Ethical implications - AO1

Question 1

What are ethical implications?

Answer 1

The consequences of any research studies/theories, in terms of the effects on individual participants, or on the way in which certain groups of people are viewed.
There may also be consequences on a wider, societal level.

Question 2

What is socially sensitive research and who defined it?

Answer 2

Sieber and Stanley (1988) define this as ‘studies in which there are potential consequences or implications, either directly for the participants in the research or for the class of individuals represented in research.

Question 3

What are ethical issues in socially sensitive research?

Answer 3

Joan Sieber and Liz Stanley (1988) identified aspects of the research process where
ethical implications in socially sensitive research may occur

1. The research question
2. Dealing with participants
3. Interpretation and application on findings

Question 4

Research question

Answer 4

The way in which research questions are phrased and investigated may influence the way in which findings are presented.

Question 5

Dealing with participants

Answer 5

Informed consent, confidentiality and protection from psychological harm is particularly important in socially sensitive research.

Question 6

Interpretation and application of findings

Answer 6

Researchers should consider in advance how their findings may be used.
Findings from research may given scientific credence to existing prejudices (as with IQ testing implying an ethnic basis for intelligence)