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Explain how the researchers in this scenario demonstrate comprehension of the ethical exceptions in Standard 8.09 that allow subjecting animals to stress. Which parts of the scenario align with the two necessary conditions required by the standard?
Case context: A team of neuroscientists wants to study the long-term impact of chronic isolation on brain chemistry. They plan to raise a group of rats in complete isolation, which is known to cause significant stress. The researchers argue that computer modeling cannot simulate biological brain development, so they must use live rats. They also state that the findings could help develop treatments for human isolation-induced depression.
Question: Explain how the researchers in this scenario demonstrate comprehension of the ethical exceptions in Standard 8.09 that allow subjecting animals to stress. Which parts of the scenario align with the two necessary conditions required by the standard?
Sample answer: The researchers align with Standard 8.09 by addressing the two conditions required to justify animal stress. First, they address the unavailability of alternative procedures by noting that computer models cannot simulate biological brain development, meaning no non-harmful alternative is currently available. Second, they show that the study's scientific and therapeutic value (developing treatments for human isolation-induced depression) justifies the stress inflicted on the animal subjects. However, under Standard 8.09, they must still show they are making reasonable efforts to minimize the overall pain and discomfort of the rats throughout the study.
Key points:
- Identification of the unavailability of alternatives (computer models are insufficient).
- Justification of the stress based on the potential value of the study (treatments for human depression).
- Understanding that minimizing discomfort remains an ongoing obligation under Standard 8.09.
Rubric: Grading Rubric: - 4 points: Explains how the lack of alternative procedures is addressed (computer models cannot simulate the biological development). - 4 points: Explains how the study's value is used as justification (potential to develop treatments for human depression). - 2 points: Mentions that the researchers must still show they are making reasonable efforts to minimize pain and discomfort overall.
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Research Methods in Psychology - 4th American Edition @ KPU
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Nonhuman Animal Subjects in Research
Committee on Animal Research and Ethics
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Explain how the researchers in this scenario demonstrate comprehension of the ethical exceptions in Standard 8.09 that allow subjecting animals to stress. Which parts of the scenario align with the two necessary conditions required by the standard?
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