ethical implications Flashcards
what is the definition of ethical implications?
the consequences of any research in terms of the effects on individual participants or on the way in which certain groups of people are subsequently regarded. there may also be consequences on a wider societal level.
what are some basic ethical issues?
•informed consent
•confidentiality
•protection from harm
•deception
•right to withdraw
what is social sensitivity?
“studies in which there are potential consequences or implications (positive or negative) either directly for the participants in the research or for the class of individuals represented by the research
what are some examples of socially (or not) sensitive research?
•research on heterosexual bias through interviewing homosexuals which ended up lessening the negative stereotypes of homosexual couples in the 1980s
•research on long-term memory in a student population is unlikely to have consequences for the individuals/ group
•however a study on depression may have consequences in terms of individual participants, the wider social group and for social policy
what might the implications of the depression/ other studies be?
•for example, the participants may reveal personal inspiration that is later accessed by a prospective employer
•or the findings of the study may suggest that people with depression never fully recover and therefore are a risk as an employee
•in terms of social policy, it could improve treatments in the NHS
why does attention need to be paid to the research question in socially sensitive research?
the way the research questions are phrased and investigated may influence the way in which research findings are interpreted
how should researchers deal with participants?
•issues such as informed consent, confidentiality and psychological harm are especially important
why must researches be cautions with the way their research findings are used?
•researchers should consider the impact of the data they collect, especially because findings may be seen as giving scientific credence to existing prejudices
•furthermore sensitive information is what the media tend to publicise
strength: benefits for groups
•in 1952 the DSM listed homosexuality as a ‘sociopathic personality disorder’
•this was removed after the kinsey report which was based on anonymous interviews with over 5000 men talking about their sexual behaviour
•the report concluded that homosexuality is a typical expression of human sexual behaviour
•this illustrates the importance of researchers tackling the topics that are sensitive
limitation: some studies have negative consequences
•examples include research investigating the genetic basis of criminality has found a ‘criminal gene’
•if this is true does it mean that someone could be convicted on the basis that they have such a gene or should they be excused because they cannot be held responsible?
•this suggests that when researching socially sensitive topics, there is a need for very careful consideration of possible outcomes and their consequences
strength: real-world application
•certain groups (eg policymakers) rely on research related to socially sensitive issues
•the government looks to research when developing important social policies (eg childcare, education, mental health provision)
•it is preferably to base policies on scientific research rather than politically-motivated views
•this means psychologists have an important role to play in providing high quality research on socially sensitive topics
limitation: poor research design
•poor research design may lead to erroneous findings which, once in the public area, continue to have an impact
•Burt’s research is an example because, after the fraud was exposed, the 11+ test continued to be used and is still used in certain parts of the UK
•therefore any research on socially sensitive topics needs to be planned with the greatest care to ensure the findings are valid because of the enduring effects on particular groups of people
