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What Do Scientists Mean When They Talk About Research Animals "Volunteering"?
Alexandra Palmer1, Beth Greenhough2, Pru Hobson-West3
1School of Biological Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand.
Summary
Scientists use "voluntary" in animal research to mean minimal physical restraint, not true freedom. This language choice carries ethical implications and aims to portray research as acceptable.
Area of Science:
- Animal behavior studies
- Scientific ethics
- Research methodology
Background:
- The term "volunteering" in animal research is often used loosely.
- Understanding the implications of this terminology is crucial for ethical considerations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the discourse surrounding "volunteering" in animal research.
- To examine the ethical and political connotations of using "voluntary" in scientific literature.
Main Methods:
- Qualitative textual analysis of scientific literature.
- Focus on behavioral and psychological research involving animals.
Main Results:
- "Voluntary" is used to indicate lack of physical restraint, not absence of human control.
- The language of volunteering in research has ethical and political dimensions.
- Scientists may use this term to suggest minimized human control and promote animal welfare.
Conclusions:
- The use of "volunteering" in animal research is a rhetorical strategy.
- This language can be seen as an attempt to ethically justify research practices.
- Further examination of scientific discourse is needed to understand ethical implications.
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