Ethical implications of research studies and theory - AO1

Question 1

Social sensitivity : Sieber and Stanley (1988).

Answer 1

Studies in which there are potential social consequences or implications, either directly for the participants in research or the class of individuals represented by the research.

Question 2

Sieber and Stanley 10 types of ethical issues that relate especially to socially sensitive research:

Answer 2

1) Privacy - keeping private life secret.

2) Confidentiality - Participants less willing to give information in the future if confidentiality is breached.

3) Valid methodology - media may not be aware of poor methodology and groups within that research may have been detrimented.

4) Deception - research may lead to form untrue stereotypes.

5) Informed consent - Participants may not comprehend what is involved.

6) Equitable treatment - all participants should be treated in an equitable manner.

7) Scientific freedom - scientists can engage in research unless they don’t ham participants.

8) Ownership of data - problems with determining the ownership involve the sponsorship research and the public accessibility of data.

9) Values - Psychologists differ in orientation towards subjective or objective approaches

10) Risk/benefit ratio - Risks or costs should be minimised.

Question 3

The research process 4 of Sieber and Stanley’s aspects in the research process at which ethical issues with social consequences may occur:

Answer 3

1) The research question

2) Conduct of research and treatment of participants.

3) Institutional context

4) Interpretation and application of findings.

Question 4

Research question:

Answer 4

• May be damaging to members of a particular racial group or sexual orientation.

Question 5

Conduct of research and treatment of participants:

Answer 5

• Concern is the confidentiality of the information collected e.g. if someone committed a crime.

Question 6

Institutional context:

Answer 6

Research may be funded by private institutions who may misuse or misunderstand data produced.

Question 7

Interpretation and application of findings:

Answer 7

• Research findings may be used for purposes other than originally intended. e.g. IQ tests