Ethical Implications Flashcards
(16 cards)
AO3 (1) ethical implications
- One positive ethical implication of socially sensitive research is that it can have benefits for the groups studied
- For example, homosexuality used to be considered a sociopathic personality disorder in the DSM-1, but this was finally removed in 1873 after research that led to the Kinsley report. This report was based on anonymous interviews with over 500 men about their sexual behaviour and concluded that homosexuality is a typical expression of human sexual behaviour.
- This is a positive implication of socially sensitive research because it shows how psychological research can challenge outdated classifications and contribute to societal change by providing scientific evidence that reshapes perceptions and informs policy decisions.
- However, it can be argued that such research also led to increased discrimination, as it brought attention to marginalized groups in a way that sometimes fuelled societal backlash, decreasing uility.
- Despite this, this is a positive ethical implication of psychological research, as without exploring socially sensitive topics, important changes to current views of certain groups wouldn’t otherwise change. Therefore, it can be justified that conducted such research is worth the potential chance that findings could benefit groups previously at a disservice, to improve their quality of life
AO3 (2) ethical implications
- One negative ethical implication of psychological research is that poor research design may lead to erroneous findings that still have a public impact today
- For example, Cyril Burt conducted research that supported a genetic basis of intelligence, claiming intelligence was heritable and this could be detected by age 11. It was later found that this research was fraudulent and the data seemingly fake. However, by this point the 11+ exam was already imposed and is still present in some areas today as an entrance exam taking in year 6 to be accepted into grammar schools.
- This is a negative implication because it shows how flawed psychological research can have long-term societal consequences, as once policies and educational systems are established based on misleading findings, they can be difficult to reverse even after the research is discredited.
- However, it could be argued that while Burt’s research was fraudulent, later studies have provided legitimate evidence that intelligence has both genetic and environmental influences. Additionally, the 11+ exam has been defended as a means of providing academic opportunities to students who might not otherwise have access to high-quality education, regardless of its origins in flawed research.
- Therefore, this increases the need to take care when researching socially sensitive topics to ensure a high quality of data is achieved to support the validity of findings. This is especially because of the evident lingering effects psychological research has shown to have on society, like in the case of 11+ entrance exam.
AO3 (3) ethical implications
- One positive implication of socially sensitive research is that it encourages cost-benefit analysis
- When planning research, to help minimise ethical implications, psychologist are increasing their implementation of cost/benefit analyses. Weighing up the benefits on society compared to the costs (ethical implications)
- This is a positive implication because it ensures deliberation when deciding to conduct research, hopefully reducing the presence of socially sensitive research in the future, thus increasing usefulness of this issue
- However, some argue that cost-benefit analyses oversimplify complex ethical issues, as long-term harm or stigma is hard to quantify. Additionally, researchers may downplay risks to secure funding, decreasing trust
- Despite this, cost-benefit analysis still encourages ethical decision-making, helping researchers consider the risks and benefits more carefully.
What are ethical issues in psychological research?
Problems involving harm, rights, or fairness to participants, e.g. lack of informed consent, deception, or invasion of privacy.
What are ethical implications?
The broader impact of research findings on individuals or society, especially when findings affect policy or reinforce stereotypes.
What is socially sensitive research?
Research that has ethical implications for people beyond the participants, particularly if it affects certain social groups.
How can a research question have ethical implications?
Poorly worded questions (e.g. “Are women more emotional than men?”) can reinforce harmful stereotypes or misrepresent groups.
How should participants be ethically treated in socially sensitive research?
Ensure informed consent, confidentiality, data protection, and full debriefing, as well as ethics committee approval.
How can the publication of findings raise ethical issues?
If misinterpreted or misused, findings can lead to discrimination, prejudice, or harmful policy (e.g. 11+ exam from Burt’s data).
What are the BPS’ four key ethical principles?
Respect, competence, responsibility, and integrity.
How did Bowlby’s attachment theory have ethical implications?
It contributed to guilt and stigma around working mothers and shaped childcare policy with long-term societal effects.
How can researchers avoid harmful ethical implications?
Use careful, neutral wording
Follow ethical protocols strictly
Avoid overgeneralisation
Consult ethics boards
Who else might be affected by SSR besides participants?
Their families/friends
Their social group
The researchers’ institution
What are 4 stages where ethical implications can arise?
Aim/Wording of Study
Participant Recruitment and Treatment
Publication and Use of Findings
Cost–Benefit Analysis
What three concerns did Sieber and Stanley outline for SSR?
Implications – Could it legitimise discrimination?
Public Policy – Could it influence unfair laws?
Validity – Is the data accurate and honest?
Why is Burt’s research into intelligence ethically problematic?
It was fraudulent yet influenced the 11+ exam system, reinforcing fixed ideas about intelligence and limiting children’s futures.
