Socially sensitive research

Question 1

Define socially sensitive research

Answer 1

1. Research that has direct impacts on the group being studied eg. gender, culture
2. Research that has implications for gov policy and changes lives of people eg. increased maternity leave
3. Research that is controversial

Question 2

Examples of socially sensitive research

Answer 2

Race and its effect on IQ
Criminality has a biological basis
Effects on day care + research into whether media causes aggression

Question 3

Topics to use in paragraphs

Answer 3

1) positive implications for society

2) negative implications for society

3) controversy + whether it should be applied to real life

Question 4

Positions of socially sensitive debate

Answer 4

Socially sensitive research should be carried out because it helps us gain a better understanding of issues eg.race and this could reduce prejudice

Socially sensitive research should not be carried out because it could lead to certain groups being discriminated against.

Socially sensitive research should be carried out because science and knowledge should not be censored.
Researchers have a responsibility to do socially sensitive research even if society doesn’t like the findings

Question 5

Strengths of socially sensitive research (paras for paper 2)

Answer 5

1) can shape public policy and affect change

2) can prevent future immoral acts

3) can challenge discrimination against certain groups of people

4) practical applications

Question 6

Weaknesses of socially sensitive research

Answer 6

1) Topics may be controversial + produce findings that could lead to discrimination against groups of people (crimes, racial differences)

2) Shapes public policy + if info is used unfairly/ inappropriately could have negative effects on certain groups