Understanding Psychology (10th Ed)

52 Chapter 
2 
Psychological Research
Should Animals Be Used 
in Research?
Like those who work with humans, researchers who use nonhuman animals in exper-
iments have their own set of exacting guidelines to ensure that the animals do not 
suffer. Specifi cally, researchers must make every effort to minimize discomfort, ill-
ness, and pain. Procedures that subject animals to distress are permitted only when 
an alternative procedure is unavailable and when the research is justifi ed by its pro-
spective value. Moreover, researchers strive to avoid causing physical discomfort, but 
they are also required to promote the psychological well-being of some species of 
research animals, such as primates (Auer et al., 2007; Lutz & Novak, 2005; Rusche, 
2003). 
But why should animals be used for research in the fi rst place? Is it really pos-
sible to learn about human behavior from the results of research employing rats, 
gerbils, and pigeons? 
The answer is that psychological research that does employ nonhumans is 
designed to answer questions different from those posed in research with humans. 
For example, the shorter life span of animals (rats live an average of two years) 
allows researchers to learn about the effects of aging in a relatively short time frame. 
It is also possible to provide greater experimental control over nonhumans and to carry 
out procedures that might not be possible with people. For example, some studies 
require large numbers of participants that share similar backgrounds or have been 
exposed to particular environments—conditions that could not practically be met with 
human beings. 
Research with animals has provided psychologists with information that has 
profoundly benefi ted humans. For instance, it furnished the keys to detecting eye 
Research involving animals is controversial but, when conducted within ethical guidelines, 
yields signifi cant benefi ts for humans.
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