Ethical issues Flashcards
What are ethical implications?
The impact that psychological research may have in terms of the rights of other people especially participants. This includes, at a societal level, influencing public policy and/or the way in which certain groups of people are regarded.
What is socially sensitive research?
Sieber and Stanley define 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 research.’
Who researched ethical issues in socially sensitive research?
Sieber and Stanley
What did Sieber and Stanley identify as three ethical concerns in socially sensitive research?
Implications -
Uses/public policy
The validity of the research
What are the implication concerns of socially sensitive research (SS)?
The wider effects should be considered as some studies may be seen as giving scientific credence to prejudice and discrimination. However this may be difficult to predict.
What are the uses of socially sensitive research (SS)?
What will it be used for and what if it’s for the wrong purpose? This is related to the idea that findings may be adopted by the government for political ends or to shape public policy.
What is the validity of socially sensitive research (SS)?
Some findings that were presented as objective and value-free in the past were actually highly suspect. Modern researchers are more up-front about their own biases and preconceptions, and include comments on the reflexive nature of their work in their publications.
What is the evaluation of ethical implications of research studies and theory?
Benefits of socially sensitive research
Framing the question
Ethical committee
Social control
Evaluation point for ethical implications of research studies and theory: Benefits of socially sensitive research
Sandra Scarr argues that studies of underrepresented groups and issues may promote a greater sensitivity and understanding of these groups. This can help reduce prejudice and encourage acceptance.
Evaluation point for ethical implications of research studies and theory: Framing the question
Sieber and Stanley warn that the way in which research questions are phrased and investigated may influence the way in which findings are interpreted. This is seen in cross-cultural research when the researchers are biased by a sense of cultural superiority and ethnocentrism.
This suggest that investigators must approach research with an open mind, so that their preconceptions don’t misrepresent minority groups.
Evaluation point for ethical implications of research studies and theory: Ethical committee
Research that carries with it possible ethical implications may be subject to scrutiny by an ethical committee. It is their job to weigh the potential costs and benefits of the research. However some of the social consequences are difficult to anticipate and therefore an ethical committee is subjective as the impact can only be seen after publication.
Evaluation point for ethical implications of research studies and theory: Social control
In America in the 1920s a large number of US states enacted legislation that led to compulsory sterilisation of many citizens because psychological and scientific research said that ‘feeble-minded’ people were unfit to breed.
The fact that socially sensitive research has been used to enhance discriminatory practices is an argument against its adoption.
Why is some research considered socially sensitive and how should psychologists address such areas?
Studies that tackle socially sensitive taboo topics, for example aspects of race or sexuality, inevitably attract attention from other psychologists, the media and the public. Psychologists should not shy away from studying such areas however because the undoubted importance of such research means they have a responsibility to carry it out.
How does some research come to have ethical implications?
While ethical guidelines are in place to protect those involved in research psychologists cannot guard against how research may be misrepresented after its conducted. The impact of their work on public policy and how it may influence our perceptions of particular groups in society creates wider ethical implications.
What key question should be asked when judging whether ethical guidelines should be broke?
Do the ends justify the means?
