What are animal experiments (practical issues)

• What are animal experiments?

  > results can be related to humans

  > animals can be bred for research

  > rats, monkeys, mice and pigeons are commonly used
• How are animal studies carried out?

  > IV is manipulated

  > effect on DV is measured

  > other variables are controlled

  > control group
• Definitely anthropomorphism.


  The tendency to attribute human forms, behaviour and emotions to non-human animals or objects
• What are practical issues?

  Refers to how animals are tested
• What are some strengths of animal studies?

  > high degree of control is possible

  > breed genetically similar animals

  > extrapolation to humans

  > gestational period is very short (22 days for rats)

  > high internal validity - no demand characteristics
• What are some weaknesses of animal studies?

  > lacks credibility and lacks ecological validity

  > generalisability is limited

  > anthropomorphism - animals can't give feedback to what motivated behaviour

  > financial interactions/cost