ethical implications evaluation

Question 1

benefits of socially sensitive research

Answer 1

POINT: despite ethical implications associated with research into controversial and “taboo” topics

EVIDENCE: Sandra Scarr (1988) argues that studies of underrepresented groups and issues may promote a greater sensitivity and understanding of these

EXPLANATION: this suggests that socially sensitive research may play a valuable role in society as it can help reduce prejudice and encourage acceptance

Question 2

framing the question

Answer 2

POINT: It is important that the way in which research questions are phrased and investigated may influence the way which findings are interpreted

EVIDENCE: cross-cultural research may be blighted by cultural superiority and ethnocentrism on the part of the researchers
Celia Kitzinger and Adrian Coyle (1995) note how research into “alternative relationships” has been guilty of a form of “heterosexual bias” with which homosexual relationships were compared against heterosexual norms

EXPLANATION:
this suggests that investigator must approach their research with an “open mind” and be prepared to have their preconceptions challenged if they are to avoid misrepresenting minority groups

Question 3

who gains

Answer 3

POINT: It is important to think about who gains from socially sensitive research. The government and other institutions have used socially sensitive research to shape social policy despite the dubious nature of some findings

EXAMPLE: Bart’s research into IQ
in the 1950s, research, into the persuasive effects of subliminal messages was used by marketing companies to advertise their products
- one study claimed that sales of Coca Cola and popcorn increased significantly when images of these were flashed upon cinema screens too quickly for the audiences to be aware of them

EXPLANATION:
later revealed that the author of the study had made his findings up little damage done in this context, research that seeks to manipulate the public has obvious ethical implications

Question 4

social control

Answer 4

POINT: in America in the 1920s and 30, a large number of US stated enacted legalisation that led to the compulsory sterilisation of many citizens on the grounds that they were “feeble-minded”

EVIDENCE: this rationale was supported by many sections of the scientific and psychological community as at the time those seen as “feeble-minded” were “infit to breed

EXPLANATION: the fact that socially sensitive research has been used to “prop up” discriminatory practices in the past is an argument against its widespread adoption