With reference to research investigating the brain, discuss the role of animal research in understanding human behaviour.

Refer to the paper 1 section B assessment criteria when awarding marks. These can be found under the “Your tests” tab > supplemental materials. 

The command term “discuss” requires candidates to offer a considered review of the role of animal research in investigating the brain and behaviour. A clear link between animal research and the understanding of human behaviour must be made.

Research that can be used to support the discussion may include, but is not limited to:

• Meaney et al (2000) on the role of cortisol on the hippocampus with regard to memory
• Rogers and Kesner (2003) on the role of acetylcholine in formation of spatial memories
• Klein (2008) on the role of exercise on neuroplasticity in rats
• Rosenzweig, Bennett, and Diamond’s (1972) study on the effect social interaction and the development of rats’ brains
• Weiskrantz’s (1956) study of amygdalar lesioning and the fear response in rhesus monkeys
• Lashley (1929) study on localization of memory in mice.

Discussion points may include, but are not limited to:

• Alternatives to animal research
• Justifications for using animals over human participants in research
• Key differences between animal and human physiology and behaviour
• methodological considerations and generalizability of animal research
• Operationalization of variables in animal research (e.g. studies of effects of stress on the brain)

The use of animal studies that focus on hormones or genes that explicitly discuss the role of the brain in behaviour is an acceptable approach to the question. Candidates may discuss one or more behaviours. Both approaches are equally acceptable.

Candidates often described research using animals and evaluated it without explicit consideration of how it played a role in the understanding of human behaviour. Many candidates lacked an understanding of the complexity of the question and took an absolute position that animal research cannot be generalized to human behaviour. Stronger candidates were able to discuss how the brains of rats and humans are similar/different, genetic similarities, the social nature of animals, and the difficulties of operationalizing variables.

The focus of the response needed to be on both the brain and behaviour. Studies of brain plasticity were used in many responses but with no explicit reference to behaviour. In addition, some candidates described research focused on genetics or hormones but failed to make any link to the study of the brain. Many responses also focused on ethical considerations, which was not the demand of the question. Critical thinking was often limited and focused on the studies rather than on how the studies could be used to demonstrate insight into human behaviour. Stronger candidates focused on a single behaviour (e.g. memory, depression, aggression) and/or explained relevant human research to show the link to human behaviour.

Some research used by candidates was quite complex; however, often candidates did not demonstrate clear understanding of these studies. It is important that research used at this level of study be appropriate for all learners.