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Logical fallacies and misinterpretations that hinder progress in translational addiction neuroscience
Justin C Strickland1, William W Stoops2, Matthew L Banks3
1Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine.
Journal of the Experimental Analysis of Behavior
|April 1, 2022
Summary
This commentary examines logical fallacies in animal models for substance use disorders (SUDs), suggesting improved strategies to bridge the gap between preclinical research and clinical treatments for addiction.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Behavioral Science
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Substance use disorders (SUDs) are complex, posing challenges for developing predictive animal models.
- Neuroscience perspectives dominate SUD research, yet few pharmacotherapies have translated from preclinical studies.
- Existing animal models may contain logical fallacies hindering translational validity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide a historical overview of animal models in substance use research.
- To define and discuss logical fallacies (circular explanation, affirming the consequent, reification) in model development.
- To propose alternative strategies for enhancing the translational utility of behavioral models.
Main Methods:
- Theoretical commentary and historical analysis.
- Definition and discussion of logical fallacies.
- Case examples of common methods (demand, escalation, reinstatement) with conceptual issues.
Main Results:
- Identified three common logical fallacies in substance use animal models.
- Highlighted conceptual and logical issues in behavioral economic demand, escalation, and reinstatement paradigms.
- Demonstrated how these fallacies can impede translational research.
Conclusions:
- Critique of current animal models for substance use disorders due to logical fallacies.
- Need for refocused behavioral strategies to improve translation to clinical SUD treatment.
- Importance of addressing model limitations for developing effective interventions.
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