Animal Research

Running Header: USE OF ANIMALS

Use of Animals in Psychological Research

Robert A. Reynolds

Psychology 201

Reaction Paper - Chapter 1

Use of Animals in Psychological Research

The use of animals in research is such a common practice in today's society that most of us simply take it for granted. For the most part, society dose not give animal research a second thought, nor are they aware of the way in which many of these animals are treated. We assume that the testing is necessary and that the animals will be treated as humanely as possible. This simply is not always the case. In fact, abuse and neglect is more widespread in research laboratories than you might think.

The need to control research costs has led to a decline in the well being and treatment of the animals involved. These animals are frequently abused, neglected, and kept in unclean and improper cages. The test subjects are often treated as objects rather than a living creature. Millions of animals die each year from animal experiments. Often times very few breakthroughs or benefits occur. When breakthroughs do occur, they are often overstated, inconclusive, and all at the animal's expense (Dixon, 2000).

There are ethical guidelines in place to help govern the treatment and living conditions of research animals. These guidelines state that extreme care must be used in the capture, care, housing, usage and disposition of the animal. Cost is another matter that must be considered. Researchers must justify the cost of their research by explaining the possible benefits that could result. Another point that most of us fail to