Ethical Implications and Social Sensitivity

Question 1

What institution produces ethical guidlines?

Answer 1

The British Psychological Society.

Question 2

What are the five components within the ethical guidlines?

Answer 2

• Informed consent.
• Deception.
• Protection from harm.
• Debriefing.
• Confidentiality.

Question 3

What is informed consent?

Answer 3

When a participant is told the aims and nature of the study before agreeing to it, as well as having the right to withdraw.

Question 4

Why is deception sometimes required?

Answer 4

The participant may not behave naturally if they knew the aim of the study.

Question 5

When does the BPS state deception is acceptable?

Answer 5

When there is strong scientific justification and no alternative procedure available.

Question 6

What does the BPS state regarding the risk of harm?

Answer 6

It should be no greater than what they would face in their normal lives.

Question 7

When is debriefing especially vital?

Answer 7

After the participants have been decieved.

Question 8

What does the BPS state regarding confidentiality?

Answer 8

None of the participants should be identifiable from any reports that are produced.

Question 9

What can socially sensitive research result in?

Answer 9

• Minority groups being stigmatised.
• Laws being passed that disadvantage certain people.

Question 10

What type of research is socially sensitive?

Answer 10

Research into genetic influences on criminal behaviour.

Question 11

How is research into genetic influences on criminal behaviour socially sensitive?

Answer 11

• Could be unjustly used as a defence in court.
• Could be used to stigmatise people who don’t display criminal behaviour but have the genes.

Question 12

How is using race as an independent variable socially sensitive?

Answer 12

The research may be biased towards certain cultural groups.