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Some aspects on behavioral teratology research
Author(s) -
LARSSON K.,
HÅRD E.
Publication year - 1982
Publication title -
scandinavian journal of psychology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.743
H-Index - 72
eISSN - 1467-9450
pISSN - 0036-5564
DOI - 10.1111/j.1467-9450.1982.tb00457.x
Subject(s) - teratology , psychology , extrapolation , behavioral analysis , animal behavior , developmental psychology , animal model , medicine , pregnancy , biology , zoology , gestation , mathematical analysis , genetics , mathematics , endocrinology
A compelling question in teratology research is whether the experimental model used allows for extrapolation from laboratory animals to man. Our thesis is that behaviors that are biologically relevant for the animal are more likely to reveal the relationship between the behavior and its substrate than are non‐specific behaviors. Applying this reasoning to the study of the ontogenesis of the behavior, we plead for including the use of species‐typical behaviors in testing for teratogenic effects. Our further discussion is focussed upon the different levels at which an analysis of teratogenic effects may be carried out. At one level, the analysis is directed towards the behavioral effects of a given treatment; at another level to specify the function that is impaired by the treatment.