ethical costs controversy Flashcards
introduction
Ethical costs in psychological research refer to the potential impact on participants’ rights and wellbeing, as well as the broader consequences for society and the economy. These include issues such as deception, protection from psychological or physical harm, the right to withdraw and fully informed consent. Ethical guidelines as determined by the BPS code of ethics (1985) emphasise that participants should not experience harm greater than they would typically encounter in their everyday lives, and should leave the study in the exact same state as they entered. For example, in Watson and Rayner’s (1920) research on Little Albert, he suffered lasting psychological trauma that remained unresolved for over a year.
para 1: societal and economic benefits
Psychological research has led to significant societal and economic benefits, demonstrating that these benefits outweigh any potential negative consequences. Bowlby’s (1944) 44 Juvenile Thieves study, which highlighted the negative effects of maternal deprivation, directly influenced government policies such as the introduction of shared parental leave in 2015, allowing both parents to take time off work to reduce psychological harm caused by early separation. Additionally, nurseries are now required to provide a key worker to ensure children form stable attachments outside of the home, reducing the risk of long term mental health issues. These changes not only improve child development but also reduce the strain on healthcare services, showing long term societal benefits. Furthermore, psychological research has contributed to the development of psychoactive drugs for mental health treatment, offering both social and economic advantages. The McCrone Report (2008) estimated the annual cost of mental health in England at £22.5 billion, a figure that has skyrocketed to £300 billion in 2022 due to the pandemic, less stigma around mental health issues and the costs of drug creation. Effective drug treatments allow individuals to return to work, reducing pressure on the NHS, proving that psychological research plays an important role in sustaining the economy. To add to this, research such as Loftus and Palmer’s (1974) study on eyewitness testimony, led to the introduction of cognitive interviews, which improve memory retrieval while minimising the influence of leading questions. The criminal justice system has also been adapted to ensure that convictions are not based solely on eyewitness testimony, reducing wrongful convictions and increasing the fairness of trials. While ethical concerns do exist in research, such as the use of deception or psychological distress for participants, the long term advantages in policy, mental health treatment, and criminal procedures prove that psychological research has a greater positive impact on both society and the economy than any potential short term ethical costs.
para 2: studies w ethical costs
While psychological research has contributed to societal and economic benefits, the ethical costs to individual participants often outweigh these benefits. Many studies have caused significant psychological and physical distress, raising concerns about the ethicality of such research. For example, Milgram’s (1961) study on obedience subjected its participants to extreme emotional upset, with some of them experiencing seizures due to stress. Furthermore, the participants were deceived about the true nature of the study, preventing them from giving fully informed consent. Similarly, Bowlby’s (1944) 44 Juvenile Thieves study breached confidentiality by publishing the participants’ first names, last initials, and details of their therapy sessions. The children, who could not provide valid consent, had their privacy violated, and the study’s conclusions unfairly placed blame on mothers for their children’s behavior, potentially leading to long term guilt and distress for them. In an even more extreme case, Watson and Rayner’s study on Little Albert deliberately induced a phobia, causing visible distress as the baby “whimpered, withdrew his body, and resorted to thumb sucking for comfort” only for the researchers to then remove this coping mechanism. The lasting psychological impact on Albert was never addressed, raising serious ethical concerns about the well-being of participants. While some may argue that these studies have led to useful findings, the trauma inflicted on the participants cannot be justified, as ethical guidelines emphasise that individuals should leave research in the same psychological state as they entered- suggesting that the ethical costs to participants often outweigh any societal or economic benefits.
para 3: BPS code of conduct
Psychologists, like other professionals such as doctors, teachers, and lawyers, adhere to strict ethical codes that monitor standards and behaviour, preventing unethical practices. The British Psychological Society (BPS) Code of Conduct outlines four core ethical principles; respect, competence, integrity, and responsibility, which researchers must follow to safeguard participants’ well being. Similarly, for example in India, psychologists operate under strict ethical guidelines, including responsibility, competence, benevolence, moral standards, patient welfare, and confidentiality. These principles ensure that participants are protected; for instance, psychologists in India are prohibited from accepting gifts or gratifications from patients, they must obtain second opinions in cases of doubt, and cannot force contracts upon patients during treatment. Such measures demonstrate that psychology has evolved to manage ethical concerns effectively. Additionally, Bateson’s Cube is used to assess animal research, maintaining the need for high scientific quality and medical benefits while minimising animal suffering. Even in human research, Milgram himself argued that excluding studies that cause stress would result in a “caricatured rather than accurately reflected” view of human psychology, suggesting that some degree of discomfort is necessary to achieve meaningful insights. These ethical structures and risk management strategies ensure that research is conducted responsibly, proving that psychology’s contributions to society and the economy are carefully balanced against ethical considerations, making the benefits outweigh the costs.
para 4: findings reinforcing prejudice
One major concern is that certain findings can unintentionally reinforce prejudice and discrimination. For instance, if research were to suggest that homosexuality is inherited or that there are racial differences in IQ, it could give scientific credibility to harmful stereotypes, leading to increased discrimination and stigma. The effects of such findings extend beyond individuals to impact families, communities, and even public policies. An example of a socially sensitive study is Blumstein and Schwartz (1983), which examined infidelity rates in long term relationships. They found that 22% of heterosexual wives, 30% of heterosexual husbands, 43% of lesbians, and 94% of gay men had engaged in extramarital sex. This means that it could fuel harmful stereotypes about the instability of same sex relationships. Such research can contribute to public bias, potentially influencing some social policies or personal beliefs in a way that marginalises certain groups. As well, studies into the biological basis of behaviour raise ethical concerns, particularly regarding free will and determinism. If research suggests that behavior is biologically predetermined, it could undermine personal responsibility, leading to legal and moral dilemmas. For example, if criminal behaviour is found to have a genetic basis, it could be argued that individuals have no control over their actions, challenging the foundation of justice systems globallu. These potential societal harms demonstrate that psychological research must be approached with extreme caution. When findings contribute to discrimination, stigma, or ethical dilemmas about free will, the damage to society may outweigh any potential benefits, challenging the idea that psychological research is always more beneficial than harmful.
conclusion
In conclusion, while psychological research carries ethical risks, its benefits to society and the economy ultimately outweigh its potential harms. Research has led to crucial improvements in mental health treatment, legal policies and child wellbeing, directly improving lives and reducing societal costs. Although some studies have caused distress to participants or raised ethical dilemmas, strict professional guidelines, such as those outlined by the British Psychological Society, help mitigate these risks and ensure responsible research practices. Psychologists have a duty to protect participants, but they also have an obligation to seek and share knowledge that benefits society as a whole. Without research, progress in psychology and the improvements it brings to healthcare, education, and the legal system would stop. Therefore, as long as ethical standards are upheld, the overall impact of psychological research is positive, making it necessary despite its ethical difficulties.
