Role of Animal Research - ERQ Flashcards
1
Q
Introduction
A
- Animal model = use of non-human species to study psychological processes similar to human condition
- DNA, TIME, UNETHICAL
- Drawbacks = external validity, env. factors, quality of data / communicating responses
2
Q
Background Information
A
- CAM (causal analogical model) = observable similarities means non-observable similarities exist –> ASSUMPTIONS
- has led to erroneous applications - due to incomplete understanding of HUMAN CAUSAL ELEMENTS involved
- HAM (hypothetical analogical model) = animal models should be used to form hypotheses about human behaviour
- does not assume direct analogous function
3
Q
POINT 1. DNA –> similar genes (MAOA-L) in animals & humans = similar behaviour (AGGRESSION)
A
- control over genetic experiments
- aggression normally measured w/ questionnaires / hypothetical scenarios –> LOW PREDICTIVE VALIDITY + SUBJECTIVE
- serotonergic hypofunction –> impulsive aggression
- polymorphism of metabolic enzymes, carrier proteins, receptors on serotonergic system –> aggression
4
Q
STUDY 1. Cases et al (1995)
A
- transgenic mice
- gene that regulates production of MAOA knocked out
- MAOA = enzyme that breaks down serotonin & norepinephrine
- accumulation of serotonin –> aggression
- genetic variation –> MAOA deficient mice –> changes to serotonergic pathway
5
Q
Critical Thinking - Cases et al (1995)
A
- control of variables
- same type of aggression in humans/mice?
- cognitive differences b/w humans & animals –> system 2 (dual-acting system)
- mice reared in lab –> predisposed them to act certain ways
- ASSUMPTION: alteration of genetic makeup could have side effects
6
Q
POINT 2. TIME - shorter lifespan - long term effects
A
- MHC genes encode cell-surface glycoproteins
- that bind short peptides
- & present them to T lymphocytes
- control immunological functioning
- for pheromones, could also discuss what they are
7
Q
STUDY 2. Yamazaki et al (1978)
A
- male + female mice from inbred mouse strains tested for MHC-associated mating preference
- dif MHC = preferred mating
- genetic background / pheromonal detection influences mate choice
- odour preference
- compared several generations of mice
8
Q
Critical Thinking - Yamazaki et al (1978)
A
- odour preference may be based on UNFAMILIAR rather than MHC-dissimilar odours
- only 1 strain of mice + work conducted on lab mice only
- MALE DOMINANCE may have effect
- lab env. abolishes mating preferences (artificial)
- generalisability to humans questionable –> social + cog factors unaccounted for
9
Q
POINT 3. UNETHICAL
A
- studying cognitive processes that would otherwise be unethical to conduct on humans
10
Q
STUDY 3. Meaney et al (1998)
A
- effects of glucocorticoids on memory
- group 1 rats taken away from mothers –> no grooming
- group 2 = control
- group 1 –> more glucocorticoids in response to stress
- hippocampal neuron loss + cognitive impairments / bad memory
- stroking activated genes responsible for reaction to stress (ACh receptor sites in hippocampus)
- loss of hippocampus = less ACh
11
Q
Critical Thinking - Meaney et al (1998)
A
- insight into biological processes
- triangulated w. cognitive results of other studies
- EPIGENETICS - not understood at time of study
- enhanced quality of life + medicine - Alzheimers
- unable to measure human symptoms - operationalisation may be low as we cannot actually measure emotion, only the underlying biological processes
- BUT animal models can help us understand genetic factors that may lead to mental illness
12
Q
Counterclaim
A
- research on human participants necessary first before release to public
- study conducted in Germany (1960s)
- effects of drug “thalidomide” on morning sickness for pregnant women
- rat model –> no side effects
- alleviated symptoms of nausea in pregnant women
- serious abnormalities in babies
- erroneous application of the CAM MODEL
