Researchers are placing robotic dogs(机器狗)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(使……成为现实)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 exercises 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 old people’s minds.
小题1:The purpose of Beck and Edwards’ study is to________.
A．understand human animal relationship
B．make lonely old people’s life better
C．find the causes of old people’s loneliness
D．promote the animal assisted research小题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．record their feelings and activities
D．analyze the collected information小题3:What is the advantage of AIBO over live dogs?
A．It is easier to keep at home.
B．It can help the disabled people.
C．It responds to all the human orders.
D．It can watch TV with its owner.小题4:The author seems to suggest that the future robotic dogs may________.
A．cure certain diseases
B．keep old people active
C．change people’s beliefs
D．look more like real dogs小题5:According to the passage，which of the following statements is TRUE?
A．The professors are leading the animal assisted study concerning old people’s life.
B．The AIBOs will always listen to their owners without their own minds.
C．The researchers will know from the data whether AIBO can help its owner.
D．AIBOs can have games with the old people to stimulate their minds.
