14.7: Animal Research
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Learning Objectives
Nicole Hilliard, Faculty Advisor: Heidi Ziemer
Emily Zitek
The use of animals in research is a controversial and emotionally charged issue. Personal feelings regarding the use of animals in research vary widely. While many believe that the use of animals in research has been and continues to be essential, others want the practice stopped by cutting off funding or the passing of legislative restrictions. Research on human attitudes toward the use of animals in research has consistently shown systematic differences of opinion with gender differences among the largest.
In this study, a convenience sample of 34 University of Houston - Downtown students completed a simple survey that asked their gender and how much they agreed with the following two statements: "The use of animals in research is wrong," and "The use of animals in research is necessary". They rated their agreement with each of these statements on a 7-point scale from strongly disagree (1) to strongly agree (7).
Is there a gender difference with respect to the belief that animal research is wrong? Is there a gender difference with respect to the belief that animal research is necessary?
This is self-report data. It is possible that the willingness to admit to thinking animal research is wrong or necessary is what differs by gender, not how the participants actually feel.
Variable | Description |
Gender | 1 = female, 2 = male |
Wrong | high scores indicate that the participant believes that animal research is wrong |
Necessary | high scores indicate that the participant believes that animal research is necessary |
Animals.xls
American Association for the Advancement of Science