Ethical Implications Of Research Study And Theory Flashcards
(34 cards)
What ethical issues generally arise in psychological research due to conflicting needs?
Ethical issues such as deception and privacy generally arise because of the conflict between psychology’s need to gain valid research findings whilst, at the same time, preserving the rights of participants.
Why were ethical guidelines established in psychological research?
Ethical guidelines were established to protect participants and guide researchers.
What do ethical implications in psychological research concern?
Ethical implications concern the consequences that psychological research (studies/theories) may have.
Which types of psychological research tend to have greater social sensitivity?
Some areas of research have greater social sensitivity than others.
Why is research on long-term memory in a student population considered less socially sensitive?
Because it is unlikely to have consequences for individual participants, or for the broader social groups the participants represent, and there are unlikely to be consequences for social policy.
What are some potential consequences of research on depression?
Consequences can include individual participants revealing personal information that may be accessed by a prospective employer, findings suggesting people with depression never fully recover and thus are a risk as employees, and the findings informing preferred treatment options recommended by the NHS.
Can seemingly innocuous research like memory studies have consequences?
Yes, even seemingly innocuous research, such as the memory example, may have consequences in terms of exam policy.
Why is social sensitivity important at all stages of the research process?
Because all psychological research has potential consequences, but this applies particularly to socially sensitive research, meaning planning, conducting, and handling findings must consider social sensitivity.
What warning do Joan Sieber and Barbara Stanley (1988) give about research questions?
They warn that the way in which research questions are phrased and investigated may influence the way in which findings are interpreted.
How did Celia Kitzinger and Adrian Coyle (1995) illustrate bias in research?
They noted how research into relationships has been guilty of a form of ‘heterosexual bias’ within which homosexual relationships were compared and judged against heterosexual norms.
Why are informed consent, confidentiality, and psychological harm especially important in socially sensitive research?
Because participants may worry about privacy (e.g., an ex-partner finding out in a domestic abuse study), and the research may be extremely stressful, with participants not fully understanding the effect of the research despite informed consent.
What must researchers consider in advance regarding research findings?
Researchers should consider how research findings may be used, as findings may give scientific credence to existing prejudices or be sensationalized by the media.
What example shows media interest in socially sensitive research?
Adrian Owen’s research on people in a minimally conscious state received enormous media attention as it appeared he had made contact with patients previously thought unreachable.
What is a strength of socially sensitive research related to benefits for groups?
Point: One strength of socially sensitive research is that it can have benefits for the group who have been studied.Evidence: For example, the Kinsey report (Kinsey et al. 1948) contributed to the removal of homosexuality from the DSM as a disorder.Explain: This shows researchers tackling sensitive topics can change social understanding positively.Link: Therefore, socially sensitive research can improve acceptance and treatment of marginalized groups.
What is a counterpoint to the benefits of socially sensitive research?
Point: In some studies there could be negative consequences for the groups being studied.Evidence: Research investigating the genetic basis of criminality found a ‘criminal gene’ (see The Mobley defence).Explain: This raises ethical questions about responsibility and legal implications for individuals with such genes.Link: Hence, socially sensitive research requires very careful consideration of possible outcomes and consequences.
What is a strength of socially sensitive research in terms of real-world application?
Point: Certain groups such as policymakers rely on research related to socially sensitive issues.Evidence: The UK government uses research to develop social policies on childcare, education, mental health, and crime, using data from groups like the ONS.Explain: This ensures policies are based on scientific research rather than political views.Link: Psychologists play an important role in providing high quality research for socially sensitive topics.
What is a limitation of socially sensitive research related to poor research design?
Point: Poor research design may lead to erroneous findings which continue to have an impact.Evidence: Burt’s fraudulent research supported the continued use of the 11+ exam despite being discredited.Explain: Erroneous findings can cause long-lasting effects on groups of people, such as selective education policies.Link: Therefore, socially sensitive research must be planned carefully to ensure valid findings.
What ethical issues generally arise in psychological research due to conflicting needs?
Ethical issues such as deception and privacy generally arise because of the conflict between psychology’s need to gain valid research findings whilst, at the same time, preserving the rights of participants.
Why were ethical guidelines established in psychological research?
Ethical guidelines were established to protect participants and guide researchers.
What do ethical implications in psychological research concern?
Ethical implications concern the consequences that psychological research (studies/theories) may have.
Which types of psychological research tend to have greater social sensitivity?
Some areas of research have greater social sensitivity than others.
Why is research on long-term memory in a student population considered less socially sensitive?
Because it is unlikely to have consequences for individual participants, or for the broader social groups the participants represent, and there are unlikely to be consequences for social policy.
What are some potential consequences of research on depression?
Consequences can include individual participants revealing personal information that may be accessed by a prospective employer, findings suggesting people with depression never fully recover and thus are a risk as employees, and the findings informing preferred treatment options recommended by the NHS.
Can seemingly innocuous research like memory studies have consequences?
Yes, even seemingly innocuous research, such as the memory example, may have consequences in terms of exam policy.
