Not all behavioral research aims at delivering benefits immediately. Much of it has the goal of generating basic knowledge from which all psychology can grow. But even such research often leads to benefits, sometimes unanticipated, as was the case with animal research leading to the development of chlorpromazine, the antipsychotic drug which has helped relieve the hopelessness of mental illness. The generation of scientific knowledge is cumulative.
Basic research advances the knowledge base for both physical and mental health.
Animals Used in Psychological and Behavioral Research Animals are used in about 7-8 percent of psychological research. About 5 percent are monkeys and other primates. Psychologists rarely use dogs and cats. Relatively few behavioral studies involve pain, stress, or privation to the animals. There are important ethical and scientific reasons why animals are sometimes used in psychological and behavioral research.