Ethical implications Flashcards
(11 cards)
Ethical implications refer to …
the impact research may have on the rights of people after its been conducted
Researchers must consider what 2 things when deciding whether to conduct research
-the wider implications of their research (POSSIBLE COSTS)
-whether research that may influence vulnerable groups is worthwhile (BENEFITS)
What are stakeholders?
Who are stakeholders? 8
people who are interested in the findings of psychological research
-researchers
-participants
-group the participants represent
-the government
-educational bodies
-institutions
-media
-general public
What is meant by socially sensitive research?
Name the 2 people who used this term when describing research that can negatively impact those involved.
Therefore what is essential to consider when conducting psychological research?
any psychological research in which there are potential consequences or implications for any of the stakeholders
Sieber and Stanley 1988
the wider implications of the research as well as how to deal with issues if they arise
Give 4 ways of dealing with social sensitivity in research
-gain informed consent
-fully debrief participants
-ensure confidentiality/anonymity
-take care with disclosure of results to participants
Explain why Milgrams study of obedience is considered socially sensitive and explain whether this research is justified
-ppts had to deliver electric shocks so they experienced psychological harm during and afterwards
-its justified because it prompted further research into obedience which has developed understanding of why people obey
Explain why both of Bowlbys theories are considered socially sensitive and explain whether they are justified
the theories suggest the role of the father is inferior and not important , which is an outdated and sexist view which puts pressure on mothers and has negative implications on children who grow up without a maternal figure
yes-its prompted further research into infant attachment and primary care
no-has negative economic implications as suggests mothers should be at home for longer periods of time during infancy
Why is the genetic explanation of OCD considered socially sensitive and is this research justified?
-can lead to prejudice towards people with the SERT gene as well as underestimating the role of environmental factors
-can also lead to misunderstanding the difference between being predisposed to developing OCD and it being a certainty
-yes because its led to development of treatments and has allowed the disorder to be identified much earlier which allows for interventions to be made to improve quality of life
Why is the genetic explanation for aggression considered socially sensitive and is this research justified?
Why is the theory of atypical gender development (gender dysphoria) also considered socially sensitive?
(justification is same as previous)
can lead to prejudice towards those with the faulty MAOA gene , can also lead to false assumption that individuals have no control over their behaviour which has implications on the judicial system
-yes because having increased understanding allows avenue of treatments to be explored and also allows for early intervention
because it suggests the disorder arises due to environmental factors such as parenting which places blame onto parents
Give 2 positive evaluation points regarding ethical considerations in psychological research
+there is a code of ethics governed by the BPS
these codes must be adhered to by any ethics boards at unis and the possible implications of research must be discussed before conduction , this helps to reduce the chance of socially sensitive research being published
+socially sensitive research can be beneficial
studies of underrepresented groups or issues may promote a greater understanding and sensitivity , suggesting that socially sensitive research can be valuable to society
Give 2 negative evaluation points regarding ethical considerations in psychological research
-some believe the code of ethics is too strict
there are areas of research which may be important or beneficial however guidelines prevent them being conducted , showing reaching a balance between ethics and research is problematic
-implications of research can be hard to predict
its not always possible to identify the implications of the stakeholders , which means socially sensitive research can still be done as ethical judgements can be hard to make
