Issues and debates- ethical implications Flashcards
BPS ethical guidelines
Why must researchers be mindful of the impact of their published findings and be careful when it comes to how their findings might be interpreted
-Once they are published the media can spread info
What is meant by socially sensitive research?
-deals with topics that, if handled badly by the researcher, could have negative consequences for the groups involved due to how the findings could be interpreted or even manipulated by external sources such as the media
-Can have positive implications
-Could lead to a change in how groups are treated/ perceived
When conducting socially sensitive research, researchers must exercise what?
reflexivity
-involves the researcher examining their assumptions, beliefs, and prejudices about the topic they are investigating
-Researchers must consider carefully how these could influence them and be critical about the choices they make before, during and after the research process
Give a strength of socially sensitive research (minority/underrepresented groups)
-Minority or underrepresented social groups can be given the ‘spotlight’
-A higher profile allows perspectives, attitudes and experiences that are not those of the dominant group to be heard
-This is a strength as it widens the social and cultural landscape and highlights the richness of human experience on a broader scale
Give a strength of socially sensitive research (highlighting inadequacies)
-Socially sensitive research can help to highlight inadequacies in the care of vulnerable people e.g.
-Rosenhan’s (1973) study on the de-humanising treatment of patients in mental hospitals in the USA led to a review of how such institutions were run and their potential for labelling people according to their illness
Give a limitation of socially sensitive research.
-Some socially sensitive studies have been conducted in ways which are far from ethical and have in turn led to the perpetuation of bias and discrimination e.g.
-Burt (1955) invented data that led to the implementation of the 11+ examinations in the UK
-The results of this exam segregated children according to their IQ which could act as a self-fulfilling prophecy
Give a limitation of socially sensitive research
-Researchers who conduct socially sensitive research must take care not to exploit their participants, particularly if those participants are vulnerable e.g.
-Griffiths (1994) study into gambling addiction used regular gamblers who were asked to play on slot machines which could reinforce their need to gamble
-This is a limitation as it pushes the boundaries of what is ethical in research
