Ethical implications

Question 1

What is psychological harm?

Answer 1

-when the procedure causes mental distress or physical pain or discomfort, which participants have a right to not experience

Question 2

What is deception?

Answer 2

-When participants are misled by the procedure, which they have the right not to experience

Question 3

What is informed consent?

Answer 3

-when participants are made aware of the experiments aims, procedures and anticipated findings before signing their agreement to take part

Question 4

What is the right to withdraw?

Answer 4

-When participants experience the right to withdraw themselves and their data at any time during the experiement

Question 5

What is a debrief?

Answer 5

-When participants are informed of the full details of the study after its completion, to ensure they leave in a frame of mind that is at least as sound as when they entered

Question 6

What is privacy and confidentiality?

Answer 6

-when participants experience their right to remain anonymous in terms of their name and information and their data to be kept anonymous

Question 7

What is socially sensitive research?

Answer 7

-it refers to studies in which there are potential social consequences or implications for the participants

Question 8

What happens if the ethical issues are not met?

Answer 8

• privacy and confidentiality: participants may be less willing to give information in the future
• deception: participants may experience distress
• informed consent: participants may experience distress
• equitable treatment: participants may not be willing to take part in research again
• risk/ benefit ratio: participants may experience unnecessary harm

Question 9

AO3: the findings from SSR can lead to social control

Answer 9

• one limitation of SSR is that it may cause divides in society
• sensitive topics such as intelligence or mental health may lead to discriminatory practices, such as social control
• SSR can lead certain groups being marginalised

Question 10

AO3: negative consequences for society

Answer 10

• the findings have been used by the government to shape educational policies
• the idea that children should be separated on their basis of their natural intelligence remained for several years

Question 11

AO3: societal benefits from SSR

Answer 11

• SSR can aid the publics understanding of controversial societal topics
• Sandra Scarr argues that studies of underrepresented groups and issues may promote a greater sensitivity and understanding of these topics
• prejudice may reduce and encourage acceptance, highlighting the importance of conducting SSR