Animal models Flashcards
advantages for using animals in research
Control from birth to death
Control genes
Control living environment
what is the welfare board for animals
ensures researchers adhere to ethical guidelines
consists of vets, scientists and members of the public
types of animals typically used in psychology
rats., fruit flies, birds, dogs, monkeys
what is involved in animal upkeep guidelines
appropriate cage sizes
stimulation and enrichment e.g. playtime
vet checks
housing social animals together
example of human error in animal research
Hans selye - injected rats alongside colleagues with medicine or control
all rats developed ulcers
results of poor handling
why may animal research be unreliable
Tend to focus on one aspect of a disorder
Can only focus on observable symptoms
what is face validity
- Degree to which animal behaviour mimics human equivalent
- Often based on DSM criteria
what is the knockout technique
rats bred for certain properties
non-functioning gene is then transferred to embryos
how may chronic mild stress be induced in rats
Constant lighted room
Wet bedding
Blasting white noise
Foot shocks
Food deprivation
how may single prolonged stress be induced in rats
Several hours of restraint
Extended force swim
how may we assess anxiety in an elevated plus maze
measure times in two distinct environments
Bright and open runway
Dark and walled runway
what is the defensive burying test
Foreign objects within bedding
Time spent burying and number of burying acts measured
how may rats display learned helplessness
Continuously shocked on one side and unable to move to other
Once barrier removed they do not try to leave
how does the forced swim test assess depression
tests effectiveness of antidepressants
more time spent escaping = more effective
what is the tail suspension task
- Rat suspended from tail
Assess time taken until animal gives up trying to escape
