Non-human Animals In Psychology

Question 1

INTRODUCTION

Physical pain, death

May be caused psychological pain

Does not justify scientific findings

Question 2

BPS Guidelines for Animals

> Liscenced labs, researchers, projects

REPLACE
REDUCE
REFINE

“Just because something is legal, doesn’t make it right”

Answer 2

“Just because something is legal, doesn’t make it right”

Researchers don’t value the guidelines, 271 studies , 59% mentioned number of animals used

Question 3

Harlow’s monkeys - Important imps for attachment research in humans .. reduce emphasis on feeding , comfort>,
reduced pressure on mothers.. couldn’t be done on humans.. close genetic relation

Monkeys were harmed
Unnatural environment… lacks validity

Answer 3

Lorenz goslings- more likely to observe natural behaviour = more valid
Less ethical issues

Lack of control, hard to draw casual conclusions
Can take months of observation

Question 4

Use as a therapeutic device

For: calming effect, opens lines of communication, decreased BP + anxiety + anger + pain severity

Answer 4

Against: same results seen with effective therapist, animals feel drained, not protected by the same guidelines

Question 5

Speciesism = the idea that humans consider themselves superior to other species

Utilitarian stance: balance of “needs”, “greater good”

Absolutist stance: humans have no rights to harm animals for their own gain, never ethical

Answer 5

Bateson 3 aspects

1. Importance of research
2. Certainty of benefit to humans
3. Degree of animal suffering