Role of animal research HL extension

Animal model

use of a non-human living organism to study a psychological or psychopathological process that is similar to human conditions

goal → to generalise findings to human behaviour

biological similarity

animal brain structures similar to human brains → supports use

advantages + disadvantages

advantages: controlled environment, genetic manipulation, accessibility, generational studies/ intergenerational (animals = short lifespan)

disadvantages: generalizability issues, ecological validity, ethics

ethical considerations, three R’s

• replacement

• refinement

• reduction

other ethics

• justification of use

• ethics committee

study to use

Ferguson et. al 2000 - oxytocin gene knockout or Rogers + Kesner 2003 - injection to brain