Ethical Implications

Question 1

Ethical Issues

Answer 1

1) EI arise cause of conflict between need for valid research findings & preserving rights of pps.
2) Ethical guidelines protect pps & guide researchers - guidelines are also related to the ethical implications of research.

Question 2

Guidelines

Answer 2

Consent, confidentiality, briefing, right to withdraw, protection from harm, deception.

Question 3

Socially Sensitive Research (SSR)

Answer 3

1) Psychs must be aware of the consequences of research for the pps or for the group of ppl represented by the research.

2) SSR - term for any psych research that has ethical implications that go beyond the research situation –> affect ppl or groups in wider society.

Question 4

Research Question

Answer 4

Phrasing of research question influences how findings are interpreted.

E.g. study on ‘alternative relationships’ is likely to focus on homosexual relations & may overlook hetero ones cause ‘alternative’ suggests alternative to hetero relationships.

Question 5

Dealing with Pps

Answer 5

E.g. Informed consent, confidentiality & psych harm.

–> When interviewing victims of domestic abuse, pps may worry about an ex-partner finding out & also pps may find experience of talking about abusive experiences stressful

Question 6

How Findings are Used

Answer 6

1) Need to consider in advance how findings are used, since findings may give scientific credence to prejudices.
E.g. Early Western IQ testing during WW1 led to prejudice against Eastern-Europeans.

Question 7

Strength of SSR

Answer 7

BENEFITS FOR THE GROUP STUDIED

1) The DSM-1 listed homosexuality as a ‘sociopathic personality disorder’ but removed it as a result of the Kinsey report - anonymous interviews with over 5000 men about their sexual behaviour concluded that homosexuality is a normal variant of human sexual behaviour.
–> This illustrates importance of researchers tackling sensitive topics.

Question 8

Strength of SSR

Answer 8

POLICYMAKERS RELY ON SSR

1) Gov needs research when developing social policy related to child care, education, mental health provision, crime etc. Better to base such policies on scientific research rather than politically-motivated views.

E.g. ONS are responsible for collecting, analysing & disseminating objective statistics about the UK’s economy, society & population.
–> Means psychs also have an important role to play in providing high quality research on SS topics.

Question 9

Limitation of SSR

Answer 9

POOR RESEARCH DESIGN MAY HAVE A LONG-TERM IMPACT

1) Burt’s research on IQ showed it is genetic, fixed & apparent by age 11 –> led to 11+ exam which meant not all children had same educational opportunities.
2) Research was later shown to be based on invented evidence but the system didn’t change & continues in parts of UK today.
–> SO any SSR needs to be planned with greatest care to ensure findings are valid cause of enduring effects on particular groups of people.