Socially Sensitive Research (Studies)

Question 1

Sherif

Answer 1

• Findings could be used as a defence/excuse/justification for prejudiced attitudes
  + Provides a solution for reducing prejudice through S.O. goals (so practical application outweighs socially sensitive issues)
• Cultural issues in social psychology can lead to racism. If one culture is seen as leading to more prejudice than another, this can be seen as a more socially sensitive finding. Issues about gender and prejudice may also be socially sensitive (findings can heighten racist attitudes)
  + Practical application for understanding past events of prejudice outweigh social sensitivity

Question 2

Baddeley

Answer 2

• Identification of memory problems can be distressing
  + Application to helping those with memory problems outweighs SS issues
  + Not overly socially sensitive as Baddeley investigates normal memory processing present, not that of individuals with memory issues
  + Not a socially sensitive area of psychology compared to brain damage case studies, etc.

Question 3

Raine

Answer 3

• Can be used as an excuse/justification for violent crime - ideas of free will and how far a murderer is responsible
  + Practical application for use in court and for monitoring of those with brain damage outweighs issues of social sensitivity
• Justifying criminal acts is socially sensitive for the victim’s family
  + Practical application to understanding the brain regions involved in aggression/crime outweighs issues of social sensitivity

Question 4

Watson and Rayner

Answer 4

• Demonstrates that it is possible to condition fear in others (may be misused/abused in harmful ways)
  + Help for development of phobia treatment outweighs SS
• Learning theories such as CC can shape behaviour and this can be seen as unwanted as people wish to be themselves and behave naturally as individuals - findings make people uncomfortable
  + Use of CC in aversion therapy outweighs issues

Question 5

Rosenhan

Answer 5

• Findings cause alarm due to ecological validity - lack confidence in diagnostic system and care for mentally ill patients - participants could not recognise ‘normal’ mental health
  + Useful practical application - led to changes being made to the DSM (positive reform as a result)
• Location of research in the real world can have harmful effects on the institutions after publication of the research, which caused closures and a negative impact on the local community therefore
  + Research into mental hospitals can help to reduce likelihood of misdiagnosis, which could lead to inappropriate treatment for the patients, and help them to recover faster and more effectively