ethical implications Flashcards
Ethical implications of research studies and theory, including reference to social sensitivity.
define ethical guidelines
a set of principles set out by the BPS to help psychologists behave honestly and with integrity
define ethical issues
issues that arise when there is conflict between the rights of the participant and the aims of the researcher
define ethical implications
considers the impact or consequences that psychological research has on the rights of other people in a wider context, not just the participants taking part in the research, but including those who will impact from the research studies and theories
explain the ethical implications in Milgram’s research study (1963)
- participants were deceived, unable to provide fully informed consent and the experiment was distressing
- however, they were debriefed and took part in a follow-up interview. participants said that they suffered no long-term effects
- therefore, it could be argued that the importance of the findings did justify the way the research was conducted, as the research is useful to society in determining the factors that affect obedience to authority
explain the ethical implications behind Bowlby’s theory of attachment
- suggests that children form one special attachment bond, usually with their mother, which must take place within a critical period
- also suggested that this attachment bond affects their future relationships through an internal working model
- has encouraged the view that a women’s place is at home with her children, which could make some mothers feel guilty for wanting to return to work, following childbirth
define social sensitivity
any research that might have direct social consequences for the participants in the research or the group they represent (e.g. resulting in discrimination and prejudice)
example of social sensitivity: Milgram
Milgram’s research is socially sensitive as the results could be used to ensure that people obey orders, including those they don’t wish to follow
example of social sensitivity: Bowlby
Bowlby’s theory of attachment can be argued as socially sensitive as it could be used to coerce mothers to stay at home and look after their children
negative evaluations for ethical implications
- socially sensitive research can lead to issues of discrimination and therefore some psychologists would argue against conducting this form of research
- e.g. between 1907-1963, over 64,000 individuals were forcibly sterilised under eugenic legislation in the US and in 1972, the US Senate Committee revealed that at least 2,000 involuntary sterilisations had been performed on black women without their consent or knowledge
- this could be ‘justified’ by (flawed) research findings (e.g. Robert Yerkes) which argued that black Americans had lower IQ scores in comparison to white Americans highlighting a serious issue with socially sensitive research
explain Burt’s study (1955)
Burt fraudulently published research demonstrating that the heritability coefficient for intelligence was 0.77 and so played a significant part in the development of the 11+ examinations.
Despite his work being proven false and fraudulent, the 11+ exams still exist today as well as the idea that children can be organised according to their ‘natural intelligence’ from an early age
positive evaluations for ethical implications
+ it is important to recognise that not all socially sensitive research is controversial and some is desirable and beneficial to society
+ e.g. research examining eye-witness testimony, especially the use of child witnesses (e.g. Flin et al) has found that young children can be reliable witnesses if they are questioned in a timely and appropriate manner
+ in this area, socially sensitive research has resulted in a good working relationship between psychologists and the legal profession to help improve the accuracy and validity of children eye-witnesses
