Socially Sensitive Research

Question 1

What did Sieber and Stanley (1998) define socially sensitive research to be.

Answer 1

Studies in which there are potential consequences or implications, either directly for the participants in the research or for the class of individuals represented by the research, are considered to be socially sensitive.

Question 2

Sieber and Stanley (1998) identified 4 aspects in the scientific research process that raise ethical implications in socially sensitive research, what are they?

Answer 2

1. The Research Question.
   -Is the hypothesis or outcome going to be damaging to a particular group?
2. The Methodology Used.
   -Are participants being treated with respect (right to withdraw, consent, confidentiality, anonymity)?
3. The Institutional Context.
   -Is the data going to be used/manipulated by funding bodies? How could the data be misused?
4. Interpretation and Application of Findings.
   -What might the effect of the findings be in the real world?