Issues Related to Socially Sensitive Research

Question 1

Define Socially Sensitive Research

Answer 1

Studies in which there are potential consequences or implications, either directly for the PP in the research or for the class of individuals represented by the research.

Question 2

Implications of Research

Answer 2

Research findings may present issues which offend or divide people, such as the findings may identify group-specific problems, make worrying feelings or evoke strong feelings. This is problematic as scientific evidence adds credence to beliefs so could be used to defend prejudiced ideas

RCT could be seen to justify discrim as it identifies an underlying reason for tension. Studies that support this could be interpreted as showing discrim behaviour is legit.

Question 3

Public Policy and Other Uses

Answer 3

When findings are published, their impacts should be considered, like are they dangerous in the wrong hands?

Findings about bio underpinnings of aggression might lead to wrong conclusions. Raine’s classic study might lead to the conclusion that murder is not the ‘murderers fault’. So some criminal courts could not punish such murderers as they are not responsible.

Question 4

Validity

Answer 4

Important to ensure research does not hinder people.

Attention should be paid to biases and interpretations and researchers should be sure findings are valid and can be verified.

In thematic analysis and research on grounded theory, researchers’ biases are more likely to affect validity of research. Extra steps are taken to ensure results reflect reality.

Question 5

The Need for SSR - Research on TV Viewing

Answer 5

Bandura (1961,63) showed that when children watch aggression it increases the risk of displaying it. This has implications for parenting practice as parents may feel or be accused of being irresponsible for letting them see that, thus a SS issue.

This research is important because it exposes dangers and enables people to reduce children’s exposure through active parenting and film certificates.

Question 6

The need for SSR - Researching Alzheimers

Answer 6

Cog Psy explored AD with research and identified problems like cognitive deficits linked to losses in the hippocampus , frontal and temporal lobes. The research explains why people with AD firs lose episodic memories then later semantic; creating a negative image of people with AD making it SS.

Research is valuable as it can lead to improving the QoL of people living with it. Research has also found ways to slow the progress of the disorder.

Question 7

The need for SSR - Investigating Authoritarianism

Answer 7

Allport suggests that individuals with RW views are less capable of critical thinking. This has implications for the way RW individuals and their opinions are regarded , making it SS.

Should not prevent research; where risks are identified, it is the duty of psychologists to identify them for the benefit of society. Since the Au views can be prejudiced, research can help protect minorities.