LS3 - Ethical Implications Of Research Flashcards
Ethical Implications
The impact research can have on the rights of people, especially participants.
Example Of Ethical Implications
Milgram’s ‘Germans Are Different’ making participants obey an authoritative figure. Making assumptions that Germans are bad can affect their reputation
Ethical Implications (+)
Led To More Ethical Research
Psychologists More Cautious
Cost Benefit Analysis
Ethical Implications (-)
Research Still Causes Problems
Too Strict
Led To More Ethical Research (+)
Research has now been conducted more sensitively resulting in the protection of participants and a better reputation for psychological research
Psychologists Are Most Cautious (+)
Where there have been ethical implications they’re now recognised making psychologists more cautious
Cost Benefit Analysis (+)
Can be used to decide whether research should be done or not (explain the fuck outta this examiner is dumb bitch)
Research Still Causes Problems (-)
The effects of research on participants and society can be hard to judge, meaning research still causes social problems on occassions (inc example).
Too Strict (-)
Some ethical guidelines can be too strict as some areas of research could produce helpful findings but the research just can’t be done.
Socially Sensitive Research
Where there are potential social implications, for participants or the group of people represented.
Concerns To Consider
Implications
Uses/Public Policy
Validity Of The Research
Implications
The wider effect of research can some studies give scientific support to prejudice? which isn’t always noticeable beforehand.
Uses/Public Policy
Where will the research be used and could it by adopted by the government to shape policies
Validity Of The Research
Research previously described as objective turned out to be suspect/fraudulent.
Ethical Implications Relating To Socially Sensitive Research
Privacy
Deception
Informed Consent
Ownership Of Data
Social Control
mums allow it
Example Of SS Research
Lowney - Observations of Satanist teenagers in USA, their views on life and their activities were recorded (drugs, alcohol and music). Her findings suggested they were satanists as they didn’t identify with people their age.
Potential Effects Of SS Research
Parental backlash over behaviour recorded
Condemnation from the community
Peer exclusion
Socially Sensitive Research (+)
Some SS Research Is Desirable And Beneficial
Political Intention?
Socially Sensitive Research (-)
Wider Implications
Can Lead To Discrimination
Research Could Have Negative Impact On PPS
Some SS Research Is Desirable And Beneficial (+)
e.g. EWT research has found children can be good witnesses if questioned at the right time in the right manner, improving the accuracy of EWTs.
Political Intention? (+)
It’s important to allow psychologists to do their own research as it can become unclear whether governments put certain guidelines in place for political benefit.
Wider Implications (-)
Sieber And Stanley look at individuals indirectly affected by research however they need to go further as there can be an impact on participant’s family and co-workers, meaning they should consider wider impacts.
Can Lead To Discrimination (-)
e.g. research on racial differences in IQ can be used to justify social control.
Peer Exclusion (-)
Some psychologists believe research could have a negative impact on participants leaving researchers with nothing but trivial questions to investigate. An easier way to do this is for researchers to control
