Final answer:
The use of nonhuman animals in biopsychology research at universities is not unregulated; it is false to say so. Regulations such as the AWA and the PHS Policy ensure ethical treatment of animals. Research involving animals is subject to oversight to minimize pain and distress and ensure humane treatment.
Step-by-step explanation:
The assertion that the use of nonhuman animals in biopsychology research at universities is largely unregulated is false. In the United States, two primary regulations pertain to biomedical research involving animals: the Animal Welfare Act (AWA) and the Public Health Service (PHS) Policy. While the AWA does not cover rats, mice, and birds, which are most commonly used in research, these species are still regulated by the PHS policy if the research facility receives federal funding. The institutions must have an Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) to overview the ethical aspects of animal research, ensuring that experiments are justified, non-duplicative, minimize pain, and follow basic standards of humane treatment.
Furthermore, regular inspections are conducted to ensure that humane treatment standards are met, and researchers must create projects minimizing pain and distress for the animals. It's also noteworthy that certain countries vary in their regulatory practices, with some like the United Kingdom having stringent regulations and others like Japan relying more on self-regulation by researchers. However, in any case, the use of animals for research purposes is subject to oversight and regulations to ensure ethical practices are being followed.