ethical implications of research studies and theory Flashcards
what are ethical implications?
The consequences of any research (studies and/or theory) in terms of the effects on individual participants or on the way in which certain groups of people are subsequently regarded. There may also be consequences on a wider societal level.
what is social sensitivity?
Sieber and Stanley (1988) define socially sensitive research as, ‘studies in which there are potential consequences or implications, either directly for the participants in the research or for the class of individuals represented by the research’.
what are implications for the research process?
All psychological research has potential consequences but this applies to socially sensitive research in particular. Therefore all stages of planning and conducting studies are important when thinking of social sensitivity, as well as later in handling the findings.
what is research question?
Sieber and Stanley (1988) warn that the way in which research questions are phrased and investigated may influence the way in which findings are interpreted.
For example, Kitzinger and Coyle (1995) note how research into relationships has been guilty of a form of “heterosexual bias’ within which homosexual relationships were compared and judged against heterosexual norms.
how to deal with participants?
Issues such as informed consent, confidentiality and psychological harm may be especially important in socially sensitive research.
For example, in a study on domestic abuse participants may worry that an ex-partner will find out about the study and also it is likely to be extremely stressful for participants to describe their experiences.
Such participants may provide informed consent at the start of the study but not fully understand the effect of the research.
how are findings used?
It may impact on what data they actually collect. This is especially important because findings from research may be seen as giving scientific credence to existing prejudices, such as studies examining the ethnic basis of intelligence. Sensitive information is exactly what the media tend to be interested in and will publicise.
For example, Adrian Owen’s research on people in a minimally conscious state received enormous media attention at the time, as it appeared he had made contact with patients who were thought to be ‘unreachable’
what is the benefits for groups strength?
-socially sensitive research can have benefits for the group who have been studied.
-One example of this is homosexuality. In 1952 the DSM-1 listed this as a
‘sociopathic personality disorder’ but finally removed it in 1973.
-This change has been credited to the Kinsey report which was based on anonymous interviews with over 5000 men about their sexual behaviour (Kinsey et al. 1948).
-The report concluded that homosexuality is a typical expression of human sexual behaviour.
The report also included data on interviews with 6000 women and caused outrage at the time because these were topics that no one discussed.
-This illustrates the importance of researchers tackling topics that are sensitive.
what is the counterpoint to group benefits?
-in some studies there could be negative consequences for the groups being studied, which in some cases could have been anticipated.
-For example, research investigating the genetic basis of criminality has found that there is a ‘criminal gene’.
-If this is true does it mean that someone could be convicted on the basis that they have such a gene or should they be excused because they cannot be held responsible for any wrongdoing?
-This suggests that, when researching socially sensitive topics, there is a need for very careful consideration of the possible outcomes and their consequences.
what is the real-world application strength?
-certain groups (e.g. policymakers) rely on research related to socially sensitive issues.
-The government looks to research when developing important social policies, for example decisions related to child care, education, mental health provision, crime and so on.
-It is clearly preferable to base such policies on scientific research rather than politically-motivated views.
-For this reason in the UK there are independent groups such as the ONS who describe themselves as being responsible for collecting, analysing and disseminating objective statistics about the UK’s economy society and population. Such data is used in psychological research.
-This means that psychologists have an important role to play in providing high quality research on socially sensitive topics.
what is the poor research design limitation?
-poor research design may lead to erroneous findings which, once in the public arena, continue to have an impact.
-This was certainly the case in relation to Burt’s research because, even after the fraud was exposed, the 11+ continued to be used. Indeed, the 11+ is still used as a selection tool in parts of the UK today (e.g. Kent, Belfast).
-Similarly, access to many independent schools is based on a child’s performance in an entrance exam taken in Year 6 (age 11) and is likely based on the same reasoning - that genetic potential has revealed itself by this age.
-Therefore any research on socially sensitive topics needs to be planned with the greatest care to ensure the findings are valid because of the enduring effects on particular groups of people.
what is the to do or not to do strength & limitation?
-One way to deal with socially sensitive research is to avoid doing it. This appears to be what people are doing. -The American Psychological Association reported that ethical committees approved 95% of non-sensitive proposals that didn’t include ethical problems whereas ‘sensitive’ proposals were only approved about 50% of the time.
-However, Sieber and Stanley advised that ignoring such topics is not a responsible approach.
-One possibility is to follow qualitative researchers who are more up-front about their own biases and are reflexive in their approach (reflect on how personal beliefs affect the research process).
