Ethical Implications & Social Sensitivity Flashcards

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1
Q

What are ethical implications?

A

Ethical implications consider the impact or consequences that
psychological research has on the rights of other people in a wider context, not just the participants taking part in the
research.

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2
Q

What is social sensitivity?

A

Sieber and Stanley (1988) used the term social sensitivity to describe studies where there are potential social consequences
for the participants or the group of people
represented by the research.

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3
Q

What are some examples of ethical considerations in psychological research?

A

Ethical considerations include issues like deception, informed consent, and protection from harm. Psychologists must balance individual participants’ rights against the societal need for useful research.

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4
Q

How can we assess the ethical implications of Milgram’s research?

A

Consider whether the benefits of the research justify ethical concerns, examining aspects like deception, informed consent, and participant distress. Note the follow-up findings suggesting no long-term effects.

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5
Q

What ethical implications arise from Bowlby’s Attachment Theory?

A

Bowlby’s theory has societal impacts on childcare practices and may perpetuate traditional gender roles. Mothers might feel guilty about returning to work after childbirth due to societal expectations influenced by the theory.

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6
Q

Why is it important for psychologists to consider the wider context in ethical implications?

A

Psychologists need to think beyond individual participants, considering the societal impact of their research. It involves a balancing act between individual rights and the societal usefulness of the research.

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7
Q

According to Sieber and Stanley (1988), what are the four aspects of the research process that raise ethical implications in socially sensitive research?

A
  • Research Question: Careful consideration is needed, as certain questions may be damaging to specific groups.
  • Methodology Used: Researchers must consider participant treatment, confidentiality, and anonymity, especially in sensitive situations.
  • Institutional Context: Awareness of how data will be used and scrutiny of funding sources, questioning the intentions behind the research.
    Interpretation and
  • Application of Findings: Consideration of how research results might be interpreted and applied in real-world contexts, including potential policy implications.
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8
Q

What type of research questions might be considered socially sensitive, according to Sieber and Stanley?

A

Questions like ‘Are there racial differences in IQ?’ or ‘Is intelligence inherited?’ may be deemed socially sensitive as they can have potential negative consequences for specific groups.

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9
Q

In socially sensitive research, what ethical considerations should researchers have regarding methodology?

A

Researchers should carefully handle participant treatment, ensuring confidentiality and anonymity, especially when dealing with sensitive information like crime or health status.

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10
Q

Why is the institutional context important in socially sensitive research, according to Sieber and Stanley?

A

Researchers should be aware of how data will be used, questioning the motives behind private institutional or organisational funding and how the findings will be applied.

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11
Q

What ethical considerations are involved in the interpretation and application of research findings in socially sensitive research?

A

Researchers need to ponder how their findings might be interpreted and applied in real-world scenarios, including potential implications for policy development.

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12
Q

Provide an example of research that can be considered socially sensitive.

A

Cyril Burt’s studies on intelligence, using identical twins to support the idea of genetic influence on intelligence, are regarded as socially sensitive.

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13
Q

How did Cyril Burt’s views on intelligence influence education policy?

A

Burt’s views significantly influenced the Hadow Report (1926), leading to the creation of the 11+ exam for entry into selective ‘grammar schools.’ This exam affected generations of children in England from 1944-1976 and is still used in some areas today.

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14
Q

What controversy is associated with Cyril Burt’s research on intelligence?

A

There has been substantial controversy regarding whether Burt falsified his research data, raising ethical concerns about the impact of potentially flawed research on educational policies and the lives of many children.

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15
Q

How did Burt’s work impact generations of children?

A

Burt’s influence, especially on the creation of the 11+ exam, had a lasting impact on generations of children, affecting their educational paths and opportunities.

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16
Q

Why is research linking intelligence to genetic factors considered socially sensitive?

A

Any research connecting intelligence to genetic factors is socially sensitive due to its potential implications, such as influencing educational policies and impacting individuals based on their perceived genetic predispositions.

17
Q

What is an example of the long-term effects of socially sensitive research?

A

The 11+ exam, influenced by Burt’s work, had long-lasting effects on generations of children, highlighting how socially sensitive research can shape educational practices and policies over an extended period.

18
Q

What is the ethical concern associated with deception in research?

A

Deception in research may lead to self-deception, fostering false stereotypes that can become self-fulfilling prophecies, such as gender-related stereotypes in academic performance.

19
Q

How can research impact privacy and lead to societal consequences?

A

Some research may result in social policies that invade people’s privacy, like laws requiring compulsory testing for certain groups, as seen in AIDS research.

20
Q

Why is informed consent crucial, especially in socially sensitive research?

A

Informed consent is vital in all research, but particularly in socially sensitive cases where individuals need to be fully aware of the study’s nature and potential implications.

21
Q

What are the consequences of breaches in confidentiality in socially sensitive research?

A

Breaches of confidentiality regarding sensitive issues can have far-reaching social and economic consequences, emphasising the importance of protecting participants’ information.

22
Q

Why is sound and valid methodology crucial in socially sensitive research?

A

Poor methodology in research can shape important social policies, as seen in the example of the Hadow Report, emphasising the need for rigorous research practices.

23
Q

What ethical concern is associated with justice in socially sensitive research?

A

Researchers must ensure that their interests, techniques, or findings do not result in unfair treatment, such as creating prejudices or withholding favorable opportunities or treatments.

24
Q

Why is scientific freedom important, and what is the exception mentioned in the context of research?

A

Scientific freedom is crucial, but researchers have an obligation not to harm participants. Certain types of research should be restricted to prevent harm.

25
Q

What ethical concerns arise regarding the ownership of research data?

A

Issues include sponsorship, access to data, and potential misuse. Certain findings in the wrong hands could be used to coerce, manipulate, or subjugate people.

26
Q

Why is it essential to recognise that research is not ‘value-free’?

A

Theoretical and personal beliefs of scientists can influence research, and different values can lead to variations in conducting and interpreting research findings.

27
Q

Why is assessing the risk/benefit ratio challenging in socially sensitive research?

A

Risks and benefits are harder to assess in socially sensitive research, emphasising the need for careful consideration due to potential societal impacts.

28
Q

Why should researchers consider their research questions carefully?

A

Researchers should consider their research questions carefully due to potential serious implications that could lead to further investigations, such as attempts to identify ‘intelligent genes.’

29
Q

Why is it important for researchers to carefully choose their research methodology?

A

Researchers should choose their methodology carefully to ensure the reliability of their investigation. For example if the information used was fabricated.

30
Q

Why should researchers be mindful of the institutional context?

A

Researchers should be mindful of the institutional context to consider the intended use of their research, especially when affiliated with multiple institutions.

31
Q

Why is it crucial for researchers to consider the implications of their findings?

A

Researchers should consider the implications of their findings, as these may have significant real-world consequences.