Lesson 3 - Ethical Implications + Social Sensitivity Flashcards
Define Ethical implications
Ethical implications are the impact that psychological research may have on the rights of other people especially participants. This includes the influence of research in public policy and/or the way certain groups of people in society are perceived.
Name three ethical implications of psychological research
- How the findings of the study are presented in the media
- The impact of the findings on public policy
- How their findings may impact the perception of particular groups in society.
Give an example of a study that had ethical implications
Milgram’s obedience research and his attitudes to people of different nationalities. Milgram believed that ‘Germans are different’, and believed that Americans would not obey an authority figure to commit atrocities like the German’s did. The fact that Milgram was making assumptions about the Germans as being obedient due to their authoritarian personalities has ethical implications, since this could make other people frown upon the Germans.
Evaluation of Ethical Implications - Aware ness
If there is awareness of ethical implications, then researchers can be more careful when they carry out research. The code of ethics governed by the BPS together with university ethics boards means that ethical implications of research have to be considered, before research is conducted. These guidelines are in place to protect all people who may be involved in the process.
Evaluation of Ethical Implications - Cost Benefit Analysis
A cost benefit analysis can be used to decide whether it is worth carrying out that piece of research. If the costs end up outweighing the benefits, then that research should not be carried out. However, if the benefits outweigh the costs, and the research would have no negative impact on society, then it should be carried out.
Evaluation of Ethical Implications - Effects on people
It is difficult to see what the effects of the research may be on the researcher, participants and society. This makes allowing studies difficult when judging them. There are also no objective answers. There is also potential bias from the decision makers, which may make potentially dangerous research with potential consequences able to come out and cause problems, yet this only happens occasionally.
Evaluation of Ethical Implications - Guidelines too strict
The ethical guidelines set by the BPS are often seen to be too strict. There are areas of research which could elicit helpful findings that could benefit a lot of people. However, it may require dangerous / problematic testing, so then it would not be allowed. Finding a midpoint is difficult.
Define Socially Sensitive Research
It is research where the topic area and/ or group studies can have implications for society, which can potentially lead to a change in, or justification as to how these groups are treated or perceived.
Sieber and Stanley’s 3 concerns - Implications
Implications - The wider effects of such research should be carefully considered as some studies may give ‘scientific’ credence to prejudice and discrimination, such as studies examining the racial basis of intelligence.
Sieber and Stanley’s 3 Concerns - Uses / Public Policy
What is the research realistically going to be used for? And what would happen if used for the wrong purpose? These questions must be considered when evaluating the findings. The study may be adopted by the government for political ends or to shape public policy, so psychologists must be aware of this.
Sieber and Stanley’s 3 Concerns - Validity
The validity of the research must be evaluated. Some findings in the past that were presented as objective and ‘value-free’ have actually turned out to be highly suspect, and occasionally fraudulent. However, many modern social constructionist researchers are much more up front about their own biases and preconceptions, and comment on the reflexive nature of their work in publications. This should be standard as it validates the study, and gives credibility and trust to the psychologist.
Sieber and Stanley’s 10 types of ethical issues
Privacy - Research should not result in an invasion of private lives
Confidentiality - Yeah.
Valid Methodology - The psychologist must take it upon them self to ensure their study is credible within the psychology community, as the public might not be able to tell.
Deception - Yeah.
Informed Consent - Yeah.
Equitable Treatment - Participants should be treated equally.
Scientific Freedom - The scientist can do whatever as long as they do not harm the participant.
Ownership of Data - Owned by researcher, but must be accessible.
Values - These should not affect the study.
Risk / Benefit Ratio - Risks or costs should be minimised, but problems arise in balancing these.
Define Social Control
This is where psychology studies have implications that cause the government to be able to control certain minority groups.
Give an example of socially sensitive research
Raine (1996) found that there was damage in the frontal lobe in most violent criminals. This means that people with a predisposition to violent crimes can be identified. However, this is worrying as it means that children identified with this disposition would be in a perilous situation.
Evaluation of Socially Sensitive Research - Marginal Groups
Marginal groups are often excluded from psychological research, so this means that they may be potentially harmed by the findings and it’s applications.
