Ethical Implications Of Research Studies And Theory Flashcards
Define ethical implications
The impact that psychological research may have in terms of the rights of other people especially participants. This includes, at a societal level, influencing public policy and/or the way in which certain groups are regarded
Define social sensitivity
Sieber and Stanley (1988) define this as, ‘studies in which there are potential consequences or implications, either directly for the participants in the research or for the class of individuals.’
When might ethical issues arise?
When there’s a conflict between psychology’s need to gain valid and valuable research whilst preserving the rights and dignity of participants.
Why were ethical guidelines established?
To help protect those involved in research.
What aspects of research do the researcher have/ have little control over?
Have control over; melds they use and how the pay treat participants.
Little control over; how the findings are represented (or misinterpreted) after publishing, the impact of the research on public policy and how it could influence perception of particular groups.
The wider ethical impact of research can be a concern.
Give an example of a study that is unlikely to have great social sensitivity
A study examining cognitive processes in long term memory is unlikely to have far-reaching consequences for those involved or their wider social groups.
Give an example of a study that may be socially sensitive
A study investigating the genetic basis of criminality would have socially sensitive outcomes for social groups.
What often happens to social sensitive research after publishing?
Research that tackles socially sensitive ideas, such as race or sexuality, often attract a lot of attention from both other psychologists and the media and wider public.
What did Aronson 1999 say about social sensitivity?
Psychologists may have a social responsibility to carry out socially sensitive research rather than shy away from it due to its undoubted importance.
What did Sieber and Stanley (1988) do?
Identify a number of concerns that researchers should be mindful of when conducting socially sensitive research.
Name the concerns that Sieber and Stanley (1988) said researchers should be mindful of when conducting socially sensitive research
> implications
uses/public policy
the validity of the research
Why do researchers need to be mindful of the implications of their research?
Some socially sensitive studies could be seen as giving ‘scientific’ credence to prejudice or discrimination, such as studies on the racial basis of intelligence. However, implications of research is difficult to predict at the onset.
Why do researchers need to be mindful of the uses and effect of their research on public policy?
After publishing, the researcher has no control over how their research is used. They need to consider what would happen if it was used for the wrong purpose, such as the findings being used by the government for political end or how it may be used to shape public policy.
Why do researchers need to consider the validity of their research?
Some findings in that past that were presented as objective and value-free turned out to be highly suspect and fruadulent (Burt’s IQ research). However, modern ‘social constructionist’ researchers are more upfront and reflexive about their own biases and preconceptions.
How has socially sensitive research benefitted society? (Evaluation)
Scarr(1988) argues studies of underrepresented groups and issues can promote sensitivity and understanding of these, reducing prejudice.
It has benefitted society; research into reliability of EWT has reduced the risk of miscarriages of justice.
May play a valuable role in society.
