Psychological Research And The Economy (RM) Flashcards
How can psychological research impact the economy in terms of work?
People suffering from conditions like OCD and depression which aren’t receiving treatment may need to take more time off work than those who are receiving treatment.
Treatments for mental health disorders come as a result of psychological research (e.g cognitive behaviour therapy) and can help people continue a normal life style including going to work - less time off work = better for the economy
Who can research into sleep behaviour help?
Shift workers
What does modern work patterns mean?
People work shifts throughout the 24 period, disrupting their sleep cycle
Who carried out a study into sleep patterns and what was is?
Czeisler et al (1982) - studied factory workers whose shift patterns appeared to cause health and sleep problems, The researchers suggested rotating shifts every 21 days (allowing more time to adapt) and moving shifts forward in time (phase delay)
How did the shifts work?
Workers had previously worked a backwards rotation (working nights first week, late afternoons second week and just mornings third week)
What happened after implementing the changes?
Productivity and Job Satisfaction increased and more productive workers = better economy
Does psychology have a significant impact on the economy?
Despite it being hard to pinpoint economic value like other professions have as it is much more spread out as a profession- psychological research impacts all aspects of social life but as UK university psychology departments have received over £50 million in research grants - it has a significant economical impact
What is the problem with the economic value placed on psychology?
It underestimates its true social value - it could be argued that it is impossible to put a price on the improved life experiences of someone who has anxiety, caused by counselling
How does psychology have a positive economic impact?
40% of people claiming an incapacity benefit are doing so due to anxiety or depression, therefore investment in psychotherapy may boost the economy as one course of psychotherapy costs the same as one months lost tax and benefit payment - investment in psychological services = valid as has potential to make major contributions to economy
What are one of the important goals of psychology and why are the benefits of applying some research difficult to trace?
Goal = to help tackle social problems
Impact difficult to trace - e.g. a health worker wanting to improve the dietary habits of their patients might use research stating that restricting access to something actually makes it more attractive to people - this could cut costs long-term in the NHS if it prevents someone suffering problems associated with obesity
What is an example of attachment research’s impact on the economy?
Bowlby’s WHO report in the 1950’s was taken to suggest that babies needed the constant care of the mother for healthy psychological development. This led to ‘stay at home’ mothering
Later research has shown that good substitute childcare either in nurseries or by other family members, does not have a detrimental effect on social development - this means the mother can happily return to work after having child, remaining economically active
What is an example of psychopathology research’s influence on the economy?
Anything linked to peoples ability to work and therefore contribute to the economy e.g. If research shows that people with a disorder such as depression are less likely to suffer a relapse after having cognitive therapy then, even though cognitive therapy might initially be more expensive than drug therapy, it the long term it might be more economically-sound to offer cognitive therapy as people would have less time off work
What is an example of memory research’s impact on the economy?
Any evidence relating to more efficient use of public money is relevant e.g. research showing the cognitive interview facilitates accuracy of eyewitnesses reporting, enables better use of police time and resources
