Use of Animals in Lab Experiments Flashcards
Which organisation published the guidelines for psychologists working with animals?
BPS in 2012
What are the guidelines for working with animals based upon?
Based upon the animals (scientific procedures act) 1986
What is the mnemonic for the animal guidelines?
HARD NARC
What are the eight guidelines for working with animals?
H - housing conditions
A - anaesthetics, analgesia & euthanasia
R - reward, deprivation & aversive stimuli
D - disposing of animals
N - number of animals
A - animal care
R - replacing the use of animals
C - choice of species
What does housing conditions refer to in animal guidelines?
Caging must be suitable for species
Overcrowding should be avoided, social experiences of animals must be considered
e.g. Sociable animals such as monkeys should be kept together
What does anaesthetics, analgesia and euthanasia refer to in animal guidelines?
anaesthetic and analgesics should be used to alleviate suffering during procedures
If pain after procedure is constant, humane killing should be undertaken
What does reward, deprivation and aversive stimuli refer to in animal guidelines?
When a study requires deprivation e.g. food, the metabolic rate of the animal must be considered
Length of deprivation allowed will vary according to animal
What does disposing of animals in animal guidelines refer to?
When studies are complete, animals should either be used for breeding, companions or further use in studies
Where possible try to re-home them
What does number of animals refer to in animal guidelines?
Use the smallest number of animals possible
Use statistical data from previous research where possible
Using small number could mean results aren’t generalisable but it would be ethical
What does animal care refer to in animal guidelines?
Animal should have suitable accommodation, food, water and space appropriate for their size and specific requirements
Animal care is 24/7
What does replacing the use of animals refer to in animals guidelines?
Where possible use videos or computer simulations
Animals should only be used if alternative have been considered and rejected
Consider using humans instead of animals if appropriate
What does choice of species refer to in animal guidelines?
Species must be appropriate for study and level of feelings should be considered to minimise distress
Common species are rats, mice, pigeons and monkeys
How is Bateson’s decision cube used in animal research?
Used to help determine whether proposed research using animals is ethical and should be permitted
