Socially Sensitive Research

Question 1

Define socially sensitive research.

Answer 1

“Studies in which there are potential social consequences or implications, either directly for the participants in research, or the class of individuals represented by the research”. (Sieber and Stanley - 1988)

Question 2

Give examples of socially sensitive research topics.

Answer 2

E.g.
Race
Drug abuse
Suicide/death
Sexual orientation
Criminal activity
IQ

Question 3

What is one of the most controversial avenues of research?

Answer 3

Inter-racial differences in IQ

Question 4

Why is research on inter-racial differences in IQ socially sensitive?

Answer 4

Research that has major flaws/limitations has suggested that black children may be innately inferior in terms of IQ. This can be used to support discriminatory social policies.

Question 5

Why is it important to understand the nature of socially sensitive research?

Answer 5

So psychologists can focus on the implications of their findings.