THE CASE AGAINST LABORATORY-ANIMAL RESEARCH IN PSYCHOLOGY

The use of animals in psychological research and teaching raises complex scientific, social, and ethical questions. Indeed, the animal rights movement has specifically targeted behavioral research for its invasive procedures and often trivial or repetitive results. The response of the psychological establishment-particularly the American Psychological Association-has been to adopt a defensive posture and to trivialize the concerns of animal protectionists. However, a growing number of psychologists are expressing reservations about animal research on both scientific and ethical grounds. We discuss the dimensions of this debate and offer practical suggestions for the protection of animals in psychology, beginning with the provision of choice for students who object to the use of animals in classroom or laboratory demonstrations. We also advocate a shift from laboratory-based invasive research to minimally manipulative naturalistic studies.