Ethical implications of Research Studies and Theory Flashcards
What are ethical implications of psychological research?
They arise when there is a conflict between needing to gain valid and valuable research findings and preserving the rights and dignity of the participants, so ethical guidelines were established to help protect participants. Although researchers have control over their experiment, they don’t have control over media misrepresentation of their research, which can affect our perception of different groups within society.
What is socially sensitive research?
Some areas are likely to be more controversial and subject to greater social sensitivity than others. A study that examines cognitive processes of memory is unlikely to have the same consequences as one investigating a genetic predisposition to criminality. Studies that tackle taboo subjects attract attention from other psychologists, the media, and the public, leaving them open to misinterpretation. However, it should not lead to shying away from the research as it is often some of the most important.
What are the 3 concerns Sieber and Stanley identified that researchers should be mindful of?
Implications - the wider effects as some studies may give credence to discrimination and prejudice, such as IQ tests on black people.
Uses/public policy - Can it be used for eugenics? Think Bowlby’s effect on maternal leave or Burt’s impact on 11+.
Validity - some findings that were previously thought to be objective are now seen as biased, and modern researchers include a reflex in their work which acknowledges their own bias.
What is the strength - benefits of socially sensitive research?
Scarr argues that despite the ethical implications into taboo topics, studies of underrepresented groups may promote sensitivity and understanding, reducing prejudice and encouraging acceptance. Similarly, it has benefited society for example research into unreliability of EWT led to judicial reform.
What is the strength - framing the question?
Sieber and Stanley warn of the way in which questions are framed and investigated. Kitzinger and Coyle found that ‘alternative relationships’ research has been subject to ‘heterosexual bias’ where that is the norm and anything else is compared against it.
What is the limitation - Misuse?
Socially sensitive research has been used to shape social policy, despite the dubious nature of its findings, without full consideration of moderating effects. In the 1950s, research into subliminal messages was used by Coca-Cola to market their product - using sexually charged adverts to use the male primal drive for sex to get them to associate that with Coca-Cola. This has obvious ethical implications.
