Ethical implications (SSR)

Question 1

Define socially sensitive research

Answer 1

Any research that might have direct social consequences for the participants in the research/ the group they represent. Often dealing with taboo topics that attracted unwanted attention (e.g from the media)

Question 2

Name Sieber and Stanley’s identified criteria for SSR

Answer 2

-The research question
-Conduct of research/method
-The institutional context (who’s paying for research and how the research will be used)
-Interpretation and applications of findings (how it’s interpreted by the media)

Question 3

Give an example of SSR

Answer 3

-Cyril Burt (11+ test)
-Yerkes et al (American IQ test that made it look like african americans were less intelligent than white americans because questions were ethnocentric, resulting in forced sterilisations)

Question 4

Explain the negative implication of SSR: Discrimination and social control

Answer 4

-SSR can lead to discrimination and social control
-e.g Over 64000 sterilised forcibly under american eugenics legislation, justified by findings of Yerke et al (Ethnocentric IQ test)
-Highlights possible consequences of SSR

Question 5

Explain the negative implication of SSR: How its used

Answer 5

-The government may use SSR to shape social policies, despite the dubious nature of some findings (e.g Burt or Yerkes)
-No control over who benefits from research once it is published

Question 6

Explain the ethical implication of SSR: Costs and benefits

Answer 6

-Difficult to know costs and benefits of research, difficult to anticipate social and ethical issues even after going through ethics committee
-“Harmless” research could therefore end up causing alot of harm

Question 7

Explain the benefits of SSR

Answer 7

-Can benefit psychology and the groups the studies represent because it can promote a greater understanding and sensitivity towards these cultures.
-Reduces prejudice and encourages acceptance as a result.
-e.g research into EWT lead to the cognitive interview to glean more accurate testimonies

Question 8

Should SSR be avoided?

Answer 8

-No
-It would leaves psychologists with nothing to examine
-And promote an avoidance of taboo subjects