Ethical implications of research studies and theory

Question 1

Ethical implications

Answer 1

the impact that psychological research may have in terms of the rights of other people especially participants. This includes, at a societal level, influencing public policy and/or the way in which certain groups of people are regarded

Question 2

Socially sensitive research

Answer 2

studies that tackle socially sensitive ‘taboo’ topics, such as aspects of race or sexuality, also attract a good deal of attention; not merely from other psychologists but also from the median the public at large.

Question 3

Socially sensitivity

Answer 3

SIEBER & STANLEY 
' studies in which there are potential consequences or implications, either directly for the participants in the research or for the class of individuals represented by the research'.

Question 4

Ethical issues in socially sensitive research

Answer 4

Seiber & Stanley
identified a number of concerns that researchers should be mindful of when conducting socially sensitive research:

• IMPLICATIONS - the wider effect of schizophrenia research should be carefully considered as some studies may be seen as giving ‘scientific’ credence to prejudice and discrimination
• USES/ PUBLIC POLICY - what is the research likely to be used for? And what would happen if it was used for the wrong purpose? This is related to the idea that findings may be adopted by the government for political ends or to shape public policy
• VALIDITY OF RESEARCH - some findings presented as objective and value-free in the past have actually turned out to be highly suspect.