The use of animals in laboratory experiments

Animal research plays a significant role in psychology, allowing scientists to investigate behaviours and brain functions that would be difficult or unethical to study in humans. This type of research often involves controlled experiments where animals serve as models to understand human processes. Over time, however, its use has decreased, particularly in the UK, due to stricter laws and ethical concerns.

Decline in popularity

The use of animals in experiments has become less common, especially in the UK, following the introduction of the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986. This law, along with regulations from the Home Office, sets strict controls.

Methods and examples of animal research

Lesion studies

Lesion studies involve deliberately damaging specific parts of an animal's brain to observe changes in behaviour. This helps identify which brain areas control particular functions.

How lesions are created:

• Surgical methods - Parts of the brain are cut or burned away using precise tools.
• Chemical techniques - Drugs are administered to temporarily 'shut off' brain regions without permanent damage.

In these studies, the lesion acts as the IV, while the resulting behavioural changes serve as the DV. Researchers compare lesioned animals with a control group (animals with intact brains) to draw conclusions about brain-behaviour relationships.

Regulations and guidelines for animal research in the UK

Licensing requirements

Types of licences required:

• Project licence - Researchers must apply to the Home Office for approval of the overall study, outlining its purpose and methods.
• Personal licences - Every individual involved in the procedures needs their own licence, confirming they are trained and competent.

Key guidelines for ethical animal use

• Ethical considerations - If the study involves confining, constraining, or stressing animals, researchers must justify that the potential knowledge gained outweighs the harm. For minor benefits, non-animal alternatives should be used instead.
• Knowing the species - Experimenters need a deep understanding of the animal's natural responses to avoid unnecessary distress. The species least likely to suffer in a given situation should be selected, as stressed animals also produce unreliable results.
• Numbers of animals - Studies should use the minimum number required for valid results. Advice from statisticians can help design experiments that maximise data from fewer subjects.
• Caging and social environment - Housing must suit the species' needs; for example, social animals may become distressed if isolated, while others suffer from overcrowding.

Ethical issues and debates in animal research

Arguments for animal research

Advancing human welfare:

• Some scientists argue that animal studies are essential for advancing human welfare.
• For example, Gray (1989) highlighted inconsistencies in society, where pets are often abused and intensive farming is common, yet animal research is criticised.
• Gray suggested that researchers have a duty to use animals if it could significantly reduce human suffering, rather than needing to justify their use every time.

Procedures unethical for human testing:

• Some procedures used on animals would be unethical for humans due to potential harm.
• For instance, in operant conditioning experiments, Skinner gave electric shocks to rats in a Skinner box, which would not be ethically applied to humans.

Arguments against animal research

Critics argue that animals are too similar to humans to be treated merely as tools. They are not regarded as conscious beings in the same way, lacking rights like consent or withdrawal.

Speciesism:

• Singer (1975) introduced the concept of speciesism - discrimination based on species.
• He argued that it is logically parallel to other forms of discrimination like racism or sexism, suggesting that speciesism is morally indefensible.

Challenges in applying findings:

• Even when studies seem promising, results may not transfer to humans due to biological differences, as seen with thalidomide.
• This uncertainty raises questions about whether the potential harm to animals is ever truly justified.

Bateson's decision cube

This model helps evaluate if a study is ethical by assessing several key factors:

1. Certainty of benefits
2. Animal suffering
3. Research quality

If benefits are high, suffering is low, and quality is excellent, the study is considered ethical.