AO3

• A weakness is that there are issues with generalising findings from animal studies to humans.

  -​There are also ethical implications of such research.

  -In DeCoursey’s chipmunk experiment, the animals were subjected to considerable harm and subsequent risk when they were returned to their natural environment.

  -​Whether we learn enough from such research that it justifies the procedures is a matter of debate.
• another weakness is that the explanation of the SCN may be an oversimplification.​

  -The body has numerous circadian rhythms in many organs and cells of the body. These are called peripheral oscillators, and they are found in the adrenal gland, oesophagus, lungs, liver, spleen, thymus and skin. ​

  -It has been found that although they are influenced by the SCN, they can also act independently.

  -Therefore, there may be many other complex influences on the sleep/wake cycle aside from the SCN.