.

A. note the activities of AIBOs

B. keep AIBOs at home for 12 weeks

C. analyze the collected information

D. record their feelings and activities

3.What is the advantage of AIBO over live dogs?

A. It can watch TV with its owner.

B. It can help the disabled people.

C. It responds to all the human orders.

D. It is easier to keep at home.

4.The author seems to suggest that the future robotic dogs may ____.

A. keep old people active B. cure certain diseases

C. change people's beliefs D. look more like real dogs

Answer 1

1.C

2.D

3.D

4.A

【解析】

试题分析: 本文介绍了关于机器狗对独自居住老人生活是否能带来改善的一些研究报道。

1. 细节理解题。从文中第一段No one will argue that an older person is better off being more active, challenged, or stimulated (刺激),没有人会认为一个老人会生活的更积极，有挑战力或者更刺激。The problem is how we promote that, especially for those without friends or help.问题就是我们如何改善那种情况，尤其对于没有朋友或者帮助的老年人。可知选C。

2. old people will keep a diary to note their feelings and activities before and after AIBO.这些老人将要记日记写下在AIBO来前和后的他们的感受和活动。故选D。

3. the elderly are disabled and cannot care for an animal by walking it or playing with it. A robotic dog removes exercise and feeding concerns.

通常老人们是身体残疾的并不能照顾一个动物，遛它或者和它玩。一个机器狗不需锻炼和喂食。故选D。

4. 细节理解题。从文中最后一段AIBOs may even one day have games that can help stimulate older people's minds.” AIBO有一天甚至可能有能刺激老年人头脑的游戏。故可以推测出，未来机器狗可能使老年人积极。故选A。

考点：考察科普说明类阅读