Animal Use in Undergraduate Psychology Programs

Abstract

Chairpersons of undergraduate institutions that offer a psychology major but no graduate program were surveyed concerning their use of animals currently and 5 years ago. Results show that, despite the efforts of animal rights activists, there has been little change in the number of schools that use animals (about 50%) or in the aversive procedures to which animals are subjected. Surprisingly few institutions have had direct contact with animal rights activists. Chairpersons in departments that use animals report that students generally respond favorably to animal use and that American Psychological Association and National Institutes of Health guidelines are appropriate. Alternatives to animal use reported by respondents include computer simulations, video presentations, prepared slides, and human participants.