Journal Activity
Read the following passage on comparing points of view. Next, answer the questions in the Thinking Skills section.
Psychologist A
Just as in the medical sciences, research with animals has resulted in major achievements in psychology. This research has contributed to important benefits for human beings. For example, the biofeedback technique, which I and many other people use to control high blood pressure, had its origins in studies using rats and other animals.
Accusations of cruelty toward research animals are unsupported. A study that investigated 600 of these alleged accusations did not support the charge of cruelty. This is not to say that some instances of cruelty do not occur. However, these instances are infrequent and not typical of psychological experiments. Researchers must follow rigid guidelines to ensure the humane and sensitive treatment of research animals.
Most people do not think that animals share the characteristics that allow them the same rights as humans. Even advocates of animals’ rights condone pet sterilization, disregarding the animals’ right to breed.
Psychologist B
As a graduate student, I witnessed many instances of cruelty to animals in various research projects. Yet, of the many experiments done on animals, only a few contribute to important medical or psychological research. A vast number of experiments are used for commercial purposes: to test new shampoos, cosmetics, food additives, or detergents.
People have to realize that species vary, and tests performed on one species do not necessarily yield the same results on another. For example, the use of thalidomide by pregnant women resulted in deformities in many of their babies. Yet giving thalidomide to pregnant laboratory cats, rats, monkeys, hamsters, and chickens failed to result in deformities in the baby animals. Similarly, if the results of the effects of penicillin on guinea pigs had been applied to humans, penicillin would never have been used on people.
There can be no doubt that animals involved in psychological research suffer. The suffering research animals endure should encourage researchers to find alternative methods for studying various psychological issues. One cannot say that animal research can never be justified. If a single experiment involving animals could cure a major disease, then such use could possibly be justified. However, this situation is rare and almost nonexistent.
Thinking Skills:
- What is the main issue that both psychologists are addressing?
- What is psychologist A’s point of view? Psychologist B’s?
- What factors might be influencing psychologist A’s point of view?
- What factors might be influencing psychologist’s B’s point of view?
- List the arguments of each psychologist (Psychologist A and Psychologist B)
- Keeping in mind the three bulleted criteria for evaluating arguments listed at the beginning of this activity, do you think both psychologists present sound arguments? Explain your answer.
- Is there an advantage to being presented with more than one point of view on an issue? Explain your answer.
- Discuss your views about animals being used in research projects that are intended to benefit humans. Explain the factors that influence your personal opinions.