Ethical implications in research and theory

Question 1

what is meant by social sensitivity?

Answer 1

This refers to the wider ethical implications of research outside the research context. By this, it means the impact that the research can have on wider society where the research affects the following:

· The participants of the research
· The researchers themselves including their institution
· Groups in society impacted including: cultures, sub-groups, religious groups, political groups, ethnic minorities, groups of a sexual orientation etc.

Question 2

what must be considered during research regarding social sensitivity?

Answer 2

The research question

· Conduct of the research

· Institutions and their use of the research

· Interpretation and application of the findings

Question 3

Ethical implications - A03

Answer 3

There are now stringent boards that check with ethics committees that research is ethical including: The British Psychological Society and University Ethics Committees.

· It is not always possible to see the impacts that the research will have on the researcher, participants or society before the investigation.

· Ethical guidelines can sometimes be too restricting in social psychological settings and the cost benefit analysis does not truly consider the benefit of science.

· We rely heavily on the self-report of researchers to report ethics and there is no investigation of whether they are practicing ethical research.

· Questions are asked about should we really just avoid socially sensitive research because of its implications. There is a debate as to whether we should be investigating ALL behaviours in science and not avoiding any.

· Engaging with the public and policy makers in their interpretation of findings is somewhat difficult and moves should be made to ensure correct findings are published by the press.