Ethical Implocations Of Research Studies + Therapy Flashcards
Whats meant by ethical issue
-arise bc of conflict between psychology’s need to gain valid research findings whilst preserving rights of ps
Whats meant by ethical guideline
-established to protect ps and guide researchers
Whats meant by ethical implications
-consequences of any research in terms of effects on individuals or way in which certain groups of ppl are subsequently regarded
-may also be consequences on wider social level
Whats meant by social sensitivity
-Sieber and Stanley define socially sensitive research as ‘studies in which there are potential consequences or implications, either directly for the p/s in research or for class of individuals represented by the research’
Explain ethical implications and social sensitivity and a contrasting example
-ethical implications concern consequences psychological studies have
-this applies to all psychological research but some areas may have greater social sensitivity than others
Eg research on LTM in student popn is unlikely to have consequences for individuals ps, or for broader groups the ps represent or what groups they’re drawn from, and unlikely to be consequences for social policy
In contrast, study on depression may have consequences for individual ps , the wider group they represent and social policy
Eg an individual ps may reveal personal info that’s later accessed by prospective employer . Or study findings suggest ppl w depression never fully recover, and so are risk as an employee . For social policy , findings on study of depression could inform preferred treatment options recommended by NHS
Even innocuous research like memory eg may have consequences in terms of exam policy
What are the implications for the research process
-all research has consequences but socially sensitive in particular
-al stages of planning /studies are important + handling findings
Why are the research questions important in the research process
-sieber + Stanley warn phrasing could -ve impact groups, influencing way findings interpreted
Eg kitzinger + coyle note research into relationships has been guilty of ‘heterosexual bias’ where homosexual relationships compared/judged against heterosexual norms
Why is dealing with participants important in the research process
-issues like informed consent , confidentiality , psychological harm may be imp
-eg study on domestic abuse ps may worry that ex-partner will discover the study + would be very stressful for ps to describe experiences
Why is the way findings are used important in research process
-researchers should consider in advance how findings may be used important
-may impact on what data they collect
-v imp as findings from research may be seen as giving scientific credence to existing prejudices , like studies examining ethnic basis of intelligence - impact of early IQ testing
-also sensitive info is of media interest/will publicise
Eg Owen’s research on ppl in minimally conscious state got major media attention at time as seemed he made contact w/ patients who thought to be ‘unreachable’
What are tips for identifying ethical issues in studies o scenario questions
-research that could cause distress / long term -ve consequence for those involved
-potential for -ve coverage of institution -> bad rep, embarrassment, loss of business
-creation of self-fulfilling prophecies ie ps take findings of them as facts , and act in a way that lives up to those results eg Romanian orphans - teachers/parents dont expect much off them bc of this
-potential for perpetuating discrimination / developing -ve attitudes towards group in society who subject to research
How does psychology deal with ethical issues/implications
-issues need to be minimised
-following ethical guidelines linked to protection form harm , strategies like brief/debrief + confidentiality upon publication
-all studies have to be approved by an ethics committee who complete a cost benefit analysis + its potential benefit to society - protects reputation / credibility
Whats a strength of social sensitive research in that it can have benefits for groups studied
Eg homosexuality . 1952 DSM-1 listed it as ‘sociopathic personality disorder’ , but removed in 1973
Change been credited to Kinsey report , based on anonymous interviews with 5000 men about their sexual behaviour
Concluded homosexuality is typical expression of human sexual behaviour
Report also included data on interviews 6000 women , causing outrage at time bc topics no one discussed
Illustrates importance of researchers tackling topics that are sensitive
Whats the counterpoint to the strength of socially sensitive research and its benefits for groups
In some studies there could be -ve consequences for groups being studied , which in some cases may have been anticipated
Eg research investigating genetic basis of criminality has found there’s a ‘criminal gene’
If this true does it mean someone could be convicted on basis they have gene or Should be excused as they cant be held responsible for wrongdoing ?
Suggests that in studying socially sensitive topics, there’s need for v careful of potential outcomes
Whats another strength of socially sensitive research in that certain groups like policymakers rely on such research
Gov looks to research when developing imp social policies for eg decisions on childcare , education , mental health provision , crime
Preferable to base policies on scientific research rather than politically-motivated views
For this reason, in UK independent groups (ONS) who describe themselves responsible for collecting , analysing and disseminating objective stats about UKs economy , society and popn . Such data is used in psychological research
Means psychologists have imp role to play in providing high quality research on socially sensitive topics
Whats a limitation of socially sensitive research in its poor research design
Poor design may lead to erroneous findings which once in public arena continue to have impact
Def the case in relation to Burt’s research bc even after the fraud was exposed, the 11+ continued to be used
11+ still used as a selection tool in parts of UK eg Kent + Belfast
Similarly access to many independent schools is based on child’s performance in entrance exam taken at age 11 + likely based on same reasoning , that genetic potential has revealed itself by age
So any research on socially sensitive topics needs planned with greatest care to ensure findings = valid bc of enduring effects on certain groups of ppl
