social sensitivity

Question 1

outline social sensitivity in milgrams obedience study

Answer 1

On second examination, it could be argued that Milgram’s is socially sensitive. The findings of the study could be used to make people obey orders that they do not want to follow. This could have severe ethical implications.

Question 2

what theory is used for social sensitivity

Answer 2

bowlbys monotropic theory

Question 3

outline social sensitivity in bowlbys monotropic theory

Answer 3

Bowlby’s theory is very sensitive. It could be used to make mothers stay at home out of guilt and fear of being judged by others.

Question 4

outline one strength of ethical implications - positive outcomes

Answer 4

Socially sensitive research can benefit society.

It can promote greater sensitivity and understanding of underrepresented groups and issues. 

For example, the effect that culture bias can have on the diagnosis of schizophrenia with regards to auditory hallucinations experienced by African and West Indian individuals. 

This helps reduce prejudice and encourage acceptance demonstrating there are positive outcomes of socially sensitive research.

Question 5

outline one strength of ethical implications - legal support

Answer 5

Socially sensitive research can prevent miscarriages of justice within the legal system.

Research into the unreliability of eyewitness testimony specifically the case of Ronald Cotton shows that socially sensitive research plays a valuable role in society and is a positive consequence.

This is despite the fact that the research may have had a negative impact on those individuals who had been eyewitnesses in trials.

Question 6

outline one limitation of ethical implications - support discriminatory practices

Answer 6

Socially sensitive research has been used to support discriminatory practices.

In America during the 1920’s and 1930’s, a large number of US states approved laws that led to the compulsory sterilisation of citizens that were deemed to be “feeble-minded” and were drains on society.

This was based on research from psychology and science that had suggested such people were “unfit to breed”.

This shows that socially sensitive research has negative impacts as it has been used inappropriately to “support” discriminatory practices.

Question 7

outline one strength of ethical implications - reflexivity

Answer 7

The realisation that there are issues regarding the ethical implications of socially sensitive research has meant that researchers are more reflexive.

This includes thinking more about what the research findings are likely to be used for.

As a result, it can make researcher’s take more responsibility for their findings and ensure that the work that they do, does not lead to abuse or discrimination.

Question 8

outline bowlbys monotropic theory as an example of “ethical implications of theories”

Answer 8

There are not any ethical issues with Bowlby’s theory itself as its not a study therefore participants arent directly involved. Bowlby’s Theory of Attachment suggests that children form one special attachment bond, usually with their mother, which must take place within a critical period. Bowlby also suggested that this attachment bond affects their future relationships through an internal working model.



The theory has contributed to the development of child care practices which is a positive ethical implication e.g key workers in nurserys . However, it has also encouraged the view that the mother’s place is at home with her children. This is a negative implication of his theory as it can make mothers’ feel guilty for wanting to return to work following childbirth. it also devalues the role of the father