Ethical Issues: The Ethics of Using Non-Human Animals in Psychological Research

Question 1

Why might psychologists consider using animals from an ethical point of view?

Answer 1

• responsibility to our own species to learn as much as possible about ourselves by whatever means we can
• for the greater good
• ethical guidelines rule out certain procedures for humans, so using animals may be the only alternative
• ethical safeguards are extremely detailed and stringent meaning animals suffering is minimised

Question 2

What are the practical reasons for using animals?

Answer 2

• evolutionary continuity
• shorter life/breeding cycles
• animals are small and can be handled easily
• animal research is more objective

Question 3

Why is evolutionary continuity a practical reason for using animals?

Answer 3

• studying animals is useful for learning about humans
• no demand characteristics

Question 4

Why is shorter life/breeding cycles a practical reason for using animals?

Answer 4

• certain issues can be researched more quickly than with humans

Question 5

Why is animals being small and easily handled a practical reason for using animals?

Answer 5

• certain research is more practical

Question 6

Why is animal research being more objective a practical reason for using animals?

Answer 6

• higher levels of control that can be established
• is validity and credibility

Question 7

Before thinking about an animal experiment, researchers must do the following before seeking permission to perform a regulated procedure…

Answer 7

The 3 Rs
- REPLACING animals with non-sentient alternatives whenever possible
- REDUCING the number of animals used
- REFINING procedures to minimise suffering

Question 8

Replacing the use of animals:

Answer 8

• research may well require the use of animals
• however, alternatives can be used
• these might include videos and computer simulations
• these may be useful especially in teaching contexts
• for example, ‘Sniffy the virtual rat’

Question 9

Reduce the number of animals:

Answer 9

• researchers must use the smallest number of animals sufficient to accomplish the research goals
• this requires:
  
  • pilot studies
  • reliable measures of behaviour
  • sound experimental design
  • appropriate use of statistical tests

Question 10

Refining procedures to minimise suffering:

Answer 10

• make sure that no undue harm comes to animals and ensure that they are well cared for

Question 11

Home office licenses:
- what is a project license required for?

Answer 11

• required to perform regulated procedure specifying the species, number of animals and procedures

Question 12

Home office licenses:
- license is only granted after…

Answer 12

• license is only granted after weighing the benefits of the research against welfare costs to the animals

Question 13

Home office licenses:
- where do regulated procedures usually have to be carried out?

Answer 13

• at a Registered Establishment

Question 14

What does the home office monitor?

Answer 14

• the conditions in which the animals are kept
• the researchers conducting the research have the appropriate skills to work with that species
• cost / benefits