Ethical issues - animal

Question 1

Scientific procedures act 1986

Answer 1

The Scientific Procedures Act (1986) covers all animal research and psychologists are expected to follow this.
It relates to ‘any scientific procedure that may cause pain, suffering, distress or lasting harm to a ‘protected’ animal.’

Question 2

Care over caging and social environment

Answer 2

Any caging and/or social environment must be suitable to the species – and licensed. Caging must be suitable for the social behaviour of the species, for example, isolation will be more distressing for social species than solitary ones. Social companions and a source of cognitive stimulation should be available where appropriate

Question 3

Avoid discomfort and distress

Answer 3

Any stress and/or discomfort must be kept to a minimum. Where a protected animal has been used in a study and has suffered distress they must not be used again. Between tests, animals should be housed with enough space to move freely and with sufficient water and food for its health and well-being. Cage cleaning should be a compromise between achieving cleanliness and avoiding distress.

Question 4

Cost-benefit analysis

Answer 4

A researcher needs to consider if the ends justify the means. Cost-benefit analysis considers if the animal suffering caused by the research is outweighed by the benefits to humans? It is also important to take account of how sound the findings are. If the costs outweigh the benefits, the researcher can go ahead

Question 5

Learning points

Answer 5

Pavlov - lacked care over caging
Skinner - didn’t avoid distress or discomfort
Cost benefit analysis