Ethical Implications

Question 1

Implications of research

Answer 1

Implications of research are the consequences of constructing theories/ conducting research on both the participants involved and the groups they represent

Question 2

Possible Implications of psychological research

Answer 2

Participants- may suffer harm due to lack of protection during research
Public- Influenced by publication of psychological research- could lead to negative stereotypes being formed/ reinforced
Groups studied- Publication of psychological research could lead to bias or discrimination
Government- Psychological research may lead to the development of policies that are not in the interests of the groups affected

Question 3

Socially Sensitive Research

Answer 3

Socially Sensitive Research is studies that have potential consequences or implications either directly for the participants in the research, or for the class of individuals represented by the research

Question 4

Ways to deal with socially sensitive research

Answer 4

-Reflexivity
-Cost-benefit analysis by ethics committee
-Peer review
-Care in forming research questions

Question 5

Reflexivity

Answer 5

A researcher should take into account their influential position, self beliefs and values when conducting research

Question 6

Why should there be care in forming research questions

Answer 6

So that the groups studied are not misrepresented

Question 7

Ethics Committee and cost benefit analysis

Answer 7

-An ethics committee makes the ultimate decision on if a study should go ahead
-This involves using a cost-benefit analysis which considers the potential harms and benefits of the research for the participants and the broader population

Question 8

Evaluation of cost benefit analysis

Answer 8

-The true implications, costs and benefits of the research are only known for certain after the research has been carried out

Question 9

Evaluation of Socially sensitive research

Answer 9

-Some areas of psychological research are especially “socially sensitive” such as gender and sexuality
-The extra difficulty and controversy of studying these topics often put researchers off
-This is problematic as the unique issues that these groups face will continued to be studied objectively, leading to misrepresentation

Question 10

Peer Review

Answer 10

-Can Prevent harmful or misleading research from being published
-Peer reviewers can check research is reported objectively

Question 11

Explain what is meant by “socially sensitive research”

Answer 11

-Socially sensitive research is research that has potential consequences or implications either directly for the participants taking part in the study or the class of individuals represented by the research

Question 12

Example of socially sensitive research

Answer 12

Bowlby’s mono-tropic theory and maternal deprivation emphasizes the importance of the role of the mother in providing care for a child
-Bowlby argues that without this care the infant may suffer intellectual and developmental problems later in life
-This gender double standard places pressure on the mother to create a strong attachment with the infant and minimizes the importance of the role of the father
-This can lead to women sacrificing their careers to become majority caregivers to their child