Issue And Debates - Ethical Flashcards
(18 cards)
Implications of Research
These are the consequences of theories and findings on participants and social groups they represent.
Possible implications for participants
May suffer harm from taking part (e.g. stress, embarrassment); poor protection from harm.
Possible implications for the public
Findings might reinforce negative stereotypes or spread harmful beliefs about a group.
Possible implications for groups studied
Might face discrimination or internalise stereotypes (self-fulfilling prophecy).
Possible implications for government policy
Governments may misuse findings to create harmful laws or reduce support for certain groups.
Definition of socially sensitive research (Sieber & Stanley, 1988)
Research with potential consequences for participants or individuals/groups represented by the research.
Reflexivity
Researchers must reflect on how their values and biases influence the research process and findings.
Forming research questions
Must be done carefully to avoid bias or misrepresenting a social group.
Ethical issues in design
Use briefing, debriefing, and consider how participants may react to harmful procedures.
Ethics committee
Approves studies using cost–benefit analysis, weighing harm vs benefit for society.
Media and publication risks
Findings may be misused or reported in a biased way; researchers should explain limitations clearly.
Peer review
Ensures research is valid and objective; checks for bias, poor methods, and conflicts of interest.
Cost-benefit analysis limitations
Real costs/benefits only known after publication—may take years to assess impact.
Why some topics are especially socially sensitive
Research into areas like gender or sexuality may be avoided due to controversy, but these areas need more ethical study.
Bowlby’s Theory of Monotropy – Ethical Issues
Suggests only mothers are suitable caregivers → pressure on mothers, excludes fathers → contributes to gender pay gap and stigma for single dads.
IQ and defining abnormality
IQ <70 = intellectual disability. People just above 70 may lack support but still get harsher legal treatment, leading to unfair consequences.
Genetic basis of criminality – ethical concerns
If crime is seen as inherited, offenders might avoid punishment, harming victims/society. May justify treatment over sentencing.
Milgram’s obedience research – ethical and social risks
Suggested ordinary people could commit atrocities; disproved “Germans are different” myth. However, created harmful stereotype about Germans.
