Ethical implications

Question 1

What is meant by ethical implications?

Answer 1

These concern the way in which research impacts on those who take part in research, or how the findings are used in public. Impacts include:
• The rights of participants in the research

And for society the implications are in the:
• Influencing of Public Policy
• Perception and Treatment of certain groups of people

Question 2

Give examples of socially sensitive research?

Answer 2

Milgram – providing an obedience alibi
Bowlby – implications for mothers and fathers.
Rosenhan – Implications for diagnosis of mental illness
Raine – Implications for criminals
Gender Identity Disorder – diagnosis suggests abnormality, explanations have implications.
IQ - led to eugenic policies

Question 3

What things do Sieber and Stanley suggest researchers should be mindful of when conducting socially sensitive research?

Answer 3

• What the positive and negative implications of the research are for society.
• What the applications are of the research – what could it lead to.
• How good is the validity of the research?

Question 4

What do Sieber and Stanley argue researchers should consider as a way of reducing the social consequences of research?

Answer 4

1. Research should not add to any prevailing prejudice or stereotypes
2. The information obtained should be treated with confidentiality
3. Ensure data is not misused (especially if government/ institutional funded)
4. Researchers need to ensure interpretation of data is correct/valid.

Question 5

Explain what is meant by social sensitivity.

Answer 5

Where there are potential social consequences, for the p’s in research or the group represented by the p’s.
Some topics are likely to be more controversial (and therefore more SS). These include taboo topics (Sexuality, race etc). These often then attract attention from the media and the general public.

Question 6

What points of evaluative discussion could be raised for social sensitivity and ethical implications?

Answer 6

• There are benefits of conducting socially sensitive research (e.g practical applications)
• The current guidelines might be too limited by only considering the rights of participants in research.
• One way of dealing with it might be to avoid certain topics.
• Another way of managing it would be to use a cost benefit analysis.