Poster 15

The use of animals for human benefit is a contentious topic and often a cause of conflict between scientists and those concerned for the welfare of animals. Presented here are two studies that apply psychological theory to understand the basis and nature of attitudes toward animal use. We use the term basis to mean the cognitive foundations of attitudes, and the term nature to mean the qualities and characteristics that affect how opinions are maintained and changed. In the first study, participants (N= 163) completed a questionnaire that 1) examined beliefs about animals and animal use, and 2) measured support for different types of animal use (For medical research, dissection, personal decoration, and entertainment). Factor analysis on questionnaire items revealed seven psychological factors that represent beliefs underlying attitudes, and regression analyses demonstrated that combinations of factors varied in relation to attitudes toward different types of animal use. In particular, a significant relation was found between belief in the existence of alternatives to using animals ("perceptions of choice"), and support for practices associated with high costs to animals.

University students (N= 120) participated in the second experimental study. Participants were first primed with information that attempted to manipulate "perceptions of choice", following which support for animal use was measured. The manipulation was found to have a significant impact on attitudes (F (2,69)= 3.83, p< .05, n²= .10). Informing people that there are alternatives to using animals for medical research led to significantly less support for this practice. This result was interpreted in terms of dissonance between beliefs and attitudes. Findings are discussed in relation to psychological theory that assumes attitudes to comprise of sets of beliefs (Ajzen, 1991), and Cognitive Dissonance Theory (Festinger, 1957). These have important implications for those wishing to understand and influence concern for animal welfare.