Ethical implications of research (social sensitivity)

Question 1

ethical implications

Answer 1

impact in which psychological research could have on the rights of individuals

Question 2

social sensitivity

Answer 2

there are potential social consequences for participants or groups of people represented by the research

Question 3

what are the four identified aspects in research at which ethical issues with social consequences may occur?

1.research q
2.conduct of research
3.institutional context
4.application of findings

Answer 3

1. The research question (cues in qs might be damaging to racial or sexual orientated group as it appears to add scientific credibility to prevailing prejudice) ex is homosexuality inborn/ racial differences in IQ

2.conduct of research and treatment of participants (confidentiality of info collected)

3. institutional context ( private institutions may misuse data or misreport findings) ex All Trials Campaign (pre-registration include intrended statistical anaylsis - researchers unable to process data- outcome more favourable to the drug)
4. interpretation and application of findings
   -might be used for other purposes
   (ex: IQ og demonstrate inferiority of groups of people BUT then used to identify the “feeble-minded” who could then be sterilised…

Question 4

list some guidelines of the British Psychological Society

Informed consent
deception
withdrawal
confidentiality
debriefing

Answer 4

deception: avoided, even if it is needed for the experiment participants must be debriefed
confidentiality: results should remain secret and safe
Debriefing: get an explanation and know the aim and process of the study at the end

Question 5

Ethical issues in socially sensitive research

Answer 5

deception: self deception leading people to form untrue stereotypes, affecting one’s performance

privacy: extract more info than the research needed-> invasion of people’s private life

risk/benefit ratio: risks or costs should be minimised

equitable treatment: resources which are vital should not be withheld from one but not another (ex. educational opportunities)

Question 6

Evaluation: wider impact of research
socially sensitive research might have greater impact

Answer 6

indirect impact on the participant’s surroundings (groups he or she represents)
must think beyond safeguarding the interests of individuals in research
(likely impact on a larger group of which the participant is a member)

Question 7

inadequacy of ethical guidelines
(still inflict harm on group of people)

Answer 7

may not deal with all possible ways of harm, only focused to solve immediate problems
- ex. did not consider how research might be used by others
-considerations outlined have not permeated into professional practice

Question 8

marginalised groups might face disadvantages

Answer 8

-failure to include representative samples of disabled people, minority cultures for ex (lessened our understanding of human behaviour)

Question 9

avoiding socially sensitive research to solve the problem

Answer 9

-leaves psychologists nothing to examine but unimportant issues
-ignoring socially sensitive topics is not a responsible approach to science
-seen as an act of avoiding responsibility and duty

INSTEAD should engage with the public and policymakers
-aware that results of the research might lead to discrimination (offer scientific credibility to prevailing prejudice)