Sage Journals: Discover world-class research

Abstract

In this paper, we describe our efforts to develop a humanitarian approach to the teaching of behavioural science using animals. Reduction, replacement and refinement of animal use in education are most useful if they help reconnect students and teachers with their underlying feelings, attitudes and ethical values related to animal usage. In order to initiate this reconnection process, we established the Northeastern University Center for Science Education (NUCASE) to encourage the dissemination of information and the development of projects that address ethical issues in college science curricula. Two directions that NUCASE has piloted using a humanitarian approach are outlined: an alternative to the traditional animal laboratory course in learning that uses student-run field experiments with feral pigeons in a park; and a conference designed to promote open interchange about personal concerns and ethical dilemmas in the use of animals in education.

Keywords

ethics science education behavioural science teaching alternatives

Get full access to this article

View all access options for this article.

References

Phillips

M.T.

, and Sechzer

(1989). Animal Research and Ethical Conflict. New York: Springer-Verlag.

Psychologists for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (1990). Humane Innovations and Alternatives in Animal Experimentation 3, 58–101.

Singleton

Jr. , Straits

B.C.

, Straits

M.M.

, and McAllister

R.J.

(1988). Approaches to Social Research, pp. 444–465. New York: Oxford University Press.

The New York Academy of Sciences (1988). Interdisciplinary Principles and Guidelines for the Use of Animals in Research, Testing and Education. pp. 10–11 New York: The New York Academy of Sciences.

Raisor

(1990). Applications for University of Kentucky approval of the use of laboratory animals in research and teaching. In Animal Research in the 90s: New Regulations and Old Problems, pp. 224–235. Boston: Public Responsibility in Medicine and Research

Reese

(1987). A form for college students that monitors as well as educates toward ethical sensitivity. Humane Innovations and Alternatives in Animal Experimentation 1, 13–20.

National Association of Biology Teachers (1990). NABT Guidelines for the Use of Live Animals. Reston, VA 22090.

Institute of Laboratory Animal Resources (1989). Principles and Guidelines for the Use of Animals in Pre-college education. Washington, DC: National Research Council.

Lockwood

(1985). Ethical issues in the use of animals in higher education. Presentation at Animal Behavior Society Northeast Regional Meeting, SUNY at Albany, NY.

10.

Sieber

J.E.

(1986). Students’ and scientists’ attitudes on animal research. American Biology Teacher 48, 85–91.

11.

Drewett

, and Kani

(1981). Animal experimentation in the behavioural sciences. In Animals in Research (ed. Sperlinger

), pp. 175–201. Chichester: John Wiley & Sons.

12.

Committee on the Conduct of Science (1989). On Being a Scientist 22 pp. Washington, DC: National Academy Press.

13.

Keller

E. F.

(1985). Reflections on Gender and Science. New Haven, CT: Yale University Press.

14.

Dunlap

(1990). Hearing female voices in life science. Humane Innovations and Alternatives in Humane Experimentation 4, in press.

15.

Russell

W.M.S.

, and Burch

R.L.

(1959). The Principles of Human Experimental Technique, p. 238. Springfield, IL: Charles C Thomas.

16.

Roberts

(1967). The Scientific Conscience: Reflecting on the Modern Biologist and Humanism., 236 pp. New York: George Braziller.

17.

Rowan

(1989). Scientists should institute and publicize programs to reduce the use and abuse of animals in research. The Chronicle of Higher Education, April 12, pp. B1–3.

18.

Acker

L.E.

, Goldwater

B.C.

, and Agnew

J.L.

(1990). Sidney slug: a computer simulation for teaching shaping without an animal laboratory. Teaching of Psychology 17, 130–132.

19.

Price

E.O.

, and Stokes

A.W.

eds (1975). Animal Behavior in Laboratory and Field, 130 pp. San Francisco: W.H. Freeman.

20.

Brown

, and Downhower

J.F.

(1988). Analyses in Behavioral Ecology, 192 pp. Sunderland, MA: Sinauer Associates Inc.

The Use of Animals in Behavioural Science Education in the USA: Finding Alternatives that Address Personal Concerns and Ethical Dilemmas

Abstract

Keywords

Get full access to this article

References