Non-human animals Flashcards
strengths of animal studies
no demand characteristics, more ethical/practical, generalise findings/theories, common ancestry. can be bred specially - genetic modification. short life span allows for intergenerational research. controlled environment
weaknesses of animal studies
cant always generalise - humans more complicated. animals different to each other and to us. lack ecological validity - very artificial. unethical - cant consent, may experience pain/stress, many die or euthanised after.
BPS guidelines
introduced 2012. Legislation - Animals (scientific procedures) Act 1986, all non humans vertebrates and octopuses protected. general duty of care (animal welfare act).
replace animals where possible. choice of species suitable. must have Project licence and personal license. must come from proper breeding est. animals must be disposed humanely veterinary surgeon must be consulted. animals must be suitable for therapeutic purposes
what are the 3 Rs
Replacement - with scientifically appropriate method e.g. simulation.
Reduction - use smallest number necessary to achieve research goals
Refinement - refine method used in procedures, breeding, transportation, accommodation and care
do guidelines work?
up for interpretation, subjective so may not be effective. not legally binding but can result in being band from conducting research.
Dunayer - argues it legitimises the suffering of animals, believes it is similar to laws dealing with treatment of black slaves in America.
Kilkenny et al (2009)
partnership with NC3R. analysed 271 studies in USA and UK using animals. 59% included number used, many of which were inconsistent. many poorly designed. more scientific reporting was needed. BPS guidelines state researched should adhere to 3Rs but this may not be effective.
comparative studies
studying of animals in order to make generalisation about humans. e.g. Harlow’s monkeys. demonstrated importance of social contact from mothers and peers for proper social development
ethological studies
studying animals in their own environment to understand their behaviour in its own rights. not to generalise to humans.
issues with ethological studies
expensive and time consuming. subject to observer bias. lack of control of environment.
ethological guidelines
minimise interference with animals and the environment. capturing, marking, tagging and collection of data can have immediate effects and long lasting impacts. investigators should use less disruptive techniques. cost benefit analysis. ensure discomfort and suffering minimised when animals are removed from population long term.
uses as therapeutic devices
reduces stress. Allen reports it reduced BP in children reading aloud. buffered elderly against life stressors. use as co-therapists. horse rising for disabled kids. develop bond with animal with aim to transfer skills to people.
considerations of using as therapeutic devices
training of the animal is appropriate. contact between client and animal always monitored. animal given opportunity to retreat from stressful/demanding interactions. psychologists involved should be familiar with the relevant legislation
using for dementia patients
Baun et al. reduced agitation, physical activity, improved eating, pleasure. animal must have off time. best is for staff member to take it home and in each day.
evaluation of AAT
still a new therapy requiring further research. evidence is mixed and can be stressful to animal so if it doesn’t benefit the patient it may not be worth it. Kamioka reviewed research into AAT for mental and behavioural disorder. find it may be useful to depression, schizophrenia and drug/alcohol addictions but only when they liked animals.
abosulutist
no animal experiment is ever ethical and no animal study can be justified. e.g. regan
specieism
discriminating on the basis of species. coined by Singer who argued that animal experimentation is akin to racism
utilitarianism
what is right is what brings the greatest good to the greatest number. animal studies can be justified if they bring benefits to society e.g. medical treatments
animal rights.
animals do not have responsibilities so do not have any rights. however there are people without responsibilities. most species have a niche, help to uphold the environment. animals are sentient, think and have emotions. therefore they are entitled to rights.
how are animals used in research and testing
breeding of lab animals (44%). fundamental biological and medical research (35%). developing new treatments/preventing disease (18%)
how many animal research done in the UK (2010)
3.7 million scientific procedures used animals in 2010. though this does not reflect the number of animals used (slightly less)
Dunayer
believes that BPS guidelines only legitimise the suffering of animals in studies. compares to laws that dealt with the treatment of slaves in America
Harlow’s monkeys
scared monkeys to see where they went for comfort. monkeys had no attachments so couldn’t be reintegrated and had to euthanised. showed importance of contact from primary caregiver and peers in social development. helped to improve many children’s lives.
Olds and Milner
discovered pleasure centre in the brain. rats would self stimulate to the point of exhaustion. helped development of treatments for addiction.
Jane Goodall
ethological study. observed chimpanzees. found that they were more similar to us than we thought.
