WJEC A Level Psychology -
Controversies CORRECT SOLUTIONS
1. Non-Human Animals
One controversy in psychology is the use of non-human animals in
research studies. There are multiple points to evaluate when
discussing this topic.
BPS Guidelines - Knowledge
>Only use animals if absolutely necessary to the research
>Use lowest number of animals needed
>3 R's- Replace, reduce, refine
>Regular food intake
>Care for animals when they are not being studied
>Pain causing procedures must be carefully evaluated
BPS Guidelines - Research
>Pavlov's dogs
>Sinner's rats
>Research that injected rats with amphetamines- >Schizophrenic
symptoms
>Lorenz
>Rechtschaffen (however it's spelt)
>Harlow's monkeys
BPS Guidlines - Discussion
Using animals in research may be important because experimenting on
animals can help develop drugs and medical procedures to treat
diseases.
A problem with using animals in psychological research is that there
are ethical implications with using animals in research. For example,
Comparative and Ethological Psychology - Knowledge
>Comparative psychology is the study of non-human animals, often with
the intention of making comparisons with humans. Some comparative
research may be applied to benefit animals' lives e.g. improve their
lives in captivity.
>Ethologists seek to study animals in a way that does not affect
their behaviour, observing the animals in their natural environment
with little interference.
Comparative and Ethological Psychology - Research
>Harlow (1959)- Placed infant rhesus monkeys in a cage with two wire
mothers - one wrapped in cloth and one with a feeding bottle. They
, developed into maladjusted adults who couldn't socialise
>1) Lorenz (1935)- Arranged for him to be the first moving thing
gosling eggs saw, they followed him as if he was their mother
2) Fossey (1983)- Observed gorillas
Comparative and Ethological Psychology - Discussion
Studying other species often avoids some of the complex ethical
problems involved in studying humans. For example one could not look
at the effects of maternal deprivation by removing infants from their
mothers or conduct isolation experiments on humans.
Many people would argue that experimenting on animals is completely
ethically reprehensible. At least human subjects can give or withhold
their consent.
Use as a Therapeutic Device - Knowledge
>Presence of pets has been shown to reduce stress.
>A different approach aims to enable disturbed or socially isolated
individuals to learn how to trust and form relationships with other
people.
>AAT (animal assisted therapy) uses animals as behavioural
facilitators. The bond between client and animal is developed through
physical interactions such as grooming or feeding. Later, verbal
interactions are encouraged. Therapists can explore sensitive issues.
Use as a Therapeutic Device - Research
>Allen (2003)- reported that the presence of pets reduced blood
pressure in children reading aloud and reduced cardiovascular risk.
>Friedmann and Son (2009)- Reviewed 28 studies using AAT and found
that all the studies reported beneficial effects for emotional
problems including schizophrenia and down syndrome.
Anestis (2014) reviewed 14 studies of equine therapy and identified a
number of serious methodological issues.
Use as a Therapeutic Device - Discussion
Pet therapy builds on the pre-existing human-animal bond. Interacting
with a friendly pet can help many physical and mental issues. It can
help reduce blood pressure and improve overall cardiovascular health.
This can help alleviate pain, reduce stress, and improve your overall
psychological state.
Some of the biggest risks of pet therapy involve safety and
sanitation. People who are allergic to animal dander may have
reactions during pet therapy. Animals in pet therapy programs are
typically screened for behavior and health.
Speciesism - Knowledge
Controversies CORRECT SOLUTIONS
1. Non-Human Animals
One controversy in psychology is the use of non-human animals in
research studies. There are multiple points to evaluate when
discussing this topic.
BPS Guidelines - Knowledge
>Only use animals if absolutely necessary to the research
>Use lowest number of animals needed
>3 R's- Replace, reduce, refine
>Regular food intake
>Care for animals when they are not being studied
>Pain causing procedures must be carefully evaluated
BPS Guidelines - Research
>Pavlov's dogs
>Sinner's rats
>Research that injected rats with amphetamines- >Schizophrenic
symptoms
>Lorenz
>Rechtschaffen (however it's spelt)
>Harlow's monkeys
BPS Guidlines - Discussion
Using animals in research may be important because experimenting on
animals can help develop drugs and medical procedures to treat
diseases.
A problem with using animals in psychological research is that there
are ethical implications with using animals in research. For example,
Comparative and Ethological Psychology - Knowledge
>Comparative psychology is the study of non-human animals, often with
the intention of making comparisons with humans. Some comparative
research may be applied to benefit animals' lives e.g. improve their
lives in captivity.
>Ethologists seek to study animals in a way that does not affect
their behaviour, observing the animals in their natural environment
with little interference.
Comparative and Ethological Psychology - Research
>Harlow (1959)- Placed infant rhesus monkeys in a cage with two wire
mothers - one wrapped in cloth and one with a feeding bottle. They
, developed into maladjusted adults who couldn't socialise
>1) Lorenz (1935)- Arranged for him to be the first moving thing
gosling eggs saw, they followed him as if he was their mother
2) Fossey (1983)- Observed gorillas
Comparative and Ethological Psychology - Discussion
Studying other species often avoids some of the complex ethical
problems involved in studying humans. For example one could not look
at the effects of maternal deprivation by removing infants from their
mothers or conduct isolation experiments on humans.
Many people would argue that experimenting on animals is completely
ethically reprehensible. At least human subjects can give or withhold
their consent.
Use as a Therapeutic Device - Knowledge
>Presence of pets has been shown to reduce stress.
>A different approach aims to enable disturbed or socially isolated
individuals to learn how to trust and form relationships with other
people.
>AAT (animal assisted therapy) uses animals as behavioural
facilitators. The bond between client and animal is developed through
physical interactions such as grooming or feeding. Later, verbal
interactions are encouraged. Therapists can explore sensitive issues.
Use as a Therapeutic Device - Research
>Allen (2003)- reported that the presence of pets reduced blood
pressure in children reading aloud and reduced cardiovascular risk.
>Friedmann and Son (2009)- Reviewed 28 studies using AAT and found
that all the studies reported beneficial effects for emotional
problems including schizophrenia and down syndrome.
Anestis (2014) reviewed 14 studies of equine therapy and identified a
number of serious methodological issues.
Use as a Therapeutic Device - Discussion
Pet therapy builds on the pre-existing human-animal bond. Interacting
with a friendly pet can help many physical and mental issues. It can
help reduce blood pressure and improve overall cardiovascular health.
This can help alleviate pain, reduce stress, and improve your overall
psychological state.
Some of the biggest risks of pet therapy involve safety and
sanitation. People who are allergic to animal dander may have
reactions during pet therapy. Animals in pet therapy programs are
typically screened for behavior and health.
Speciesism - Knowledge
