Ethical implications of research studies and theory

Question 1

Ethical implications

Answer 1

• Consequences of any research on the effects of the participants or on the way in which certain groups of people are subsequently regarded

Question 2

Social sensitivity

Answer 2

• Studies in which there are potential consequences either directly for the participants in the research or the individuals represented by the research
• e.g depression studies - an individual may reveal personal info that is later accessed by an employer - or findings may suggests depressed people will never fully recover and is therefore a risk as an employee

Question 3

Implications for research process

Answer 3

• All stages of planning and conducting studies are important when thinking of social sensitivity
• Research question - the way in which questions are phrased and investigated may influence the way in which findings are interpreted - so research questions should be worded carefully
• Dealing with participants - informed consent, confidentiality and psychological harm may be important in socially sensitive research - e.g a study on domestic abuse may worry p’s that their ex-partner may find out about the study - p’s should provide informed consent at the start of their study and reminded of their right to withdraw at any point
• The way findings are used - sensitive information is what the media tend to be interested in and will publicise - researchers should consider in advance how the research findings may be used

Question 4

Ethical implications - evaluation - strength

Answer 4

• Strength of socially sensitive research
• It can have benefits for the group who have been studied
• e.g Homosexuality was removed from the DSM as a disorder after research was conducted
• The research concluded that homosexuality is a typical expression of human sexual behaviour
• Illustrates the importance of researchers tackling topics that are sensitive

Question 5

Ethical implications - evaluation - limitation

Answer 5

• Poor research design may lead to incorrect findings which could continue to have an impact
• e.g the creation of the 11+ exam - it is still used in some areas of the UK today
• Any research on socially sensitive topics need to be planned with the greatest care to ensure the findings are valid because of the ongoing effects on particular groups of people