Issues & Debates -> Ethics

Question 1

Socially Sensitive Research

Answer 1

Sieber and Stanley used the term socially sensitive to describe research where the topic area and/or group being studied can have implications for society or certain groups within society.

Potentially, this research could lead to change in, or justification for, the way in which these groups are treated or perceived.

Sieber and Stanley argue that scientists have a responsibility for the way in which their research will be used in the future.

Question 2

The Research Question:

Answer 2

The researcher must consider their research question carefully. Asking questions such as ‘are their racial differences in intelligence’ or ‘is intelligence inherited’ may be damaging to members of a particular group.

Question 3

The Methodology Used:

Answer 3

The researcher needs to consider the treatment of the participant’s and their right to confidentiality and anonymity. For example, if someone admits to having committed a crime, or having unprotected sex even though they are HIV positive, should the researcher maintain their confidentiality?

Question 4

The Institutional Context:

Answer 4

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 being funded by a private institution or organisation, why are they funding the research and how do they intend to use the findings?

Question 5

Interpretation and Application of Findings:

Answer 5

Finally, the researcher needs to consider how their findings might be interpreted and applied to the real-world. Could their results be used to inform government policy?

Question 6

Strengths of socially sensitive research

Answer 6

Ethical guidelines
&
Duty to conduct research
&
Should be aware of the consequences of their results
&
Lessens misinterpretations
Failure to represent certain groups