Animal Testing and the UK Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act of 1986

you could be waiting 30 years; whereas rats can reproduce and reach sexual peak very quickly. Thirdly, we can draw comparisons between the causes and function of animal and human behaviour due to the similarity of our brains; underlying structures of the midbrain for example are quite similar across all mammals and other biological processes.

This may lead us to believe that there is continuity in function and effects imposed from external factors being manipulated will be very similar between an animal and a human. In stark contrast, generalising from one species to another is difficult. Each species has adapted to survive in its natural environments. As a result, each species has its own unique set of behaviours. Koestler (1970) referred to generalising from rats to humans as ‘ratomorphism’. He also found that morphine has a calming effect on humans and rats, but on cats and mice it auses mania. Ecological validity poses another problem within animal research as experiments are carried out under laboratory setting, where humans wouldn’t be caged, animals are. This will inevitably cause distress to the animal and cause abnormal behaviour such as self-mutilation and pacing (Dunnayer (2002) however the UK animals procedures act does state researchers should ensure the environment is appropriate for the species being used and where possible a naturalistic environment should be used).

Other behaviours such as mating may become inhibited like with captive pandas. Finally, animals are unable to verbalise what they are feeling. This sets human apart from other species, animals show limited behaviour to indicated the effects of drugs, theories etc. For example, we can understand when an animal is in pain

or distressed, but not the extent to which they are suffering which may be crucial in research results. This could affect the validity of a study.