Animals Research

Question 1

Why are animals used in psychological research?

Answer 1

• To study behaviour in a controlled way
• Some experiments can’t be ethically done on humans
• Animals often have shorter life spans, so long-term effects can be studied quickly
• Some biological similarities to humans

Question 2

What are the main ethical guidelines for animal research in psychology?

Answer 2

Outlined by the BPS and Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986. Key principles:

• Replacement
• Reduction
• Refinement

Question 3

What is the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986?

Answer 3

• A UK law that regulates the use of animals in scientific research. Researchers must have a license and follow strict conditions to protect animal welfare.

Question 4

What does the principle of ‘Replacement’ mean

Answer 4

• Researchers should try to replace animals with other methods (e.g., computer models, cell cultures) wherever possible.

Question 5

What does the principle of ‘Reduction’ mean?

Answer 5

Use the smallest number of animals necessary to get valid results, without compromising data quality.

Question 6

What does the principle of ‘Refinement’ mean?

Answer 6

Modify procedures to reduce pain, suffering, and distress for the animals used.

Question 7

Strengths of using animal research (A03)

Answer 7

• Faster breeding cycles allow researchers to study multiple generations quickly, making it easier to draw conclusions about the effects of environment or heredity on behaviour.
• By observing behaviour across animal generations, researchers can explore whether traits (like learned behaviours) are passed on
• Humans and animals share evolutionary roots and similar biological structures, so studying animals (as simpler versions of humans) can give insights that may apply to humans too.
• Allows invasive procedures that can’t be done on humans
• EG: helped identify brain areas linked to aggression, which has real-world applications in understanding criminal behaviour.

Question 8

Weakness of using animal research (A03)

Answer 8

• Animals have different brain structures and genetic makeup. Even a small genetic difference (e.g., 1.6% between humans and chimps) may represent cog differences, making generalisation unreliable.
• Humans have a more complex brain, including a prefrontal cortex for rational thought, which many animals lack. This means animal behaviour may not reflect human mental processes.
• Ratomorphism is the over-generalisation of findings from rats to humans, which can be misleading due to biological and psychological differences.
• Anthropomorphism is projecting human traits onto animals, which can lead to exaggerated similarities and flawed interpretations of animal behaviour.
• low eco val as animals are studied in artificial settings
• Ethical concerns about causing harm or distress : EG Pavlov’s dogs became neurotic.