Ethical Implications

Question 1

socially sensitive research

Answer 1

• studies where there are potential social consequences for the ppts or the people represented by the research
• potentially leading to change in the way these groups are treated and perceived

Question 2

define ethical implications

Answer 2

consider the impact or consequences that psychological research may have on the rights of other people in wider context, not just those in the research

Question 3

the research question

Answer 3

carefully consider question as it may be damaging to a particular group of people

Question 4

conduct of research and treatment of ppts

Answer 4

• consider treatment of ppts and their right to confidentiality and anonymity
• e.g. if someone admits to a crime, should the experimenter maintain confidentiality?

Question 5

the institutional context

Answer 5

• be mindful of how data is going to be used
• consider who is funding the research

Question 6

interpretation and application of findings

Answer 6

• consider how data may be interpreted and applied to the real world
• could their data be used to inform policy

Question 7

examples of ethical implications

Answer 7

• zimbardo - no right to withdraw
• implication: mental breakdowns and long-term emotional harm

Question 8

examples of socially sensitive research

Answer 8

• bowlby’s monotropic theory: children need to be with their mothers, implication: guilt and shame for working mothers
• bio research to test hypothesis that sexual orientation is genetic , implications: more prejudice and discrimination, or positive showing its not a choice

Question 9

what are the ethical implications

Answer 9

• effects of research and publication on wider public
• potential use of findings e.g. political consequences
• potential via against people of certain cultures
• potential influence of moral attitudes to groups
• economic implications e.g. for further research