2.6: Ethical implications of research studies and theory

Question 1

In a study of antisocial activity and social background, researchers interviewed 100 children aged 14 years. They then classified each child according to their level of antisocial activity. They concluded that 26 were ‘very antisocial’, 40 were ‘mildly antisocial’ and 34 were ‘not antisocial’. The researchers found that the majority of
the ‘very antisocial’ children attended Crayford secondary school, whereas most of the other two groups of children attended another local school.

This study is an example of socially sensitive research.
Briefly explain how the researchers could have dealt with the issue of social sensitivity in this study (4 marks)

Answer 1

 Awareness of issue: Researchers should be aware of the implications of their research: possible negative impact for the children in the sample; possible negative implications of the research for the reputation of Crayford school and the wider community; possible self-fulfilling prophecy
 Dealing with the issue: Researchers should take adequate steps to counter the above: sensitive briefing/debriefing of participants, parents, teachers etc; care in relation to publication, disclosure of results and confidentiality/anonymity