Socially sensitive research Flashcards
What is socially sensitive research? (2 points)
Research that has implications beyond the research situation that could impact researchers, individuals or groups within society
Can result in ethical implications on the rights of other people in a wider context, which can occur at any time during the research process
What is Sieber and Stanley’s significance to socially sensitive research? (3 points)
They outlined 4 aspects of the research process that raise ethical implications in socially sensitive research
- The research question
- The methodology used
- The institutional context
- Interpretation & application of findings
According to them, if their guidelines are followed, researchers’ studies are less likely to have social consequences on the participants involved and the wider group of people that the participants represent
How are the greatest implications of socially sensitive research on marginalised groups in society? (2 points)
Research questions can perpetuate harmful stereotypes can result in prejudice and discrimination
Therefore, they should be carefully considered and shouldn’t add to any prevailing prejudice or stereotype against any one particular group or individual within society
How are the mid-level implications of socially sensitive research on individuals? (4 points)
Research methodologies should treat collected information with confidentiality and anonymity before, during and after the research process
It is thought that socially sensitive research can pose ethical dilemmas for the researcher as they are more likely to draw attention from other psychologists, the media and the general public
As a result, mid-level implications are likely for individuals who participate in research studies, where it is important to respect ethical guidelines like informed consent, confidentiality, and protection from harm
Researchers can use a cost-benefit analysis, to see whether the costs of a research study (exposing participants) outweigh the potential benefits (greater scientific understanding)
How are the least implications of socially sensitive research on researchers and institutions? (4 points)
Important to recognise whether research is funded by the government or by a private institution to ensure that the data collected is not misused
Researchers should ensure that the interpretation of their findings doesn’t have a lasting impact on the participants involved and that the power-threat relationship between researchers and the participants is not abused
Particularly pertinent for vulnerable mental health patients - often researched by clinical psychologists for the effectiveness of new treatments for conditions like Sz
Research in developmental psychology has considered the impact of parenting, institutional facilities and care practices on the well-being of children - sensitivity should be shown to ensure participants fully understand the implications of research
What are the positive and negative implications of socially sensitive research on each of the groups? (3 points)
Greatest: Marginalised groups in society
Supported by: Sherif et al
Positive: The Innocence Project
Negative: Yerke (1911)
Mid Level: Individuals
Supported by: HM case study
Positive: Legacy of HM
Negative: Simon Baron-Cohen (2009)
Least: Researchers and institutions
Supported by: Rosenhan
Positive: Benefit to society
Negative: ‘Genie’ case study by Curtis (1977)
How does The Innocence Project showcase positive implications of socially sensitive research for marginalised groups? (4 points)
The project demonstrated that 75% of false convictions are caused by inaccurate eyewitness statements
It overturned wrongful convictions like that of Ronald Cotton, who lost 10 years of his life in prison before lawful exoneration
It positively shaped judiciary systems to not solely rely upon eyewitness testimony in the court of law and to ensure other sources are used
This shows how societal public understanding can benefit from socially sensitive research in psychology
How does Yerke (1911) showcase negative implications of socially sensitive research on marginalised groups? (4 points)
His research question proposed an intelligence test claiming that black Americans had a lower IQ score in comparison to white Americans
This was widely accepted at the time and contributed to eugenic validation stemming from Nazi Germany in WW2
Helped drive the forcible sterilisation of over 64,000 ‘unfit’ Americans and migrant populations
In 1972, the US Senate Committee revealed that at least 2,000 of these involuntary sterilisations were performed on poor black women without their consent or knowledge
How did Simon Baron-Cohen (2009) showcase negative implications of socially sensitive research on individuals? (5 points)
His study of autism published in the BMJ found a correlation between levels of foetal testosterone (FT) and the number of autistic traits a child shows at age 8
The inaccurate media portrayal following the article’s publication saw the Guardian claim that ‘experts call for a national debate on prenatal screening for fetuses testing positive for autism’
Baron-Cohen later addressed the public to assert that all four statements were inaccurate, the new research was not about autism screening and that tests of autism in the womb do not allow termination of pregnancies
This demonstrates how sensitivity may also arise due to the media’s portrayal of research findings causing individuals to be treated differently
Research can potentially have negative implications for individuals who are left agonised and fearful of how research methodologies may have a wider impact on public policy
How does HM’s legacy showcase positive implications of socially sensitive research on individuals? (4 points)
The legacy of case studies like HM outweighs any potential harm that may have been caused to him
Shrader (2012) claims that the benefit outweighs the cost because the findings regarding HM were widely publicised, ensuring the operation that removed his hippocampus would never be done again
HM is the most studied brain damage case in psychology - it represents a time for neuroscience where brain research involved experimental procedures which used brain dissection
After he died, HM donated his brain to science, enabling psychologists to create a 3D photographed digitized map which is still utilised today
How does the case study of ‘Genie’ by Curtis (1977) showcase negative implications of socially sensitive research on researchers and institutions? (4 points)
‘Genie’ was discovered by local authorities after years of childhood abuse and neglect - was given a pseudonym to protect her identity and provided with care by trained psychologists, linguists and doctors
However, the trained professionals who tried to help Genie also took advantage of her as a ‘test subject’ with excessive testing for research purposes
It was reported that once research opportunities had dried up, Genie was moved to inadequate foster homes and continuously rehoused, resulting in her rehabilitation declining and an
eventual non-recovery
Therefore, it is important to recognise the power and influence held by the research institutions and researchers themselves
How does the benefit to society showcase positive implications of socially sensitive research on researchers and institutions? (4 points)
Researchers like Rosenhan would argue that socially sensitive research is done for the greater good of society
Rosenhan’s findings that inpatients were subjected to depersonalization in hospitals helped to positively influence reforms to mental health practices
Similarly, in the case of ‘Genie’, a unique opportunity to study brain and speech development arose which provided insight to aid childhood development and understanding
Also, socially sensitive research in the mental health field has shown that many mental health conditions are biological (e.g. neurotransmitters in Sz) - has helped debunk myth causes (demonic possession or witchcraft) and improve treatments
