Ethical implications of research studies and theories Flashcards

1
Q

Why do ethical arise in psychological research?

A

Because of the conflict between gaining valid research findings and preserving the rights and dignity of participants

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2
Q

What is a major ethical concern beyond participant protection in research?

A

The social impact opf psychological research after it has been conducted

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3
Q

Why is the social impact of psychological research difficult to control?

A

Researchers have little control over how their findings are represented in the media, used in public policy, or how they influence perceptions of social groups

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4
Q

What are the wider ethical implications of psychological research?

A

How research findings affect public policy, media represenation and societal views of particular groups

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5
Q

Why is media representation an ethical concern in psychological research?

A

Findings can be misrepresented or sensationalised, leading to misunderstandings and potential harm

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6
Q

What is socially sensitive research?

A

Research that has potential social consequences for participants or the broader groups they represent

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7
Q

What topics does socially sensitive research tend to tackle?

A

They tend to deal with topics that have significant ethical, social or political implications

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8
Q

Give an example of a research area that is not considered socially sensitive

A

Research into the cognitive processes involved in long term memory, as it has few social consequences

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9
Q

Give an example of a research area that is considered socially sensitive

A

Research into the genetic basis of criminality, as it may have implications for public policy and social perceptions

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10
Q

Why do socially sensitive topics attract attention?

A

They deal with taboo topics that are often scrutinized by psychologists, the media and the public

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11
Q

Which psycholpgist staes other psychologists shpoudl not shy away from soiclaly sensistive topics

A

Aronson argued that psychologists have a social responsibility to conduct important but sensitive research

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12
Q

What are the three key concerns identified by Sieber and Stanley regarding socially sensitive research?

A

Implications, uses/public policy and validity of research

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13
Q

Why should researchers consider the implications of socially sensitive research?

A

Because findings may unintentionally support prejudice and discrimination

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14
Q

How can socially sensitive research be misused in public policy?

A

Findings may be adopted by governments for political purposes or used to shape unethical policies

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15
Q

Give an example of research that was misused to shape public policy

A

Research on IQ and race, which has historically been used to justify discrimination

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16
Q

What is a key issue regarding the validity of socially sensitive research?

A

Some past findings, which claimed to be objective, were later found to be fraudulent or biased

17
Q

How do modern social constructivist researchers address bias in socially sensitive research?

A

They are open about their biases and discuss the reflexive nature of their work

18
Q

What is an evaluation point of the ethical implications of research studies and theories? (lion king brother + positive consequences)

A

Despite the ethical implications, Scarr agures studies of underrepresented groups and issues promotes greater sensitivity and understanding of them.

It can help reduce prejudice and encourage acceptance.

Socially sensitive researches have also been a benefit to society, for example the research into the unreliability of eyewitness testimonies reducing the risk of miscarriages of justice within the legal system.

This suggests that socially sensitive may play a valuable role in society

19
Q

What is an evaluation point of the ethical implications of research studies and theories? (biased judgements + conclusions)

A

On the other hand, socially sensitive research may lead to biased judgements and conclusions about certain groups of people. For example, research into crime has found there to be a criminal gene. This could lead to convicting someone on the basis that they have such genes or even forgiving them for their crimes because they are deemed as not responsible for their crimes

20
Q

What is an evaluation point of the ethical implications of research studies and theories? (policy makers + researcher’s role in decisions)

A

Socially sensitive research can have implications for policy makers.

Policy makers tend to look at the conclusions drawn from psychological research when making decisions on areas such as education, mental health provisions, childcare etc.

This means that psychologists play an important role in providing research findings on socially sensitive research

21
Q

What is an evaluation point of the ethical implications of research studies and theories?

A

Psychologists choose to not complete socially sensitive research to avoid problems.

The American Psychological Association reported that 95% of non - sensitive research that doesn’t include ethical problems is approved compared to 50% of ‘sensitive’ research reports.

This shows that researchers may avoid and be put off from conducting research into socially sensitive areas.

However, as long as researchers use high quality research designs, the findings will be valid and contribute to importants changes in society