Discuss ethical implications of research studies and theory including reference to social sensitivity (16)

Question 1

Outline ethical implications

Answer 1

Socially sensitive research - studies in which there are potential social consequences or implications for the participants or class of individuals represented by research - sieber and Stanley - 1988

An ethical issue researchers should be mindful of when conducting research is Deception - participants shouldn’t be mislead by the procedure. If they are, participants may experience stress due to unexpected nature of procedure which could affect self-esteem

Privacy & confidentiality - to protect identity & personal information of participants. If not met, participants may be less willing to give information in future, so future research may be compromised

E.g. of socially sensitive research is Milgram’s study into obedience (1963) carried out research to gain an understanding of why Nazi’s obeyed & committed genocide. Ethical implications are that all Germans could be seen as obedient to the point that they would commit genocide

Cost to benefit ratio was considered with Milgram performing a follow up study & 83.7% said they were glad to have taken part, suggesting benefits outweigh ethical implications

Question 2

1

Answer 2

May cause divides in society

As researching sensitive topics such as intelligence and mental health may lead to discriminatory practices, such as social control

1920s America, those considered to have low intelligence and those who were mentally ill were sterilised on the grounds of being ‘feeble minded’

This suggests that socially sensitive research may need to be avoided as it leads to certain groups being marginalised in society

Question 3

2

Answer 3

Evidence that shows that findings from socially sensitive research has had negative consequences for society

Findings have been used by the government to shape educational policies

Burt suggested that there was a genetic component to intelligence and established the 11+ test. However, discrepancies in his data revealed Burt had made up most of it and he ignored the environmental effects for intelligence

Despite this, the idea that children should be separated on the basis of their natural intelligence remained for a few more years. This shows how socially sensitive research can lead to negative governmental policies if misconducted

Question 4

3

Answer 4

May have societal benefits

This is because socially sensitive research can aid the publics understanding of controversial societal topics

For example, Sandra Scarr (1988) argues that studies of underrepresented groups and issues may promote a greater sensitivity and understanding of these

This means that prejudice may reduce and encourage acceptance, highlighting the importance of conducting socially sensitive research