Debates-Conducting socially sensitive research Flashcards
Socially sensitive research
When the research has wider negative implications either directly for the participants in the research or for the class of individuals the sample represents.
List aspects of human experience that, if researched, could be socially sensitive
-mental health
- intelligence
- children behaviour
- morality
- attraction
Farrington et al (1996)
Found that children from families with 4+ children were more likely to turn to crime
Children from larger families may receive discrimination as people think they’re criminals
However, The research can still be useful in identifying risk factors for criminals. This can be used to help narrow down possible suspects or try and target ‘at risk’ children to prevent them from turning to crime
Benefits of research being socially sensitive
It can answer important questions that improve our understanding of human behaviour
It can lead to practical applications that can improve the quality of people’s lives
Drawbacks of psychological research being socially sensitive
It can lead to people beyond the study being stigmatized (viewed negative)
The insights a study provides can be used for negative purposes
Self fluffing prophecies by people reflected by the research
How is Yerkes socially sensitive
Yerkes’ research is socially sensitive because the conclusion that some ethnic groups are more intelligent than others can (and did) have massive negative consequences.
The Immigration Restriction Act came into action in 1924 and this meant many people were not allowed entry to the USA because of their race.
How is Bandura socially sensitive
Bandura’s research is socially sensitive as parents of aggressive children may receive discrimination. This is because people may blame them for their child’s aggression (as the findings suggest they must have learnt it from an adult role model).
Was Moray socially sensitive
Moray’s study wasn’t especially socially sensitive as the findings are supposedly generalizable to everyone. This means we cannot discriminate against people who have an inattentional barrier as this is everyone.
Was Loftus and Palmer socially sensitive
Loftus and Palmers’ research is not especially socially sensitive as many people are already aware that their memories can be flawed.
Those with ‘false memories’ are not being blamed for this within the conclusions as this flaw is as a result of external influences (such as police questioning). Therefore, this will not lead to any negative consequences.
