Use of animals

• Using animals

  + we learn important findings about human behaviour from the use of animals, benefiting society.

  + environmental changes can be made more easily
• Comparative research

  Its the study of animals with the intention of making comparisons with humans. It focuses on gathering quantitative and qualitative similarities and differences.

  +can help develop important applications in medicine

  -lacks external validity when applying results to humans

  Example: Harry Harlow study of primates
• Ethological research

  It studies animals in ways that don't affect their behaviour.

  +animals are studied in their natural environment.

  -there are practical concerns, its hard to observe behaviour in a controlled way.

  Example: Konrad Lorenz study of baby geese 'imprinting'.
• Issue of speciesism

  Absolutist- any creature that has beliefs, desires etc has moral value and should not be harm in any circumstance.

  Moral obligation- we have a moral obligation to help humans before animals.

  Utilitarian- he argues speciesism is similar to racism but if results are in the greatest good for the greatest number then animals research is justified.

  Speciesism- humans are superior to animals.
• The BPS guidelines(positive)

  The UK animals act (1986)- animal research only takes place at licensed laboratories with licensed researchers on licensed projects. The act relates to vertebrates and one invertebrate (octopus) since 1993.

  Reduce- reduce the overall number of animals used

  Replace- replace animals with alternatives where possible

  Refine- refine procedures to minimise animal suffering
• The BPS guidelines (negative)

  In 2009 the NC3Rs asked Kilkenny et al to conduct a review of 271 studies that had used animals as ppts. The 3rs cannot be monitored since not all researchers publish the number of animals used. The only way to fix this is to ban animals studies or improve constraints.
• Animals in therapy

  Animal-assisted therapy: improves a patients social, emotional or cognitive functioning by transferring skills learnt onto human interactions. Dogs, horses and dolphins are often used.

  +alternative for clients that find traditional counselling too much

  -concerns about animals welfare

  Example: Erika Friedmann & Heesook Son found all 28 clients reported beneficial effects for emotional problems.