Issue 3- Socially sensitive research in psychology Flashcards
What does it mean if research is socially sensitive?
This means that the research can have implications for those being researched or for other individuals to whom the findings of research are generalised. Sensitive topics are where there is risk or where the findings are threatening for someone. Reseach can be socailly sensitive if it involves loss of confidentiality.
Give examples of they type of research that can be classed as socially sensitive.
Much of what we study in psychology has a social impact, it has the potential to affect the participants, social group they belong to, or whole societies. Research into racial differences, gender-related abilities, criminality and obedience are samples of the types of research that are socially sensitive.
Should research that is socially snesitive still be done?
Although socially sensitive research can give findings that are a threat to others and upsetting, it is research that should be done. This is because such research is likely to relate to people that are seen as having low status in society or where people might be subject of media reports or targeted becuase of findings. This can help to also increase understanding of sensitive topics leadng to additional help, support and wider considerations within society.
What four aspects determined by Sieber and Stanley (1988) have the potential to cause social sensitivity?
- The formulation of the research question
- How the research is carried out and how participants are treated
- The context within which the research is carried out
- The interpretation and application of research method
Describe the issues with the formulation of the research question
Harm to social groups may occur in a subtle way, through ommisions, assumptions, attitudes and values. Individual participants may be protected from harm but the social groups to which they belong may be harmed as a result of the research process.
Describe the issues with how the research is carried out and how participants are treated
In general the view is that the more important the issue the greater the potential benefit to society but the more likely the individual is to experience distress and discomfort. This is because, the more important the issue, the more essential the use of deception.
To deal with this, Aronson proposed a cost-benefit- analysis which weighs how much good will derive from such research against how much harm will occur to the participant.
Describe the issues with the context
Milgram’s studies also provide an example of the context within which research is carried out. Milgram found that obedience levels dropped considerably when his experiment was conducted in a downtown office, compared with the high levels found when the study was at Yale University. the setting influenced the participants behaviour.
Describe the issues with the application of the resuts
Researchers need to consider the use to which others may put their findings. There are many different ways in which research findings can be (mis)used. If research is not carried out, then findings cannot be misused however, neither will their be any benefit to society.
Describe the issues with social sensitivity in cognitive psychology.
Not much to say. Only that there might be implications for cognitive processing compared to general functioning. there could also be issues with self-esteem if someone feels taht they have performed badly. Could be issues with eye witness testimony.
Cost Vs Benefit
Overall it is good to cary out this research because it allows for improved revision techniques and has the potential to help those who have decreased brain functioning.
Describe the issues with social sensitivity in learning psychology.
Focus on the fear responses and the phobias. This has the potential to cause harm both psychologically and physically. If the individual is treated by flooding this could cause serious harm.
Cost Vs benefit
There are millions of people with phobias, if we are able to develop a strategy to help remove them this would greatly help individuals.
Describe the issues with social sensitivity in social psychology.
Milgram chose not to protect the individual in order to benefit society as a whole. This is a sacrifice that he felt was necessery for the greater good and after, 80% of participants said that they were glad that they took part.
Cost Vs benefit
Some people may not want to know what they’d do in various social situations but this would be a potential benefit as tehy would be aware of the potential of the behaviour and so can avoid it.
Describe the issues with social sensitivity in biological psychology.
Scanning peoples brains and looking at their genes might tell us about the individual and if they have a predisposition for aggression but there is no real application. It has the potential to lead to lavelling and stigmatisation within society and eventually the need for people to be screened to check for these pre-disposition however nothing can be done. It isn’t necessary, lots of people have brain differences but never demonstrate aggressive behaviour.
Cost Vs benefit
The costs include sitgmatisation and self fulfilling prophecy but the benefit is that it allows for more individualised help to be provided.
Describe the issues with social sensitivity in criminal psychology.
Eye witness testimony research has shown us more about the cognitive interview technique and the importance of having an accurate eye witness account.
Cost Vs benefit
Benefits include the increased safety of accurately convicting criminals and reduce the number of people who are wrongly convicted.
Describe the issues with social sensitivity in clinical psychology.
Huge amounts of stigmatisation and judgements that we make about people and mental illness. This has the potential to affect an individuals life significantly as research shows that once you have a label it is hard to remove this. Lots of the bio stuff also applies here.
Cost Vs benefit
Benefits include the fact that it can help to find treatments for those who are suffering and can offer an element of social protection.
