Ehtical Implications

Question 1

What is socially sensitive research?

Answer 1

-studies where there is potential consequences directly to the P’s or to the class represented
-Sieber + Stanley - studies in which there are potential consequences, directly for P’s or the class represented by the research

Question 2

Major BPS guidelines

Answer 2

• privacy, confidentiality, informed consent, freedom + ownership of data

Question 3

Examples of socially sensitive research

Answer 3

1. Bowlby’s monotropic theory - critical period for attachment with primary care giver - first 2 yrs - could have severe emotional consequences (affectionless psychopathy)
2. Depression studies - consequences on individuals or wider groups - personal info later seen by an employer

Question 4

Positives - real world application

Answer 4

-certain groups rely on research related to socially sensitive issues
-government look at research when making social policies
-based on scientific rather than politically motivated views
-key role in providing high quality research on socially sensitive issues

Question 5

Negatives - misuse

Answer 5

-research could be potentially misused - so psychologists should take responsibility for presentation of findings
-Packard - produced idea of ‘subliminal messaging’ - found that when pics of coke + popcorn were projected onto screens for split secs - sales increased
-discovered he had made up his results
-implications weren’t serious but is an example the power of socially sensitive research + misuse

Question 6

Implications - ways findings are used

Answer 6

-may impact on what data they will collect
-findings may be seen as giving scientific credence to existing prejudices
-furthermore sensitive info is what the media will publicise