An understanding of Non-Human Animals

Understanding the Use of Non-Human Animals in Psychological Research

What is Non-Human Animal Research?

Non-human animal research involves the use of animals other than humans to study various aspects of behaviour and mental processes.
It provides a way to study complex behaviours in controlled conditions that might not be possible with human participants.

Examples of Non-Human Animal Research

Pavlov’s dogs: A classic case of non-human animal research, where Pavlov trained dogs to salivate when they heard a bell by associating it with food.
Skinner’s rats: Skinner used rats in a box to study the principles of reinforcement and punishment in behaviour.

Ethical Considerations in Non-Human Animal Research

Research involving non-human animals raises a series of moral and ethical questions. Scientists must consider animal welfare and potential harm.
There are governing bodies, such as the Animal Welfare Ethical Review Body (AWERB), responsible for ensuring that psychological research involving animals is ethically justified and minimises harm.

Justifications for Non-Human Animal Research

Non-human animals are used in research for a variety of reasons, including:
- Simplicity of the animal nervous system, making it easier to study specific brain-behaviour relationships.
- Control of environmental factors, such as diet and light, is easier, meaning results are more reliable.
- Many diseases that affect humans also occur in other animals, providing a model for human disease.

Limitations of Non-Human Animal Research

Species differences: The argument against non-human animal research is that what holds true for them may not hold true for humans.
Beyond Basic Principles: Some complex psychological phenomena specific to humans cannot be studied in non-human animals.
Anthropomorphism: We must be careful not to assume the behaviour and experiences of animals are equivalent to human phenomena.

Role of Non-Human Animals in Psychological theories

Findings from animal studies have been fundamental in understanding human behaviour in terms of evolutionary psychology, which looks at behaviour in terms of adaptation to environment.
Classic conditioning theory and operant conditioning, both of which relied heavily on animal experiments, are central to numerous psychological paradigms.

Non-Human Animal Research and Legislation

In the UK, any use of non-human animals in psychological research must adhere to the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986.
Researchers must obtain licenses and the proposed research must undergo rigorous ethical review to ensure welfare is maximised and harm is minimal.