Ethical Implications^ Flashcards
Ethical Implications
Ethical guidelines created to protect participants
It’s more difficult to protect against the social impact of the research (ethical implications)
Socially Sensitive Research
Studies with potential consequences for the participants or the individuals represented by the research
Lombroso
- High SS = Criminals have distinct physical characteristics (Atavistic form)
Research Questions
Sieber & Stanley
- The way research q’s are phrased can alter the way in which finding are interpreted
Kitzinger & Coyle
- Research into relationships consider heterosexual couples to be the norm and any other types to be deviating
- It can lead to heterosexual bias
Dealing with Participants
Informed consent, confidentiality and protection are vital in socially sensitive research
Study of DV, P can worry their partners will find out about the study and hurt them
It can also be traumatic to remember
Can still happen even if fully consented as haven’t considered the full effect
The Way Findings are Used
Researchers consider effect before = can change the data they choose to collect if it has the potential to support prejudice views
Imp as socially sensitive research is more interesting to the media and will be publicised more than the non-socially sensitive research
Benefits for Groups
SS research can have benefits for the studies groups
Kinsey et al
- The Kinsey report removed the “sociopathic personality disorder” with 5000 interviews with men about their sexual beh
- Homosexuality is a typical expression of sexual beh
Show importance of researching sensititive topics
VS Benefits for Groups
There could be negative consequences, which could have been expected
Research into the ‘criminal gene’
- Should those whit it be convicted or excused
When researching SS topics, they should consider all outcomes
Real World Application
Certain groups such rely on SS research
Gov looks to research when making important social policies
Prefer to base them on science than politically motivated views
Researchers have imp role in providing quality research
Poor Research Design
Can lead to wrong findings that can have an impact
Even after fraud was exposed, Burt’s 11+ method was still used as a selective tool
SS research needs to be planned with care so the findings are valid due to long effects
To Do or Not To Do
Way to deal with SSR is to avoid it
American Psychological Association
- Ethical committees approved 95% of non SS proposals without any ethical problems
- Only 50% of the sensitive ones are approved
VS To Do or Not To Do
Sieber & Stanley
Ignoring the topics is not responsible
Can follow qualitative researchers who are open to their biases and reflective in their approach
