Ethical implications Flashcards
Socially sensitive research
relates to studies conducted on controversial areas that can cause harm not only to the people taking part but have implications for the groups of people who are affected by the findings.
Example
research on homosexuality which up until 1980 was classified by DSM as a mental illness. This led to negative consequences for homosexuals as it led to people justifying discrimination towards them as well as attempt to ‘cure’ them through electric shocks in aversion therapy.
Sieber and Stanley
focus on three ethical issues created by socially sensitive research. These relate to the implications of the research to groups of people in society, how research can influence government policy in a negative way and issues surrounding the validity of the research.
Example
Eugenics movement where flawed IQ researched was used to justify compulsory sterilisation of people with low intelligence in American 1920s.
Ethical implications
are linked to socially sensitive research as they are focused on the effect these studies can have on wider society.
Example
Bowlby’s maternal deprivation hypothesis suggests it’s the mothers fault for their child’s dysfunctional behaviour due to prolonged separation in the first few years of the infants life.
Evaluation strength: socially sensitive research can be beneficial
I.e. research into unreliability of eyewitness testimony has led to the justice system no longer relying on this source of evidence and prevented many miscarriages of justice.
Evaluation strength: Bowlby maternal deprivation hypothesis
as without his theory, people would not have recognised the negative effect of hospitalisation on a child’s emotional well-being. Parents can now stay in the hospital with their child to aid their recovery.
Evaluation weakness: can used to shape social policy in a negative way.
Cyril Burt’s research on the genetic basis of intelligence lead to government introducing tests to 11 year olds to work out whether they were clever enough to go to grammar school and gain access to higher education. (many children lost the opportunity for a better education as Burt falsified his results).
Evaluation weakness: difficult to predict the cost of the research
which makes it difficult for ethical committees to make an accurate decision as to whether the research should be carried out.
