Ethical Implications & Social Sensitivity

Question 1

What are ethical implications?

Answer 1

Ethical implications consider the impact or consequences that
psychological research has on the rights of other people in a wider context, not just the participants taking part in the
research.

Question 2

What is social sensitivity?

Answer 2

Sieber and Stanley (1988) used the term social sensitivity to describe studies where there are potential social consequences
for the participants or the group of people
represented by the research.

Question 3

What are some examples of ethical considerations in psychological research?

Answer 3

Ethical considerations include issues like deception, informed consent, and protection from harm. Psychologists must balance individual participants’ rights against the societal need for useful research.

Question 4

How can we assess the ethical implications of Milgram’s research?

Answer 4

Consider whether the benefits of the research justify ethical concerns, examining aspects like deception, informed consent, and participant distress. Note the follow-up findings suggesting no long-term effects.

Question 5

What ethical implications arise from Bowlby’s Attachment Theory?

Answer 5

Bowlby’s theory has societal impacts on childcare practices and may perpetuate traditional gender roles. Mothers might feel guilty about returning to work after childbirth due to societal expectations influenced by the theory.

Question 6

Why is it important for psychologists to consider the wider context in ethical implications?

Answer 6

Psychologists need to think beyond individual participants, considering the societal impact of their research. It involves a balancing act between individual rights and the societal usefulness of the research.

Question 7

According to Sieber and Stanley (1988), what are the four aspects of the research process that raise ethical implications in socially sensitive research?

Answer 7

• Research Question: Careful consideration is needed, as certain questions may be damaging to specific groups.
• Methodology Used: Researchers must consider participant treatment, confidentiality, and anonymity, especially in sensitive situations.
• Institutional Context: Awareness of how data will be used and scrutiny of funding sources, questioning the intentions behind the research.
  Interpretation and
• Application of Findings: Consideration of how research results might be interpreted and applied in real-world contexts, including potential policy implications.

Question 8

What type of research questions might be considered socially sensitive, according to Sieber and Stanley?

Answer 8

Questions like ‘Are there racial differences in IQ?’ or ‘Is intelligence inherited?’ may be deemed socially sensitive as they can have potential negative consequences for specific groups.

Question 9

In socially sensitive research, what ethical considerations should researchers have regarding methodology?

Answer 9

Researchers should carefully handle participant treatment, ensuring confidentiality and anonymity, especially when dealing with sensitive information like crime or health status.

Question 10

Why is the institutional context important in socially sensitive research, according to Sieber and Stanley?

Answer 10

Researchers should be aware of how data will be used, questioning the motives behind private institutional or organisational funding and how the findings will be applied.

Question 11

What ethical considerations are involved in the interpretation and application of research findings in socially sensitive research?

Answer 11

Researchers need to ponder how their findings might be interpreted and applied in real-world scenarios, including potential implications for policy development.

Question 12

Provide an example of research that can be considered socially sensitive.

Answer 12

Cyril Burt’s studies on intelligence, using identical twins to support the idea of genetic influence on intelligence, are regarded as socially sensitive.

Question 13

How did Cyril Burt’s views on intelligence influence education policy?

Answer 13

Burt’s views significantly influenced the Hadow Report (1926), leading to the creation of the 11+ exam for entry into selective ‘grammar schools.’ This exam affected generations of children in England from 1944-1976 and is still used in some areas today.

Question 14

What controversy is associated with Cyril Burt’s research on intelligence?

Answer 14

There has been substantial controversy regarding whether Burt falsified his research data, raising ethical concerns about the impact of potentially flawed research on educational policies and the lives of many children.

Question 15

How did Burt’s work impact generations of children?

Answer 15

Burt’s influence, especially on the creation of the 11+ exam, had a lasting impact on generations of children, affecting their educational paths and opportunities.

Question 16

Why is research linking intelligence to genetic factors considered socially sensitive?

Answer 16

Any research connecting intelligence to genetic factors is socially sensitive due to its potential implications, such as influencing educational policies and impacting individuals based on their perceived genetic predispositions.

Question 17

What is an example of the long-term effects of socially sensitive research?

Answer 17

The 11+ exam, influenced by Burt’s work, had long-lasting effects on generations of children, highlighting how socially sensitive research can shape educational practices and policies over an extended period.

Question 18

What is the ethical concern associated with deception in research?

Answer 18

Deception in research may lead to self-deception, fostering false stereotypes that can become self-fulfilling prophecies, such as gender-related stereotypes in academic performance.

Question 19

How can research impact privacy and lead to societal consequences?

Answer 19

Some research may result in social policies that invade people’s privacy, like laws requiring compulsory testing for certain groups, as seen in AIDS research.

Question 20

Why is informed consent crucial, especially in socially sensitive research?

Answer 20

Informed consent is vital in all research, but particularly in socially sensitive cases where individuals need to be fully aware of the study’s nature and potential implications.

Question 21

What are the consequences of breaches in confidentiality in socially sensitive research?

Answer 21

Breaches of confidentiality regarding sensitive issues can have far-reaching social and economic consequences, emphasising the importance of protecting participants’ information.

Question 22

Why is sound and valid methodology crucial in socially sensitive research?

Answer 22

Poor methodology in research can shape important social policies, as seen in the example of the Hadow Report, emphasising the need for rigorous research practices.

Question 23

What ethical concern is associated with justice in socially sensitive research?

Answer 23

Researchers must ensure that their interests, techniques, or findings do not result in unfair treatment, such as creating prejudices or withholding favorable opportunities or treatments.

Question 24

Why is scientific freedom important, and what is the exception mentioned in the context of research?

Answer 24

Scientific freedom is crucial, but researchers have an obligation not to harm participants. Certain types of research should be restricted to prevent harm.

Question 25

What ethical concerns arise regarding the ownership of research data?

Answer 25

Issues include sponsorship, access to data, and potential misuse. Certain findings in the wrong hands could be used to coerce, manipulate, or subjugate people.

Question 26

Why is it essential to recognise that research is not ‘value-free’?

Answer 26

Theoretical and personal beliefs of scientists can influence research, and different values can lead to variations in conducting and interpreting research findings.

Question 27

Why is assessing the risk/benefit ratio challenging in socially sensitive research?

Answer 27

Risks and benefits are harder to assess in socially sensitive research, emphasising the need for careful consideration due to potential societal impacts.

Question 28

Why should researchers consider their research questions carefully?

Answer 28

Researchers should consider their research questions carefully due to potential serious implications that could lead to further investigations, such as attempts to identify ‘intelligent genes.’

Question 29

Why is it important for researchers to carefully choose their research methodology?

Answer 29

Researchers should choose their methodology carefully to ensure the reliability of their investigation. For example if the information used was fabricated.

Question 30

Why should researchers be mindful of the institutional context?

Answer 30

Researchers should be mindful of the institutional context to consider the intended use of their research, especially when affiliated with multiple institutions.

Question 31

Why is it crucial for researchers to consider the implications of their findings?

Answer 31

Researchers should consider the implications of their findings, as these may have significant real-world consequences.