Ethical Costs Of Conducting Research Flashcards
What are 4 talking points for the ethical costs of conducting research?
Benefits to society and the economy
Indivifual participants
Potentially negative consequences for society
Risk managment techniques used by psychologists
Explain benefits to society and the economy (economical)
Psychological research offers many benefits to society. E.g research on Anti-psychotic, can help save a lot of money (research estimated mental health costs £22 5 billion) so its very important to do
Explain benefits to society and the economy (sociatial)
Research such as Bowlbys (1945) research on separation and attachment, helped open societies eyes to childrens mental health development (e.g UNICEF policies)
Explain the ethical cost to individual participants? (Ethical cost of conducting research)
The welfare of ppts is worthy of equal consideration to the potential benefits to society
Why is Watson and Rayner (1920) a good example for individual participants? (ethical cost of conducting research)
The research was of major significance in showing that emotions could be learned and possibly shaped through psychotherapy, but it had a very high cost to little Albert, research suggests he had a lifelong aversion to animals, so was it worth the cost to Albert?
Why is Milgram (1963) a good example for individual participants? (ethical cost of conducting research)
Milgram’s study has had a huge impact on how we view obedience, but was potentially very negative for ppts
E.g research (2004) - ‘nothing can take away the knowlege of how you acted’
But - made him realise he was vunerable to authority, gave him confidence to come out as gay, so maybe not all negative?
Explain potentially negative consequences for society (Ethical cost of conducting research)
There could be instances where not carrying out research could result in negative outcomes, however, research onto topics such as, ‘is there a difference in the iq of ethnicties’ , may be damaging as it appears to add a scientific reason to prejudice
How can participating in socially sensitive research negative for participants?
May have an indirect impact on other groups (addicts, elderly etc)
What the ‘solution’ to the potentially negative consequences for society? (Ethical cost of conducting research)
Research cannot simply avoid sensitive topics, as they need to be covered; However, researchers must take responsibility for their findings so it isnt used to ‘give scientific creditibilty to prejudice’
Explain the risk management techniques used by psychologists? (Ethical cost of conducting research)
Psychologists must follow guidelines such as those set by the BPS if in the UK, which offer strict guidelines and advice to protect ppts and help research remain ethical
Other countries such as Canada have the CPS, which differs slightly as it has more of a focus on ethical decision-making instead of just stating ethical principles
