Ethical Implications Of Research Studies And Theory Flashcards
What is meant by ethical implications
consequence of any research in terms of effects on individual participants and on the way in which certain groups of people are subsequently regarded. may be consequences on a wider societal level.
What is meant by ethical guideline?
Set of rules in order to help protect those involved in research
What is meant by socially sensitive research?
Any controversial research
What is meant by the implications of socially sensitive research?
consequences, some research has greater social sensitivity than others
LTM in student pop unlikely to have consequences for individual ppts
unlikely to be consequences for social policy
study on depression, consequences for individual ppts, since they may reveal personal info later accessed by prospective employer
findings may suggest people with depression never fully recover, therefore risk as an employee.
in terms of social policy, study could inform preferred treatments, recommended by NHS.
Research may be seen as giving ‘scientific’ credibility to prejudice and discrimination and by used to justify public policy
Sieber and Stanley, warn the way research is phrased and investigated influences was findings are interpreted. Their concerns were:
- Implications
- Use/public policy
- Validity of the research
If you consider Milgram’s (1963) research, you need to consider whether the ‘ends justify the means’. The participants were deceived and were unable to give fully informed consent. The experiment also caused significant distress, and the participants were told or coerced to continue against their will. On the other hand, the participants were debriefed after the experiment and a follow-up interview took place a year later. The outcome of these follow-up interviews suggested that the participants had suffered no long-term effects. Bow
ethical implications and social sensitivity
What are the four ethical aspects of research outlined by Sieber and Stanley?
Research Question: Avoid reinforcing stereotypes/prejudices (e.g., homosexuality as abnormal).
Confidentiality: Ensure data privacy throughout the research process.
Funding and Data Use: Prevent misuse of data by funders (government/institutions).
Data Interpretation: Ensure findings do not negatively impact participants or their represented groups.
dealing with ppts (implications for the research process)
Dealing with ppts- informed consent, confidentiality, psychological harm important. example, domestic abuse, may worry ex partner finds out about study, likely to be extremely stressful when describing experiences. may provide informed consent, but not fully understand
the way findings are used- should consider how research findings may be used. may impact data they actually collect. Important, findings may be seen as scientific credence to existing prejudice, like studies examining ethnic basis of intelligence. Sensitive info is what the media tend to be interested in. Owen, research into minimally conscious state received enormous media attention, he had made contact with patients ‘unreachable’
evaluation of ethical implications of research studies and theories
+ve real world application
-ve poor research design
+ve real world application
P: Governments depend on research when developing important social policies, such as those concerning child care and education.
E: It is clearly preferable to base these policies on scientific research rather than on politically motivated views. This approach ensures that decisions are informed by objective data and evidence.
R: In the UK, the Office for National Statistics (ONS) collects and shares data about society and the population. This data is important for psychological research, emphasizing the role of psychologists in studying sensitive topics.
C: However, this research can face criticism, often due to perceived biases, ethical concerns, or methodological issues.
Y: Criticism can undermine the credibility and objectivity of research. If stakeholders doubt its validity, they may disregard or mistrust it, hindering the development of informed social policies.
-ve poor research design
Point:
Poor research design can lead to erroneous findings, which, once in the public arena, can continue to have a significant impact.
E:Even though Cyril Burt’s fraudulent research was revealed, the 11+ exam is still used in some UK regions, like Belfast, for grammar school admissions. Additionally, independent schools often use entrance exams at age 11. This persists because of the mistaken idea, spread by Burt’s flawed research, that genetic potential can be known by that age.
R: When research touches on socially sensitive topics, it is crucial to plan with the utmost care to ensure the validity of the findings.
C: Bad research can deeply affect certain groups for a long time. The fact that outdated exams are still used proves how bad research can stick around. This highlights why it’s crucial to do research carefully and be ethical.
Y: Continued use of outdated exams shows how bad research can stick around, emphasizing why it’s crucial to do research right and be ethical.