Ethical Implications

Question 1

According to sieber and Stanley, what is the def of socially sensitive research

Answer 1

Studies in which there are potential consequences or implications, either directly for the ps in the research of for the class of individuals represented by the research

Question 2

3 features of socially sensitive research

Answer 2

• can pose a threat for those it represents
• has consequences that go beyond research situation to effect others
• can pose a threat to those involved in it

Question 3

According to Lee, def of sensitive research

Answer 3

Research which potentially poses a substantial threat to those who are or have been involved in it

Question 4

Ethical implications (3)

Answer 4

• the way research impacts represented by the research
• the way research impacts those who take part
• the way that findings from the research are interpreted and used

Question 5

3 examples of socially sensitive research

Answer 5

Depression, memory, IQ and race

Question 6

How depression is socially sensitive

Answer 6

For the individual, if research suggests people don’t cover from depression, an employer might not employ them, affecting social policy

Question 7

How is memory socially sensitive

Answer 7

Influencing teaching and learning - exam and school policies, influence on legal system

Question 8

How is IQ and race socially sensitive

Answer 8

Such as historical research into racial differences - Jenson found black people scored 10-15 points lower on IQ test - less likely to get jobs - scientific racism

Question 9

What did seiber and Stanley suggest

Answer 9

Ethical implications are connected to all stages of the research process

Question 10

4 ways ethical implications are connected to all stages of the research

Answer 10

• the research question
• how the research is conducted and treatment of ps
• institutional context ie findings of research
• interpretation and application of findings

Question 11

Elaboration of the research question

Answer 11

Wording and method influenced interpretation of findings eg research inti relationships has judged homosexual relationships in comparison to heterosexual norms

Question 12

Elaboration of how research is conducted and treatment of participants

Answer 12

Need to prevent negative knock-off effects of research eg confidentiality

Question 13

Elaboration institutional context

Answer 13

Research may be funded and managed by private institutions who may issue the data or misunderstand the data produced

Question 14

Elaboration interpretation and application of findings

Answer 14

Use findings to justify prejudice - research findings may be used for purposes other than originally intended

Question 15

Example:milgrams study - negative impacts

Answer 15

• breaking range of ethical guidelines - exposed to mental harm
• couldn’t fully consent or withdraw
• findings could be an excuse for people who have committed immoral acts

Question 16

Example: milgrams study - positive impacts

Answer 16

• stimulated efforts to improve ethical considerations in research
• added much greater understanding into factors in obedience and other contexts

Question 17

4 evaluation points

Answer 17

Weakness - negative doc sequences for groups studied
Weakness - researchers may avoid socially sensitive topics
Strength - certain groups rely on research related to socially sensitive issues
Strength - benefits group being studied

Question 18

Elaboration weakness - negative consequences for groups studied

Answer 18

• research into genetic influences
• eg IQ and mental illness should anticipate neg consequences for group researched
• eg criminal gene - could lead to stigma and discrimination
• therefore socially sensitive research needs planning and consideration of any neg consequences

Question 19

Elaboration weakness - researchers may avoid socially sensitive topics

Answer 19

• may not include people with difficulties, their views aren’t presented
• ps not represented in research so can’t experience beneficial effects
• leads to weaknesses understanding and representation of all groups in socially decreasing generalisability

Question 20

Elaboration strength - certain groups rely on research related to socially sensitive issues

Answer 20

• Gou looks at research when developing social policies eg decisions for childcare and education
• there are independent groups responsible for collecting and analysing statistics about UK
• this is used in psychological research meaning psychologists have an important role in providing SSR, increasing application

Question 21

Elaboration strength - benefits of group being studied

Answer 21

• Hinsey reported anonymous interviews with 5 000+ men to conclude homosexuality is a typical expression of human behaviour
• homosexuality was then no longer classified as a role of sociopathic personality disorder in DSM and removed in 1973
• shows its important to tackle SSR to promote appropriate classification