Controversy: Ethical Cost Flashcards
How are ethical guidelines
important?
It could be argued that using ethical guidelines are very important because it ensures the welfare of the participants involved.
Watson and Rayner (1920s) demonstrated how emotion can be learned, suggesting it would be possible to shape feelings through psychotherapy. However, the study came at a high cost to the single participant involved: Little Albert. He was deliberately subjected to psychological harm which may have lasted a lifetime as he was not deconditioned properly.
Powel et al (2014) suggests Albert did experience a lifetime of fear of animals due to the research.
This study was conducted in the absence of an ethical guideline such as the one used today in Britain adopted by the British Psychological Society (BPS) which would have prevented this kind of study from taking place if it were put forward today.
Consequently, it could be argued that strict ethical guidelines should be enforced to avoid this kind of damage to participants.
How are ethical guidelines beneficial to society?
It could be argued that ethical guidelines are beneficial to society as by upholding principles such as confidentiality, informed consent, and respect for autonomy, ethical guidelines safeguard the rights and well-being of individuals participating in psychological studies or seeking therapeutic interventions.
Ethical guidelines prevent the misuse of psychological knowledge and techniques, mitigating the potential for harm and exploitation.
Overall, the application of ethical guidelines in psychology not only protects the integrity of the discipline but also enhances the quality of mental health services and research, ultimately benefiting individuals and society at large.
How can socially sensitive research harm participants?
Sieber and Stanley drew attention to various studies which could have negatively impacted either the participants involved in the research, or the class of individuals represented (a damaging effect on society). Socially sensitive research and questions regarding issues such as race and sexuality such as ‘are there racial differences in IQ’ can be damaging to members of a group or class (in this case race) as it adds a scientific credibility to prevailing prejudice, simply by asking the question.
Why is it important to carry out socially sensitive research?
While it might be tempting to avoid socially sensitive research altogether to avoid this issue, this is not the solution as it limits psychologists to less important matters. Sieber and Stanley’s view is that it is not responsible to ignore socially sensitive research as avoiding controversial areas just because they are controversial is an avoidance of responsibility.
In conclusion, while ethical guidelines can avoid some social issues relating to classes of individuals in the research by inhibiting socially sensitive research, it would not be responsible to be so absolute as this may lead to important facets of psychology being neglected. Psychologists have a duty to be energetic in taking responsibility for their findings and be aware that the results of research may lead to abuse or discrimination.
What is the conclusion?
In conclusion, it is certain that some sort of ethical guideline is certainly necessary, not only to ensure the welfare of the participants involved, but also the classes of individuals which they may represent and society as a whole.
However, if ethical guidelines are too absolute and restrictive, it can lead to the neglection of important research topics and areas of psychology (highlighted by Seiber and Stanley). Therefore, perhaps a more nuanced approach to ethical guidelines is appropriate. For example, the Canadian Psychological Society (CPS) takes a different approach to the British Psychological Society (BSP). Instead of just stating ethical principles, which can lead to an over saturated guidelines as time goes on, it emphasises ethical decision making. This approach may be more appropriate to avoid issues of the avoidance of important research, while at time same time ensuring the welfare of society.
