Ethical implications of studies/theories

Question 1

What are ethical implications?

Answer 1

consequences of any research in terms of the effects of individual P’s or the way certain groups are regarded.

Question 2

What is social sensitivity?

Answer 2

Any research that might have direct social consequences for
the participants in the research or the group that they represent. Sieber and Stanley defined ‘socially sensitive’ research as “studies in which there are potential consequences
or implications, either directly for the participants in the research or for the class of individuals represented by the research”

Question 3

What are examples of socially sensitive research? (bowlby)

Answer 3

Bowlby’s monotropic theory of attachment- Bowlby was an advisor to the WHO in the 1950s, following his theory that the critical period for attachment with the primary caregiver was upto 2 years of life, and maternal deprivation during this time leads to severe emotional/intellectual consequences
for the child i.e. affectionless psychopathy/criminality and mental retardation.
Therefore, this led to Britain being one of the only countries in the EU not offering free
childcare for children under the age of 5.

Question 4

What is an example of socially sensitive research? (Burt)

Answer 4

Burt’s research into intelligence- Burt (1955) published research
demonstrating that the heritability coefficient for intelligence was 0.77, and played a significant part in the development of the 11+ examinations. Despite his work being proven as false and fraudulent, the 11+ exams still exist to this day, as well as the idea
that children can be organised according to their ‘natural intelligence’ from an early age.

Question 5

What is a strength of ethical implications of research studies and theory?

Answer 5

Important that researchers do not stay away from socially sensitive research = This is important because such research may have major positive impacts, such as challenging
stereotypes or ‘scientific justifications’ for discrimination. Eg: Scarr argues that only by studying these areas will the general public and scientific community
develop a greater understanding for these underrepresented groups.

Question 6

What is a strength of ethical implications of research studies and theory? (cost-benefit analysis)

Answer 6

To decide whether projects should take place, ethics committees undergo a cost-benefit analysis, where the benefit of the research is compared to
the costs of breaching ethical guidelines. However, some ethical implications of socially
sensitive research may be particularly difficult to predict, such as the impact of such research on legislation and the way in which certain groups of people are perceived by the public.