ethical implications of research studies + theory

Question 1

ethical implications

Answer 1

the impact that psychological research may have on the rights of other people especially participants.

This includes the influence of research in public policy and/or the way certain groups of people in society are perceived.

Question 2

• Bolwby - example of ethical implications of research studies + theory

Answer 2

Bowlby’s research and the effects on child-rearing/working mothers

Bowlby assumed that the PCG must by the mother or mother figure and must be with the infant in the critical period otherwise the child could suffer maternal deprivation which would lead to them possibly becoming affectionless psychopaths – this finding put undue pressure on mothers making them feel guilty going to work.

Question 3

Milgram - example of ethical implications of research studies + theory

Answer 3

• ethical implications cause other groups of people to look down on the group
• Milgram’s obedience study had the aim of proving that ‘Germans were different’
  = that they were more obedient + had authoritarian personalities
• study may have ethical implications as it may mean other cultures view German people as ‘bad, weak or different’
• set out to prove that if it was the Americans, the war wouldn’t have started

Question 4

what 3 ethical implications do psychologists have limited control over?

Answer 4

1) How the findings of their study are presented in the media.

2) The impact of their findings on public policy and

3) How their findings may impact the perception of particular groups in society

Question 5

example of ethical implication

Answer 5

• Bowlby’s research + effect on child-rearing/ working mothers
• assumed that the caregiver must be the mother
• must be with the infant during the critical period
• otherwise child would suffer maternal deprivation
• possibly lead them to become affectionless psychopaths
  = puts pressure on mothers, making them feel guilty about going to work

Question 6

strengths

Answer 6

• research is conducted in a more sensitive manner
  = resulted in the protection of participants
  = protection of reputation of psychology
• a cost-benefit analysis can be used to decide whether it is worth carrying out that piece of research
• if the costs outweigh the benefits = research shouldn’t be carried out
• however, if costs outweigh the benefits + research has no negative impact upon society = should be carried out

Question 7

weaknesses

Answer 7

• sometime it’s not possible to see the the effects of research on the researcher, participants + society
  = makes it hard to judge
• not an objective decision = potential for bias
• research has potential consequences for the treatment of certain groups in society
• ethical guidelines are too strict
• areas of research which could benefit a lot of people
• HOWEVER, research can’t be conducted due to causing issues for parts or researcher
  = reaching a balance is problmeatic