Technological lock-in, positive institutional feedback, and research on laboratory animals

Abstract

There has been considerable debate over the efficacy of animal research. The focus here is on bridging the gap between the current animal research debate and ongoing work in economics regarding lock-in and path dependency. Animal research is analyzed for its fit with the circumstances that cause path dependence. The discussion provides a real world “case study” of possible path dependency with particular focus on the psychological dimensions of path dependency as well as the role of academic research institutions in the process. The general conclusion is that animal research is a good candidate for the path dependency concept.