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Animals are sometimes used to conduct psychological research - AQA - A-Level Psychology - Question 6 - 2018 - Paper 3
Question 6
Animals are sometimes used to conduct psychological research. Assess the practical and ethical implications of using animals in psychological research.
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Animals are sometimes used to conduct psychological research - AQA - A-Level Psychology - Question 6 - 2018 - Paper 3
Step 1
Assess the practical implications of using animals in psychological research.
Answer
The practical implications of using animals in psychological research are substantial. Firstly, researchers must adhere to regulations such as the Scientific Procedures Act (1986) and guidelines from the Home Office, which mandate that the number of animals used should be minimized.
Comfort and proper housing for animals used in research are crucial; the environment must be conducive to the species’ needs. In cases where endangered species are used, there needs to be robust justification for their involvement in research. Furthermore, animals are often selected based on traits that parallel human physiological and psychological structures—such as genetic similarities—allowing for more relevant findings.
Research has demonstrated significant outcomes. For instance, Pavlov's (1927) study using dogs illustrated conditioned responses, paving the way for understanding associative learning. Additionally, findings by Beeman (1947) identified how altered testosterone levels affected aggression in rodents, which can provide insights into similar human behavioral traits.
Step 2
Assess the ethical implications of using animals in psychological research.
Answer
The ethical considerations of utilizing animals in psychological research are complex and deeply debated. One major concern is that the treatment of animals in research can sometimes lead to severe discomfort or ethical violations. For instance, Ryder (1989) introduced the term 'speciesism,' arguing that it is morally objectionable to treat animals differently than humans based solely on species.
Research practices that inflict damage on animals, such as Pavlov's invasive techniques or the controversial practices in Harlow's (1958) work with monkeys, raise serious ethical questions. Both cases led to significant distress and welfare issues for the animals involved, violating both the letter and spirit of existing regulations.
Moreover, a principle in ethical research posits that humans should not sacrifice their own species for the benefit of others. This creates a strict accountability for researchers to ensure that any research involving animals is justified by significant benefits that outweigh the costs to the animals involved.