The Case for Animal Research in Psychology

The debate over animal research in psychology has centered on charges of abuse in the laboratory, made by animal rights activists who seek to abolish all laboratory research on animals. Concerned members of the public, most of whom support animal research, have asked scientists for assurance that animals are being treated humanely. There is an elaborate regulatory system to safeguard animal welfare, including federal regulations, Public Health Service guidelines, and state and local laws. The benefits of behavioral research with animals are substantial, with every expectation that these benefits will continue. I argue that animals do not have the same moral rights as humans, but people do have responsibilities to ensure the humane treatment of animals under their care.