Final answer:
Psychologists study animals to gain insights into human behavior, with ethical guidelines safeguarding the well-being of all research subjects. Human values influence such studies, highlighting the importance of ethical considerations in research practices.
Step-by-step explanation:
Psychologists study animals because animal behavior can provide insights into basic biological and psychological processes that are relevant for understanding human behavior. Since many fundamental processes are similar across species, animals like rodents and birds are often used as substitutes for humans in experiments where similar research on humans would be unethical. Additionally, understanding the roles that animals play in human lives—such as companionship, therapy, and cultural significance—enriches our comprehension of human-animal interactions.
Regarding ethical guidelines, both human and animal research participants are protected by comprehensive ethical standards. The ethical treatment of animal subjects is overseen by Institutional Animal Care and Use Committees (IACUC), ensuring that experiments minimize pain and distress and that animal facilities are regularly inspected. Likewise, studies involving humans must adhere to principles that protect rights and well-being, such as informed consent and the avoidance of harm.
Human values greatly influence psychology as they shape our attitudes and ethical considerations regarding research. Research on obedience, like Milgram's controversial experiments, raises ethical concerns and illustrates how deeply human values are intertwined with psychological studies—whether it's the value placed on human rights or the welfare of animal subjects.
Human-animal scholarship is an interdisciplinary specialty that draws from multiple fields, including anthropology, sociology, psychology, and biology, to explore the multifaceted roles animals play in our lives and how our relationships with them define us as human beings.