True Cost Analysis: What are the true costs of various animal products when we take externalities like cheap, exploited labor into account?
Context and Relevance:
There are strong modern alternatives to the use of animals in medical and behavioral research , yet norms persist, for instance in high school science dissections . Understanding and addressing the barriers to adopting non-animal methods is crucial for ethical progress in science and education. This research aims to identify actionable strategies to shift these norms towards more humane and potentially more effective practices.
Potential Research Approach:
Comprehensive Review: Conduct a thorough review of existing alternatives to animal use in science, evaluating their efficacy, accessibility, and adoption rates across different contexts.
Case Study Analysis: Analyze case studies where institutions have successfully transitioned to non-animal methods, identifying key drivers of change and barriers encountered.
Survey of Attitudes: Survey attitudes and perceptions within the scientific and educational communities regarding animal use and alternatives, exploring factors influencing acceptance and resistance.
Intervention Development: Develop and test intervention strategies aimed at norm change, including awareness campaigns, policy advocacy, and educational reform initiatives.
Additional Questions:
What are the primary institutional, cultural, and educational barriers that hinder the adoption of non-animal methods in medical and science education, and how can these barriers be effectively addressed?
How do perceptions of efficacy and educational outcomes differ between traditional animal-based methods and modern alternatives among educators and students?
What role do ethical considerations and regulatory frameworks play in influencing the adoption of non-animal methods in science education, and how can advocacy efforts leverage these factors to drive change?
Is it possible to create a calculation that includes the days/years of suffering by human laborers (similarly to how Faunalytics does with animals: https://faunalytics.org/animal-product-impact-scales/)?