Ethical implications Flashcards
Explain how psychological research does not appear in a vacuum
It has an impact on the lives of those studied and other similar groups
What are ethical implications concerned with
The way research impacts on those who participate and the impact of the research findings on the wider society
What did Simon Baron Cohen do
Is one of the country’s top researcher’s into ASD
Part of his research is to look for a genetic explanation for ASD
“Chinese scientists create ‘arctic’ monkeys in controversial study they claim could lead to cure for humans”
How do Sieber and Stanley define social sensitivity
Studies in which there are potential consequence or implications, either directly for the participants involved in the research pr for the class of individuals represented by the research
What are examples of socially sensitive topics
Bowlby/Ainsworth (impact on mothers and their work choices)
Maternal deprivation (people who have suffered maternal deprivation)
Explanations of obedience (Holocaust survivors)
Genetic basis of criminality
What are the 4 groups that may be affected by psychological research (S&S)
1 - members of the social group being studied such as racial or ethnic group, e.g. early research on IQ was used to discriminate against African-American citizens in the US
2 - friends and relatives of those taking part in the study, particularly in case studies, where individuals may become famous or infamous. Cases that spring to mind would include Genie’s mother
3 - research team. There are examples of researchers being intimidated because of the line of research they are in
4 - the institution in which the research is conducted
What are the implications of research
The wider effects of the research should be carefully considered
Some studies may give scientific credence to prejudice and discrimination
What are the uses/public policies of research
Researcher needs to consider the research and what purpose it could be used for
How it could be used for political ends to shape public policy
What is involved when discussing the validity of research
Although research is supposed to be objective and value-free this is not always the case, the researcher should be mindful of how the data is going to be used and consider who is funding the research
What is the cost/benefit of Milgram’s study
COSTS
Trauma to participants
Deceived
No right to withdraw
Alibi for the Nazis
BENEFITS
Interesting findings
Opened up a spark of interest around legitimacy of authority
How is considerations of socially sensitive research a +ve evaluation
Provides a mechanism to safeguard individuals who are indirectly affected by psychological research
Because of problems associated with socially sensitive research, it is not sufficient to simply safeguard the interests of the participants taking part in the research
e.g. Current ethical guidelines do not require researchers to consider how their findings may be used by other people or institutions to form and/or shape public social policy
What are the benefits of socially sensitive research as a +ve evaluation
Scarr 1988 argues that of under-represented groups and issues may promote greater understanding to help reduce prejudice and encourage acceptance
Can benefit society as a whole, e.g. research into the unreliability of EWT has reduced the risk of miscarriages of justice within the legal system
Suggests that socially sensitive research may play a valuable role in society
What is a -ve evaluation regarding who gains
Social policy
1950s subliminal messages (Packard, 1957)
A study claimed that sales of Coca-Cola and popcorn increased significantly when images of them were flashes up on cinema screens, too quickly for audiences to be aware of them
Who’s benefiting?
