Ethical Implications and Social Sensitivity Flashcards
What are ethical implications in research?
Ethical implications refer to the impact that psychological research may have on participants, their families, and society. This includes potential harm, stigma, or misuse of findings.
What is socially sensitive research?
Socially sensitive research involves topics that may evoke controversy or have significant social consequences, such as studies on race, gender, or mental health. Researchers must handle such studies with care to avoid negative outcomes.
How can research affect participants directly?
Research can harm participants emotionally or socially, such as by causing distress during experiments or stigmatization based on their behavior. Ethical guidelines aim to minimize these risks.
How can research findings impact society?
Findings can influence societal attitudes, policies, or stereotypes, for example, through studies linking race to intelligence. Misinterpretations or misuse of findings can have far-reaching consequences.
Give an example of socially sensitive research in psychology.
Milgram’s obedience study is socially sensitive as it raises questions about human nature and the capacity for harm under authority. It also highlights the need for debriefing participants thoroughly.
Why is informed consent important in socially sensitive research?
Informed consent ensures participants understand the potential risks and benefits of the study. This is crucial when the research involves controversial or distressing topics.
What is the role of debriefing in ethical research?
Debriefing allows researchers to explain the study’s purpose and address any distress caused to participants. It ensures ethical standards are upheld even in challenging studies.
What are the ethical risks of socially sensitive research?
Such research risks stigmatizing groups, perpetuating discrimination, or being misused for harmful purposes, such as justifying eugenics. Researchers must anticipate and mitigate these risks.
What is the ethical cost-benefit analysis?
Ethical cost-benefit analysis weighs the potential scientific benefits of a study against its ethical costs. This process helps determine whether the research should proceed.
How can ethical guidelines help protect participants?
Ethical guidelines, such as those from the BPS and APA, provide frameworks for minimizing harm, ensuring informed consent, and safeguarding confidentiality. Adhering to these standards promotes responsible research.
Why is socially sensitive research valuable despite its risks?
Socially sensitive research can address critical social issues, such as prejudice or mental health stigma, and lead to meaningful societal changes. For example, studies on discrimination have informed anti-bias policies
How can poorly conducted socially sensitive research harm society?
Misinterpretation or misuse of findings can perpetuate stereotypes, harm minority groups, or justify unethical policies, such as eugenics. This underscores the importance of careful methodology and interpretation
How has the controversy around socially sensitive research been addressed?
Ethical review boards now evaluate studies to ensure they meet strict ethical standards. This process reduces the likelihood of harm and promotes transparency.
Why is the researcher’s responsibility heightened in socially sensitive research?
Researchers must anticipate how findings might be used or misused and consider the long-term impact of their work. Ethical foresight is critical for protecting individuals and groups.
How can researchers balance ethical concerns with the need for sensitive research?
By following ethical guidelines, engaging in transparent communication, and consulting with affected groups, researchers can conduct valuable studies while minimizing harm. Collaboration with ethicists can also help.
