ethical implications

Question 1

ethical implications

Answer 1

the consequences of psychological research for individuals, groups and wider society

Question 2

social sensitivity

Answer 2

research is socially sensitive when it has potentially negative consequences for groups represented in the research

Question 3

implications for research - research question

Answer 3

phrasing may have negative impact on groups eg judging homosexual relationships against heterosexual norms

Question 4

implications - dealing with participants

Answer 4

informed consent, protection from harm and confidentiality

Question 5

how findings are used

Answer 5

may give scientific credibility to prejudice and discrimination, used to justify public policy

Question 6

benefits for group

Answer 6

P - strength is that it can have benefits for the group being studied
E - eg homosexuality removed from DSM due to Kinsey report based on anonymous interviews
E - showed homosexuality is typical expression of human sexual behaviour
L - illustrates the importance of researchers tackling topics that are sensitive

P - some studies could have negative consequences
E - eg research on genetic base on criminality found criminal gene
E -if true, someone convicted based on gene - not held responsible for crime
L - when researching socially sensitive topics, need for very careful consideration of outcomes

Question 7

real-world application

Answer 7

P - strength is certain groups rely on research related to socially sensitive issues
E - government when developing social policies eg child care, education, crime
E - in Uk independent groups eg ONS that describe themselves as responsible for collecting, analysing and disseminating objective statistics
L - psychologists have important role to play in providing quality research on socially sensitive topics

Question 8

poor research design

Answer 8

P - one limitation is poor research design may lead to incorrect findings
E - eg impacted education system with false research causing 11+ to have continued use in the UK
E -independent schools have entrance exams based on same reasoning
L - any research needs to be planned with care to ensure findings are valid as can have long lasting effects