socially sensitive research Flashcards
What is meant by socially sensitive research?
Research that could lead to negative consequences for either the people or institutions participating directly in the research group, or the people the research is about.
What should researchers consider in terms of implication for society when conducting socially sensitive research? Give example.
What are the wider effects of the research? Will there be any negative impacts of the research (e.g. could it validate prejudice against certain groups, which may mead to discrimination)? Will the positive implications override these?
This is why a full cost-benefit analysis should be conducted prior to the study taking place.
How might socially sensitive research be considered to negatively impact participants, organisations and the wider community? Give examples.
Ptp - studies on relationship breakdowns, IQ.
Organisations - negative coverage in the media could reduce profits and lead to business being closed, e.g. if you name a school.
Community - self fulfilling prophecy, e.g. if research says all nurses have poor hygiene, maybe then they wouldn’t try and it could lead to poor hygiene.
Or if a study says there has been more crime against older people, they may now not want to offer their time in the community as they are worried about crime.
What should researchers consider in terms of potential practical implications/applications of socially sensitive research? Give example.
What is the research likely to be used for? Could the findings be used by the Government for political means to develop public policy? If this happens, are there any risks? (e.g. will it lead to discrimination in the workplace?)
What should researchers consider in terms of validity when conducting socially sensitive research?
Are the findings and conclusions presented in an objective and bias-free way? Have the data collection methods been objective or have they been influenced by researcher bias?
If there is any possible bias in the research, this must be highlighted immediately so others can judge the impact of it. Researchers should also be given chance to reflect on any possible bias (reflexivity).
Describe two pieces of socially sensitive research that had a negative impact on society.
Hadow report (1926) - Research linking intelligence to genetic research can be seen as socially sensitive. Cyril Burt used studies of identical twins to support his view that intelligence is largely genetic. His views greatly influenced the Hadow report, leading to creation of the 11+ which was used from 1944-1976. This meant that generations of children were affected by the 11+ exam, even though there had been controversy regarding whether Burt had falsified the data.
Lombrosso (1876) - Said that criminals were a sub-species between humans and primitive being. Biologically inferior. He claimed that people were genetically prone to crime, but he made sweeping generalisations based on racial stereotypes. Scientific racism led to massive discrimination and racial prejudice.
Give two examples of socially sensitive research that had a positive impact on society.
Hamer (1993) - carried out genetic studies on gay men. By correlating patterns in sections of their DNA, he suggested that male homosexuality is heavily influenced by genetics. Argued gay men had no choice about being gay; environmental influences make little difference & homosexuality probably evolved due to survival advantages it gave to social groups. Supported that being gay was not a choice but a learnt behaviour; led to positive research. Positive implications for a minority group.
Rosenhan (1973) - Being sane in insane places. Socially sensitive research, such as Rosenhan’s landmark study on psychiatric hospitals in the US, can shed light on institutional shortcomings. By revealing dehumanising treatment of vulnerable patients, these studies pushed for an overhaul of care protocols and standards. Changed diagnostic criteria.
Give five arguments for SSR.
Psychologists have devised methods to resolve the issues raised - e.g. Sieber & Stanley.
By gaining a better understanding of issues such as gender, race and sexuality we are able to gain a greater acceptance and reduce prejudice - e.g. Hamer (1993).
SSR has been a benefit to society - e.g. EWT. Made us aware EWT can be flawed and shouldn’t be used without corroboration. Also made us aware that EWT of children is every bit as reliable as that of adults.
Most research is still carried out on white middle class Americans. SSR is helping to redress the balance and make us more aware of other cultures and outlooks.
SSR can shed light on institutional shortcomings - e.g. Rosenhan (1973).
Give five arguments against SSR.
The guidelines used by psychologists to control SSR lack power and as a result are unable to prevent indefensible research being carried out.
SSR has been used to discriminate against groups in society because of low intelligence, criminal or psychological illness - E.g. Lombrosso (1876).
Once published, these studies can be misrepresented or sensationalised by the media, potentially leading to public misunderstanding or harm.
The findings from SSR could be politically or culturally controversial. Might discourage funding or even lead to the suppression of results.
SSR may put vulnerable groups at risk. There is a risk of misinterpretation. Flawed research has been used to dictate social policy and put certain groups at a disadvantage. - e.g. The Hadow report (1926).
Outline and explain the four ways of reducing negative effects of SSR.
- The research question - The researcher must consider their research question carefully. Asking questions like ‘Are there racial differences in IQ?’ or ‘Is intelligence inherited?’ may be damaged to members of a particular group.
- The methodology used - The researcher needs to consider the treatment of the ptps and their right to confidentiality and anonymity. E.g. if someone admits to committing a crime, or having unprotected sex if HIV positive, should the researcher maintain confidentiality?
- The institutional context - The researcher should be mindful of how the data is going to be used and consider who is funding the research. If the research is going to be funded by a private organisation, why are they funding the research and how do they intend to use the findings?
- Interpretation and application of findings - Finally, the researcher needs to consider how their findings might be interpreted and applied in the real world. Could their data be used to inform policy?
