Non Humans animals (19/25)

Question 1

Intro

Answer 1

• the use of non human animals in psychology has been controversial whilst some believe it’s been useful.
• in research where it can be unethical to use humans, others believe animal behaviour cannot be inferred to be the same as humans

Question 2

First paragraph - for

Answer 2

• the use of animals in research can be seen as useful as studies have helped understand universal behaviours
• studies such as pavlovs dogs and skinners rats have created groundbreaking discoveries about how learning occurs through classical and operant conditioning
• this research has proved that both animals and humans learn in similar ways - through the successes of classically conditioning a fear response into little Albert in Watson and Rayners study
• this is extremely useful as it shows that humans and animals do share universal behaviours and research should continue on animals to uncover more of similar behaviours

Question 3

First paragraph- against

Answer 3

• on the other hand, use of non human animals can be proven as problematic as there are strong exploitation issues
• Animals and humans are different in almost every way biology to how we live - including behaviours
• it is not logical to generalise animal behaviour to humans as it can affect true conclusions.
• Harlows about human babies choosing comfort over food is not justified because he carried his research on isolated baby monkeys.
• research in animals has extremely low external validity concerning application to humans
• therefore it can be problematic to generalise animal findings to human as it may be inaccurate.

Question 4

Paragraph 3 - speciesism

Answer 4

S- there’s a problem of speciesism.
- problematic in the views of absolutist psychologists who believe no animal should be used as it is discriminatory to see humans rule as superior to other species.
- this raises problems as it questions whether we have the moral right to subject animals to research.
- however utilitarian viewed psychologist believe that animal research is justified if it benefits the greater good of society.
- suppose a piece of research on 10 rats resulted in them all being killed but the findings reveal a cure for cancer.
- some will view this research as morally justified as the sacrifice of 10 rats means millions of human lives are saved due to cancer treatments.
- this shows how animal research can have benefits on wider society so is certainly useful, however the moral costs that have to be considered make research decisions very problematic, especially when seen from an absolutist view

Question 5

Paragraph 4 - ethological

Answer 5

S- non human animal poses very little risk to animals if the studies are ethological
E- for example Diane Fossey studied gorillas for 10 years, observing them in their natural habitat. Fossey did not directly interfere in the gorillas lives.
E- suggesting that animal research can be done without being problematic whilst providing useful findings
C- however some psychologists would argue that there is a guaranteed interference with nature of some degree.
- for example the gorillas knowing Fossey was there and may have shown demand characteristics by not behaving naturally, affecting conclusions and findings drawn.
W- therefore even in ethological studies, using animals can still be seen as problematic and should be avoided where possible

Question 6

Paragraph 5 - BPS guidelines

Answer 6

S- applications of the bps guidelines for ethical use of animals in research reduce problems in research as long as the research takes proper care of the animals.
E- for example, keeps them hydrated, fed and appropriately cared for after the study.
E- this ensures that research with animals can be useful and ethical, if the guidelines are adhered to.
C- however some researchers may ignore or work around BPS guidelines meaning that animals are put at unethical risk during the study.
W- therefore, despite BPS guidelines being in place, some researchers may abuse animals creating problems for the use of animals in research

Question 7

Conclusion

Answer 7

• research on non human animals is useful as it allows universal behaviours to be understood where relevant
• but is also problematic as many absolutist psychologists believe humans do not have the moral right to test on animals.
• to reduce such problems more stricter and clearer BPS guidelines should be in place as well as frequent and extensive reviews for studies.