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Abstract
The use of animals for medical research presents a dilemma, to those who care for animals on one hand, but
recognise the benefits of medical research on the other. Since many laypersons express affection for
animals, it might be presumed that their views are more similar to those concerned with animal welfare
issues than those who support the use of animals in science. The present research tests this premise, by
comparing scientists involved with animal use, members of animal welfare organisations (“welfarists”) , and
laypersons, on a number of psychological factors. Attitudes and beliefs concerning animal use, empathy
with humans and with animals, and organisation of ethical values were assessed. Findings were unexpected:
scientists and laypersons differed on very few of the measures whilst animal welfarists were a distinct group
that differed on many of the factors examined.