We examined the teaching and research practices, as compared to the attitudes of Southern-Brazilian professors of psychology toward the ethics, legislation, and costs of research and teaching with animals, and toward the alternative use of computerized simulators. We also examined the role of demographic factors in the variance of selected attitudes. The results showed that Southern Brazilians (especially males) are unanimously in favor of animal research. Participants reported a low scientific production, suggesting discrepancy between practices and attitudes toward animal research. The sample was also favorable to the use of both real and virtual animals in undergraduate teaching, although prefering the former, which reflected in the practice. The younger the participants, the more favorable their attitude toward the use of real animals; and the higher their level of instruction, the more favorable their attitude toward the use of virtual animals. These and other results were discussed in light of the current international debate on the lab practices with animals.
teaching of psychology; ethics; legislation; experimental psychology; information science
