Ethical Implications And Socially Senstivie Research Flashcards
What is socially sensitive research
Any research that might have direct social consequences for the participants in the research or the group that they represent
What is meant by ethical implications of psychological research
It concerns the way that research impacts those who take part in research and on the way findings are communicated to the public and how the findings are used
What are the three concerns that researchers should be mindful of when conducting socially sensitive research laid out by Sieber and Stanley
- Implications- wider effects of research
- Uses/public policy- what will this research be used for and what will happen if its used the wrong way
- The validity of the research- are the findings correct
Explain a psychological theory which could be socially sensitive
Bowl boy’s theory of attachment- emphasised role of mother in development of child leading to encouragement of view that women should stay home
Explain another piece of research which could be socially sensitive
The book ‘the Bell Curve’= controversial publication where psychological research was used to argue it was a waste of resources to improve educational opportunities of disadvantaged groups because these groups are genetically destined to be low achievers
- has been massively criticised for IQ tests being culturally biased and showing biological determinism
- this research has been used to justify social inequality and oppression
State and describe a strength of socially sensitive research
Has been used to shape social policy- research into reliability of EWT has reduced risk of miscarriages of justice in legal system
State 3 limitations of socially sensitive research
- Inadequacy of ethical guidelines
- Disadvantage marginalised groups
- Social control
Why are the current ethical guidelines inadequate
They only protect the immediate needs of the research participants and not the group of people or section of society these participants may represent
Give an example of how socially sensitive research has led to social control
Research into intelligence= justification of compulsory sterilisation of a large number of US states in 1920s and 30s- people who were ‘feeble-minded’ and a drain on society
