ethical implications for research and the economy

Question 1

what are ethical implications and social sensitivity?

Answer 1

concern the consequences that psychological research can have

Question 2

give and example of ethical implications

Answer 2

study on depression may have individual consequences and be looked at differently by a prospective employer if they found out they were in a study on depression. The sydy could suggest someone never recovers which could mean they are at risk from an employer.

Question 3

what are implications for the research process?

Answer 3

• research question: Sieber and Stanley (1988) warn that they way questions are phrased may influence the way findings are interpreted e.g. homosexual relationships are often compared to and judged against heterosexual relationships and norms.
• dealing with participants: informed consent, confidentiality and psychological harm may be important in sensitive research e.g. in a study on domestic abuse. May give consent at start but not fully understand the consequences.
• they way findings are used: may impact on what data they will actually collect. Findings from research may be seen as giving scientific credence to existing prejudices such as studies examining the ethnic basis of intellegence. Sensitive info is what the media is interested in and may be published

Question 4

what are the strengths (3)

Answer 4

• minority/under-represented groups can be given the spotlight. Allows other perspectives to be heard. Widens social and cultural landscape and widens richness of human experience on a broader scale.
• socially sensitive research can help highlight inadequacies in the care of vulnerable people e.g. Rosenhan’s (1973) study on de-humanising treatment of patients in mental hospitals in USA led to a review of how these hospitals were run and their potential for labelling ppl according to their illness.
• real-world application: important role in providing high quality research on socially sensitive topics for government to use which may impact policies they make in a positive way.

Question 5

what are the weaknesses (2)

Answer 5

• some socially sensitive studies have been conducted in a way that was far from ethical and have in turn led to the perpetuation of bias and discrimination. E.g. Burt 91955) invented data that led to the implementation of the 11+ examinations in the UK. The results of this exam segregated children according to their IQ which could act as a self-fulfilling prophecy.
• researchers who conduct socially sensitive research must take care not to exploit their participants, especially if those participants are vulnerable e.g. Griffiths 91994) study into gambling addiction used regular gamblers who were asked to play on slot machines which could reinforce their need to gamble. This is a limitation as it pushes the boundaries of what is ethical in research.