Mercer did research on the capybara. We started by accessing prior information - specifically, what Mercer already knew about the animal. Mercer knew that it is the largest rodent in South America. We learned that they are semi-aquatic and that they have webbed toes which make them excellent swimmers. Mercer and I researched more facts about the capybaras and listened to the sound they make, which sounds a lot like a dog's bark. He discussed his 2 dogs, a male and female English Cocker Spaniel, and we researched some interesting facts about them which Mercer either verified or disputed. However, he did note that there are differences among individual dogs' temperaments, which might explain the variations in the personality traits and dispositions.