PSYC-2900 Chapter 1.2

classification

an approach used prior to experimentation that places organisms into groups based on dis/similarities

Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution

a theory that states that all characteristics of an organism evolve a certain way due to functional significance and natural selection

natural selection

the process through which populations keep adaptations that are functionally more beneficial, and will therefore become more common in the species as those with the adaptation are more likely to reproduce

(e.g. physical traits, behaviour)

funcitonalism

the principle that to understand a characteristic or function, the purpose/function of the characteristic to the organism must be studied

mutations

random genetic errors that often form from deletion and can result in failure to survive or impairment, however some are beneficial and offer selective advantage (e.g. resistance to disease, attractiveness, etc.)

evolution

gradual changes of structure and physiology of a species that occurs through natural selection

evolution of human brains

varies in size and proportion to body mass, and in number of neurons. at birth they contain neural circuits that will be modified through experience, and continue to grow afterwards

importance of ethics in research

• reviews, approvals, and reporting ensure that research conducted within set standards

• approvals must be obtained prior to release of grant funds & publication

research involving animals

has led to important discoveries & developments:

• basic properties of CNS

• physiology and behaviour

• cause of disease and natural progression

• targets for treatment and intervention

ethical arguments for research involving animals

it is needed to study physiology within a system or tissue preparation

(i.e. computer model, cell culture, or humans cannot be used)

ethical arguments against research involving animals

animals are not capable of providing consent, there is no benefit for them or their species, and disease progression may differ in humans

animal care committee (ACC)

an ethical review committee that inspects institutions conducting animal research, and set guidelines for use of animals in research using the 3 Rs: reduction, replacement, refinement. researchers must justify, plan, and report their studies to acc

reduction (ACC)

a guideline set by the acc that reduces the number of animals used in research

replacement (ACC)

a guideline set by the acc that ensures the appropriate animal model is used and are only used when necessary

(e.g. using a worm instead of a rat)

refinement (ACC)

a guideline set by the acc that measures the timeline of the animal’s life

(e.g. feeding time, their environment, death, injury, what is being done to them in the study)

research involving humans

the only way to understand human processes, informed consent is able to be provided, and it is the final step in evaluating safety and effectiveness of treatment/intervention

subject

in research, an organism that cannot provide consent

participant

in research, a human that can provide informed consent

(in cases where they cannot (e.g. minor, incapacitation) a subtitute decision maker can elect to provide on their behalf)

ethics board

in research involving humans, they review protocols to ensure the research team has plans in place for recruitment and treatment of participants, plans to protect safety, privacy, and confidentiality of the participants, and data storage, analysis, and sharing