Gender outline

Question 1

Ethnocentrism

Answer 1

When a theory is developed using the researchers own cultural background and then unfairly applied to other cultures

For example, Asch’s study into conformity was only conducted in America and then the findings were assumed to be the ‘norm’ for all other cultures. But when repeated in collectivist cultures, conformity rates varied.

In collectivist cultures, participants conformed more than participants in individualist cultures

Question 2

Beta bias

Answer 2

When a theory unfairly minimises differences between men and women

In stress research, it has been wrongly assumed that the fight or flight response, as it is biological, is the same in both males and females when in fact the genders secrete different hormones.

Question 3

Outline one example of research that is socially sensitive

Answer 3

Milgram

Carried out research to gain an understanding of why Nazi’s obeyed and committed genocide

Ethical implications are the consequences of the research e.g. all Germans could be classed as obedient to the point where they would commit genocide

Performed follow up study & 83.7% said they were glad to have taken part, suggesting benefits outweighed ethical implications

Question 4

Explain what is meant by ethical implications of research

Answer 4

The potential consequences of research on the rights of people

Includes how findings are represented in the media and how findings are used

E.g. influencing public policy and the perception of particular groups in society

Question 5

Ethical implications

Answer 5

Mental health issues

Labelling of participants as immoral or cruel

Bias/prejudice of certain groups of people

Question 6

Holism

Answer 6

All human behaviour is affected by our subjective experience and can only be understood on an individual level , therefore holism focuses on the whole system or person

As such the humanistic approach states that all humans are qualitatively different

All humans are unique and motivated to achieve their full potential (congruence)

If congruence is not achieved in any of the three selves, and a lack of identity or sense of wholeness occurs, this is thought to lead to mental disorder.

Question 7

Explain what is meant by socially sensitive research

Answer 7

Research in which there are potential social consequences or implications for the participants or class of individuals represented by the research (sieber and Stanley, 1988)

For example, research on the genetic basis of criminality