Ethical Implications in Research and Theory

Question 1

define social sensitivity

Answer 1

the impact that the research can have on wider society

Question 2

who is affected by socially sensitive research

Answer 2

the p.t of research or their family
the researchers/institution
groups in society are impacted

Question 3

examples of social sensitivity in research

Answer 3

Bowlby - maternal deprivation hypothesis
cultural variation in attachment
zimbardo/milgram
causes of addiction
role of the father

Question 4

how can schizophrenia be applied to ethical implications of research

Answer 4

Gottesman foudn a strong genetic link of Sz. if both parents suffer with Sz the inheritance chance is 46%.
this has significant ethical implications as if we find a genetic cause of any behaviour it could lead to guilty parents or designer babies

Question 5

how can attachment be applied to ethical implications of research

Answer 5

takahashi found different results from Ainsworth in their strange situation research.
The ethical implication in psychological harm, in regards to social sensitivity, we must consider the impact on mothers who may feel their attachment behaviour is abnormal or japanese culture

Question 6

limitation evaluation of ethical implications in research

Answer 6

P - Costs and benefits of research may be difficult to predict
E - Research that carries ethical implications/socially sensitive is scrutinised by an ethics committee - it’s their job to weigh up costs and benefits of the research.
E- However some of the social consequences of research involving vulnerable groups may be difficult to anticipate.
L - Therefore the real impact of research can only ever be known once it has been made public.

P - One limitation of socially sensitive research is it may be used for social control
E- In the 1920s and 30s, a large number of US states enacted legislation that led to compulsory sterilisation of many of its citizens.
E - These people were judged to be ‘feeble-minded’ and a drain on society (e.g. those of ‘low intelligence’, drug/alcohol addicts). Some psychologists argued they were ‘unfit to breed’.
L - The fact that socially sensitive research has been used to ‘prop up’ discriminatory practices in the past is an argument against its widespread adoption.

Question 7

evaluation strengths of ethical implications in research

Answer 7

P -One strength is there are benefits of socially sensitive research
E - Scarr (1988) argues that studies of under-represented groups and issues may promote greater understanding to help reduce prejudice and encourage acceptance.
E- Socially sensitive research has benefitted society (e.g. research into unreliability of EWT).
L- Suggests socially sensitive research may play valuable role in society.