socially sensitive research

Question 1

socially sensitive research

Answer 1

• Research is socially
  sensitive if it has the
  potential to lead to
  prejudice or discrimination
  against the class of people
  represented by those in the
  study (e.g. those of a
  particular gender, ethnicity,
  age or mental state).
• It could also be socially
  sensitive if it is likely to
  cause others to be upset or
  anxious about its findings,
  or used in a negative way
  to harm others

Social sensitivity
relates to people BEYOND
a study – i.e. not the ppts)

Question 2

studies that are socially sensitive

Answer 2

• Bandura - is socially sensitive as it
  could be used to suggest that parents are
  to blame for the negative behaviour of
  their children as they have acted as a bad
  role model
• Gould (Yerkes) - suggestion that people
  from certain ethnic backgrounds are
  innately less intelligent led to
  discrimination against these people
• Moray – people are unlikely to feel upset
  at learning that if an affective cue is used
  (e.g. someone saying their name), it will
  probably grab their attention

Question 3

strengths of research being socially sensitive

Answer 3

• It can answer important questions that
  improve our understanding of and empathy
  towards other people (e.g. about mental
  health, gender differences, etc.)
• It can lead to practical applications that can
  improve the quality of people’s lives

Question 4

disadvantages of research being socially sensitive

Answer 4

• Can cause upset, offence or anxiety to anyone
  who learns about the study.
• Research could be used in a way that causes
  some people to be judged or discriminated
  against (treated negatively)