Ethical Issues With Non-Human Animals

Question 1

Why do psychologists choose to carry out research using non-human animals?

Answer 1

Animals may be studied because they are fascinating, and results may ultimately benefit animals.

Question 2

What does animal research offer?

Answer 2

Animal research offers greater control and objectivity in research procedures. This is demonstrated by behaviourist experiments, e.g. Skinner box.

Question 3

Why did Harlow use Rhesus monkey’s instead of humans for his study?

Answer 3

Animals are used in procedures which otherwise would not be possible for humans.

Question 4

Can conclusions drawn from non-human animal studies be applied to humans?

Answer 4

Humans and non-human animals have enough of the physiology and evolutionary past in common to enable conclusions drawn from experiments to be applicable to both.
However it can be argued that animals tested under stressful conditions may provide very little useful information