animal studies + ethics

Question 1

why do we use animals for research?

Answer 1

• it gives insight into human behaviour as animals have very similar biology, e.g. mice share 90% of their genes with humans
• animals are easier to control than humans and they also reproduce far quicker

Question 2

strengths of animal research

Answer 2

• animals are small and easy to handle
• many animals have relatively short reproductive cycles
• overall higher validity as they are viewed as being naïve participants
• large samples readily available
• studies can be easily repeated
• high control over variables

Question 3

weaknesses of animal research

Answer 3

• the brains of animals are not exactly the same as those of humans
• humans lives are more complex than animals and rarely occur in isolation
• many differences between humans and animals
• can be expensive as the highest level of care should be applied when using animals

Question 4

evolutionary continuity

Answer 4

suggests that we are all on the same path just at different stages. there are quantitative similarities between animals and humans

Question 5

evolutionary discontinuity

Answer 5

suggests humans and animals are very different and that humans are much more evolved (have socialising skills, a personality, etc). there are qualitative differences between animals and humans

Question 6

anthropomorphism

Answer 6

the belief that an animal’s behaviour is due to the same type of thinking and reasoning and humans

Question 6

extrapolation

Answer 6

there may be a much simpler explanation for animals behaviour and so we should be careful when generalising results

Question 7

artificial research

Answer 7

animals may not always have the disease being researched and so they may be given drugs to replicate it, e.g. schizophrenia is replicated using amphetamines

Question 8

cause-and-effect

Answer 8

due to their being higher control there is increased internal validity so a C+E can therefore be established. e.g. animals housing and diet can be controlled much easier than a humans can be

Question 9

sentient

Answer 9

some animals are able to feel and respond to things, e.g. feel pain

Question 10

reduction

Answer 10

reduce the number of animals used to a minimum. reduces suffering of animals

Question 11

refinement

Answer 11

refine the way the experiment is carried out by using different techniques in order to ensure the least amount of suffering, e.g. use a harness, give housing with other animals so they can socialise

Question 12

replacement

Answer 12

try and replace the use of animals with different techniques in order to reduce animal suffering, e.g. use a virtual stimulation, study videos of past research, etc. mouse party is a good example of replacement

Question 13

scientific procedures act (1986)

Answer 13

regulate animal research to ensure that it is being done ethically

Question 14

legislation

Answer 14

home office regulations state that anyone carrying out a regulated procedure must hold a project license. home office enforces regulations on housing, environment, welfare and health. have an inspection system in order to ensure that rules are not violated

Question 15

replacing the use of animals

Answer 15

researchers must, by law, use replacements if they would be just as effective as using animals. researchers should also try to use the ‘lowest’ type of animals possible, e.g. fish instead of sheep

Question 16

choice of species

Answer 16

should choose an ethically suitable animal. some judgement should be made based off their sentience. employ the species that is likely to suffer the least while still attaining the scientific objective

Question 17

number of animals

Answer 17

researchers are legally required to use the least number of animals that would still be sufficient in completing the research. reduced number of animals should not have the consequence that the animals being used suffer due to more extensive test durations

Question 18

regulated lab procedures

Answer 18

confinement, constraint, stress and harm should be minimised. any procedure that has the effect of causing pain will be regulated under the scientific procedures act (1986)

Question 19

housing

Answer 19

should take into account the social behaviour of the species. isolation (for social animals) and overcrowding can cause distress. the environment should be similar to that of the species natural setting

Question 20

deprivation

Answer 20

when planning deprivation the normal feeding or drinking patterns of the species should be considered. 85% of their original body weight must be maintained

Question 21

anaesthesia and euthanasia

Answer 21

regular and frequent post-op evaluation of the animals condition is necessary. if an animal is found to be in severe pain and suffering it must be killed humanely using an approved technique

Question 22

disposing of animals

Answer 22

appropriate measures must be taken to ensure that the animals continue to receive a high level of care. animals can be distributed for further study, as a companion animal, etc. if animals must be killed during or subsequent to an experiment, this must be done as humanely and painlessly as possible. acceptable methods for specific species are defined in Schedule 1 of the scientific research act (1986)

Question 23

cost benefit analysis

Answer 23

do the gains out weight the possible negatives, e.g. distress and pain of species. permission to carry out procedure will not be granted unless costs to the animal can be justified with the benefits.

Question 24

justifiability of research (Bateson 1986)

Answer 24

• quality of research (considers if the quality is high and the findings will have a definite benefit)
• cost of suffering to animals (the animals behaviour and any signs of stress can assess this, although this can be difficult)
• benefit of research to society (drawing a hypotheses for how it will help us gain insight into human behaviour and if it will be useful in order to ensure that animals don’t unnecessarily suffer)