ethical implicatioms of research studies and theory Flashcards
what are ethical issues
Concerns about right and wrong in research, including consent, deception, confidentiality, protection from harm, and the right to withdraw.
ethical implications
-The potential impact of research on individuals, groups, or society, including unintended
consequences or applications that may cause harm or discrimination
social sensitivity
-When research topics involve controversial or socially sensitive issues, potentially affecting participants, specific groups, or wider society in significant ways.
research questions
- The specific questions a study aims to answer, guiding the investigation and influencing its ethical considerations and social impact.
research questions
- The specific questions a study aims to answer, guiding the investigation and influencing its ethical considerations and social impact.
harlow research
-raised ethical issues
-not justified bc it was caused long term adverse feats to the monkeys
-they didn’t consent to the study either
low sensitivity example long term memory research
-research in long term memory in students is unlikely to affect individual ps or broader social grps
-PS may come from various backgrounds (no single social grp impacted)
-findings unlikely to infuckence social policies
high social sensitivity - depression research
-may impact individual ps , social grps, policies
-ps may disclose personal info that can be accessed by future employers
-findings may lead to harmful stereotypes sly suggesting ppl w dep never fully recover
-may infulence social policies such as NHS recommendations for dep treatment
unexpected ethical implications
even seemingly harmless research (memory studies ) may hv consequences for ig infulence exam policies
implications for research process
-sensitive topics require more care
- ethical considerations apply, from planning, conducting , and finding
framing researching qs
-way research QS are phrased can infulence finings and interpretations
SIEBER and Stanley = bias phrasing shapes societies view
KITZINGER AND CYCKE-highlight how research an “alternative relationship”
often assumes heterosexual norms creating bias
dealing w PS
-Socially sensitive topics require careful handling of consent, confidentiality, and psychological harm.
● In domestic abuse research, participants may fear exposure to an ex-partner or struggle
emotionally when recounting experiences.
● Participants may consent initially but not anticipate the study’s emotional impact.
use and impact of findings
Researchers should consider how findings might be used, influencing what data they collect.
● Studies on ethnicity and intelligence have historically reinforced prejudices.
● Adrian Owen’s research on minimally conscious patients gained media attention, showing how
sensitive findings attract public scrutiny.
strengths of this theory
( benefits for studied groups )
Socially sensitive research can benefit marginalized groups by challenging harmful classifications.
● Example: Homosexuality was classified as a disorder in the DSM-1 (1952) but removed in 1973, influenced by the Kinsey Report (1948) based on
interviews with over 5000 men and 6000 women, this caused out rage at the time
( real world app)
Socially sensitive research informs policymakers on issues like child care, education, and mental health.
● Governments prefer policies based on scientific research rather than political opinions.
● Example: The Office for National Statistics (ONS) collects and analyzes objective data used in psychological research.
● Psychologists play a key role in providing high-quality research on sensitive topics.
weaknesses of this theory
(counterpoint benefits)
-● Researching sensitive topics is important, but some studies may have unintended negative consequences.
● Example: Research on the genetic basis of criminality raises ethical concerns—could individuals be convicted or excused based on their genetics?
● Careful consideration of potential consequences is crucial.
(poor research design)
-Invalid or fraudulent research can have lasting effects if findings enter public discourse.
● Example: Cyril Burt’s research on intelligence and the 11+ exam was later exposed as fraudulent, yet the exam is still used in parts of the UK.
● Socially sensitive research must be carefully planned to ensure validity and avoid long-term negative impacts.
evaluation extra to research or not
Ethical committees approve 95% of non-sensitive research but only 50% of sensitive proposals (APA, 2001).
● Avoiding sensitive topics may seem easier but is not responsible.
● Sieber & Stanley argue that ignoring these topics is problematic.
● Qualitative researchers address this by being reflexive, openly acknowledging how personal biases affect research
