Ethics in Animal Research Flashcards
6 cards from real ALAT practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 6 Ethics in Animal Research flashcards as text
Who first formally proposed the Three Rs framework for ethical animal use?
Answer: William Russell and Rex Burch in 1959
Russell and Burch introduced the Three Rs in their 1959 book 'The Principles of Humane Experimental Technique.'
What is Reduction in the context of the Three Rs?
Answer: Using methods that minimize the number of animals needed for reliable results
Reduction means using statistical and experimental design methods to minimize animal numbers while achieving scientifically valid results.
What ethical principle requires that animal pain be minimized unless scientifically justified?
Answer: Minimizing harm (Refinement)
The principle of minimizing harm, embodied in Refinement, requires that pain and distress be minimized. Unalleviated pain requires specific justification.
What is the ethical basis for requiring alternatives searches before approving protocols?
Answer: To ensure non-animal methods are used when they can replace, reduce, or refine animal use
Alternatives searches ensure investigators have considered whether non-animal methods could replace animals or procedures could minimize pain.
What ethical responsibility do animal care technicians have regarding welfare concerns?
Answer: An ethical and legal obligation to report through proper channels with retaliation protection
Technicians have both ethical and legal obligations to report welfare concerns. Federal regulations provide whistleblower protections.
What is Replacement as applied to the Three Rs?
Answer: Substituting non-animal methods or lower species when scientific objectives can still be met
Replacement refers to using non-animal methods (in vitro, computer models) or lower phylogenetic species instead of traditional laboratory animals.