Research Methods in Psychology: Using Animal Models to Understand Human Behaviour

Padova’s course examines how animal models contribute to cognitive research. Behavioural tests and visual perception lead into nature and nurture, learning mechanisms and later research applications. Ethical questions and a study-design exercise connect the examples with the limits of what can be inferred from animal research about humans.

What you will learn

• Compare behavioural and cognitive research methods
• Examine learning and perception examples
• Evaluate ethical and methodological questions

Who this suits

Best for a student or research-minded learner interested in animal cognition and care who wants an intermediate methods course rather than a pet-obedience program.

Before you enroll

The provider lists four weeks at four hours per week and intermediate level. The study-design activity is educational, not authorization to conduct animal experiments. Qualified supervision and applicable ethical review are separate. A FutureLearn course certificate does not confer research, veterinary or clinical licensure.

FutureLearn offers limited free course access and paid upgrade or subscription options. A certificate requires an eligible paid route and completion of the provider’s requirements. Check current access duration, assessment and certificate terms before enrolling.

Put it into practice

Write a paper-only research question based on a course example. Explain the proposed observation, alternative explanations and ethical questions, without carrying out an intervention or claiming that a hypothetical design is approved.

Source and review

This overview is based on the provider's published information, checked on 13 October 2026. It is an editorial assessment, not a claim that we completed the resource. Time filters are approximate study ranges; projects and exercises can take longer.

Official course page, structured curriculum, workload, access and completion terms reviewed. Study workload includes reading, activities and assessments rather than video alone.

View the curriculum and current access options at FutureLearn.

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