Ethical Implications (research studies and theory)

Question 1

What are some points for AO1 on a question to do with ethical implications and social sensitivity?

ESIRDT

Answer 1

Ethical issues and guidelines

Socially sensitive research

Implications for the research processes

Research question

Dealing with participants

The way findings are used

Question 2

Talk about ethical issues, guidelines and implications

Answer 2

Ethical issues arise because of a conflict between the need for valid research findings and preserving the rights of participants

Ethical guidelines protect participants and guide researchers

Guidelines are also related to ethical implications of research

Question 3

Talk about socially sensitive research and implications for research processes

Answer 3

Psychologists need to be aware of the consequences of research on their participants or the group of people represented by the research

Consequences should be considered at all stages of the research process

Question 4

Talk about the research question

Answer 4

The phrasing of the research question influences how the findings are interpreted

For example, if a research study is focusing on ‘alternative relationships’ this will likely focus on homosexual relationships and may overlook heterosexual relationships

Question 5

Talk about dealing with participants and the way findings are used

Answer 5

For example, informed consent, confidentiality and psychological harm

For example, when interviewing victims of domestic abuse, participants may worry about an e-partner finding out what they said and also participants might find the experience of talking about abusive experiences stressful

The way findings are used: we need to consider in advance of findings might be used because they might give scientific credence to prejudices. Example: early flawed IQ testing in America in WW1 led to prejudice against Eastern Europeans and lower immigration quota (many of the test items were ethnocentric) so recruit from Eastern Europe and African Americans scored lowest and were deemed genetically inferior

Question 6

Evaluation: what are 2 strengths and 2 limitations of Ethical implications of research theories and studies

Answer 6

Strengths:
SSR and benefits got groups studied
Policymakers rely on SSR

Weakness:
Poor research design might have long term impact

Counterpoint on negative consequences in studies

Do we do SSR?

Question 7

Talk about the strength of socially sensitive research - benefits for the group studied

Answer 7

The DSM-1 listed homosexuality as a ‘sociopathic personality disorder’ but finally removed it in 1973 as a result of the Kinsey report

Anonymous interviewers with over 5000 men about their sexual behaviour concluded that homosexuality is a normal variety of human sexual behaviour

This is a strength as it illustrates the importance of researchers tackling topics that are sensitive

Question 8

Talk about the counterpoint to the strength that socially sensitive research is of benefit to the group studied

Answer 8

There may be negative consequences that could have been anticipated ie. by doing research on the ‘criminal gene’ - implies that people cannot be held responsible for their wrongdoing.

This suggest that when researching socially sentence topics, there is a need for very careful consideration of the possibility of outcome and their consequences

Question 9

Talk about the strength of policymakers relying on SSR

Answer 9

A strength is that policy makers rely on socially sensitive research

Governments need research when developing social policy related to child care, education, mental health provision, crime etc. It is better to base such policies on scientific research rather than politically motivated views.

This mean that psychologist also have an important role to pay in providing high quality research on socially sensitive topics.

Question 10

Talk about the limitation of poor research design

Answer 10

For example, Burt 1995 research on IQ showed it is genetic, fixed and apparent by age 11. This led to the 11+ exam which meant not all children had the same educational opportunities.

Research later shown to be based on invented evidence but the system ddid not change and it continues in parts of the UK today

Therefore, any SSR needs to be planned with the greatest care to ensure findings are valid because of the enduring effects on particular groups of people

Question 11

Talk about the to do or not point