Understanding Human Behavior: What Social Workers Need To Know About Animal Research

Much of our understanding of human behavior and development has a foundation in animal research. However, many social workers do not have experience in biological research methods and therefore may not understand how and why this research is employed, or how it has benefited our practice. The purpose of this manuscript is to (1) discuss the ethical issues involved in research with non-humans; (2) briefly summarize the history, benefits, and limitations of pre-clinical research for knowledge that is critical to social work practice, and (3) illustrate some of the most important current issues involved in the usefulness of animal models of research for social workers, specifically in the areas of maternal care and the childhood experience, and dementia. An understanding of these issues will provide social work researchers, educators, and practitioners a deeper understanding of the meaning and importance of the knowledge produced through animal research, as well as allow them to assess this knowledge more critically.