RM L16: Animal ethics -

Question 1

What is protection from harm for animals?

Lesson 16

Answer 1

• Psychologists must minimise harm, discomfort, suffering to animals they are studying
• Make sure experiment tasks give maximum benefit and can be applied to either helping animals / helping humans

Question 2

What does species mean in terms of animal ethics?

Lesson 16

Answer 2

1. Using species that is scientifically / ethically suitable for research
2. Should choose species that is likely to suffer the least during research
3. Have a good understanding of animals natrual history –> if been bred in captivity / involved in previous research

Question 3

What does number mean in terms of animal ethics?

Lesson 16

Answer 3

1. Researchers should use smallest number of animals possible
2. Research should not last for too long > cause suffering
3. Pilot studies should be used with a very small no. of animals to ensure the design is appropriate

Question 4

What does pain and distress mean in terms of animal ethics?

Lesson 16

Answer 4

• Researchers should avoid causing death, pain, disease, psychological / physical discomfort
• Where possible researchers should look at enriching the animals environment rather than depriving them

Question 5

What does housing mean in terms of animal ethics?

Lesson 16

Answer 5

• Social + natural behaviour of the species being studied should be considered when housing animals
• Isolating animals who would normally live in social groups causes stress
• Overcrowding can cause stress

Question 6

What does reward, deprivation, aversive stimuli mean in term of animal ethics?

Lesson 16

Answer 6

• Eating / drinking deprivation should be kept to a minimum
• In cases where deprivation + aversive stimuli are really necessary the researchers should make sure the level of deprivation are no greater than necessary