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Researchers wanted to test the effect of prenatal alcohol exposure on the development of the hippocampus in the brain - AQA - A-Level Psychology - Question 2 - 2017 - Paper 3
Question 2
Researchers wanted to test the effect of prenatal alcohol exposure on the development of the hippocampus in the brain. They administered repeated 1g/kg doses of pure... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Researchers wanted to test the effect of prenatal alcohol exposure on the development of the hippocampus in the brain - AQA - A-Level Psychology - Question 2 - 2017 - Paper 3
Step 1
Explain one practical application of the above study.
Answer
One practical application of this study is in the field of public health, particularly in developing guidelines for alcohol consumption during pregnancy. The findings suggest that prenatal exposure to alcohol can have lasting effects on brain development in offspring. Therefore, educational campaigns can emphasize the risks associated with alcohol intake during pregnancy, potentially influencing behaviors and leading to healthier outcomes for both mothers and children.
Step 2
Justify whether the use of animals in this study was appropriate.
Answer
The use of animals, such as pregnant rats, in this study was justified for several reasons. Firstly, animal models allow for controlled experimentation where researchers can isolate the effects of prenatal alcohol exposure on fetal development without the complications of human variability. Secondly, the biological similarities between rats and humans in terms of neurological development make them suitable for studying the effects of substances like alcohol. Lastly, ethical guidelines typically require that any potential harm to the animals be minimized, and in this context, the benefits of the research—which include improved understanding of alcohol's impact on development—outweigh the ethical concerns, especially given the aim to inform safe practices for human health.