I and D: ethical implications of research

Question 1

why might ethical issues arise

Answer 1

when there is conflict between a psychologist’s need to gain valid research and their ability to preserve the rights and dignity of ppts

Question 2

AO1: ethical implications

Answer 2

the consequence the psychological research may have
refers to socially sensitive research

Question 3

define socially sensitive research

Answer 3

studies with potential implications or consequences either for ppts or the broader social group
they may impact policy

Question 4

explain implications for the research process

Answer 4

research questions:
Sieber and Stanley warn that the way in which research questions are phrased and investigated may influence how findings are interpreted

dealing with ppts:
issues like informed consent, confidentiality and potential for harm
eg: ppts may give consent but not fully understand the effects of the research

the ways findings are used:
researcher should consider how findings are used, research could be used to justify prejudice

Question 5

AO2: explains Yerkes’ study

Answer 5

he argued black americans had lower IQ scores compared to white americans
>between 1903 and 1963 over 64,000 people were forcefully sterilised under eugenic legislation in the US
>in 1972 the United States Senate Committee revealed that 2,000 involuntary sterilisations were performed on poor black women without their consent or knowledge

Question 6

ways to deal with social sensitivity

Answer 6

> take care when forming aim
take care to avoid prejudiced bias when presenting research
be alert of possible mis-use of findings and present them in a value-free way
consider wider effects of publication
weigh up costs and benefits of research

Question 7

AO3: socially sensitive research

Answer 7

some benefits
Scarr(1988): despite ethical implications, studying under-represented groups and issues increase understanding and reduce prejudice
eg: Loftus’ research on unreliability of memory reduced reliance on EWT and can reduce wrongful convictions
some socially sensitive research plays a vital role in society

Question 8

AO3: real life application

Answer 8

some policy makers rely on socially sensitive research
government uses research to make policies related to education, childcare, mental health etc
psychologists play important role in providing high quality socially sensitive research

Question 9

AO3: poor research design

Answer 9

can lead to flawed findings that may have a detrimental effect when released to the public
eg: Burt gave evidence to suggest intelligence was innate so children should be separated based on natural intelligence > led to 11+
was later found that he made this up but 11+ was still used
SS research should be planned to ensure findings are valid