ethical implications of research studies and theory

Question 1

explain ethical implications?

Answer 1

• ethical issues may arise due to conflict between psychologists need to gain findings and reserving rights of the pp’s
• ethical guidelines established to protect this
• although researchers have control over methods they have little say in how findings are represented in media and how it may influence perceptions

Question 2

explain socially sensitive research?

Answer 2

• some areas of research are controversial eg. sexuality and subject to social sensitivity
• attracting attention from the media and public
• shows importance of research as it impacts wider society

Question 3

evaluate benefits of socially sensitive research?

Answer 3

STRENGTH

• argues that studies of underrepresented groups may promote a greater understanding, reducing prejudice
• Loftus and Palmer with eye witness testimony helped police reform the way they interrogate

Question 4

explain ethical issues in socially sensitive research?

Answer 4

-John Sieber and Liz Stanley showed concern that researchers should be mindful when conducting socially sensitive research 
concerns:
1.  Implications 
2. ethical issues
3. validity of research

Question 5

explain public policy for in socially sensitive research?

Answer 5

• questions what the research will be used for?

- related to the idea that findings may be adopted by the government for political ends to shape public policy

Question 6

explain the validity of research for ethical issues in socially sensitive research?

Answer 6

-some findings that were presented as objective have been found to be fraudulent

Question 7

evaluate who gains?

Answer 7

WEAKNESS

• socially sensitive research has been used by the government to shape policies w/out consideration of the effects
• research for subliminal messages conducted when coco-cola was flashed on screen for a milisecond claiming it increased sales of coca-cola
• findings were made up, if this was a piece of socially sensitive research, the impact could have been horrific

Question 8

evaluate impacts of socially sensitive research?

Answer 8

WEAKNESS

• 1920’s america forced many citizens to be sterilised on grounds of ‘feeble minded’ eg. alcoholics
• this was supported by many in psychological community
• and research had been used to aid the discrimination

Question 9

explain implications in for ethical issues in socially sensitive research?

Answer 9

-wider effects should be considered as they could be used as evidence of prejudice