Describe how animal models are used in the study of human behaviour, using one relevant example.

Using one example, describe ethical considerations involved in deciding whether animal research should be permitted.

Explain why protecting animal welfare is an ethical consideration in animal research. Provide one relevant example.

Explain why findings from animal research may not apply directly to human behaviour, with reference to one example.

Context: Health and well-being

Researchers want to understand how repeated disruption of sleep might affect people's responses to stressful events. They propose using animals whose sleeping conditions, feeding and previous experiences can be closely controlled. They intend to use the findings to inform later research with human participants.

Apply your knowledge of animal models to explain the scientific value of this proposal.

Context: Human development

A research team plans to investigate whether opportunities to explore during early life influence later behaviour. Young animals would live either in suitable standard housing or in housing containing additional objects and spaces to explore. The team has not yet decided how many animals to use or when an animal should be removed from the investigation.

Suggest how the team could address ethical considerations in this animal research.

Context: Human relationships

Researchers investigate whether unfamiliar surroundings affect how much time animals spend close to a familiar companion. They compare animals in familiar and unfamiliar enclosures while keeping handling and access to food consistent. They propose that the findings could help explain why people seek the company of friends in unfamiliar situations.

Analyse the basis for using this animal model to understand the human behaviour described.

Context: Learning and cognition

A team proposes an animal learning task in which errors would be followed by a brief unpleasant sound. A quieter version of the task is available, but the team has not investigated whether it would answer the same question. The team argues that possible improvements in human teaching make the unpleasant sound ethically acceptable.

Comment on the team's justification with reference to ethical considerations in animal research.

Discuss the responsibilities of researchers using animal research to understand health problems in the context of health and well-being.