Ethics

Question 1

AO1: How do Sieber and Stanley (1988) define socially sensitive research

Answer 1

Social sensitivity Sieber and Stanley (1988) 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 the research’

Question 2

AO1: What does Aronson (1999) say abot psychologists carrying out ethical research

Answer 2

Psychologists have a social responsibility to carry out research on controversial topics (Aronson 1999)

Question 3

Sieber and Stanley (1988) argued 4 concerns that should be taken into account.

Answer 3

1. Research question
2. Methodology used
3. Institutional context
4. Interpretation and application of findings

Question 4

Research question

Answer 4

Asking questions like ‘Are there racial differences in IQ?’ or ‘Is intelligence inherited?’ may be damaging to members of a particular group.

Question 5

Methodology used

Answer 5

The researcher needs to consider the treatment of the participant’s and their right to confidentiality and anonymity.

Question 6

Institutional context

Answer 6

The researcher should be mindful of how the data is going to be used and consider who is funding the research. If the research is funded by a private institution or organisation, why are they funding the research and how do they intend to use the findings?

Question 7

Interpretation and application of findings

Answer 7

The researcher needs to consider how their findings might be interpreted and applied in the real-world. Could their data or results be used to inform policy?

Question 8

AO1: Who came up with ethical guidelines and what are they there for

Answer 8

BPS

Ethical guidelines were established to help protect those involved in research.