Usefulness of research

Question 1

Usefulness

Answer 1

When research has practical applications to real life

Question 2

Why should research be useful?

Answer 2

Because it means we are doing it for a reason and justifies cost, time etc

Question 3

But why would research not need to be useful?

Answer 3

Research that is done purely for interest isn’t done, may be useful in the future?
Just because research is useful doesn’t mean it could be used for good
If only doing useful research becomes priority it may lessen importance of ethics

Question 4

Practical and good applications of Milgram

Answer 4

Encourages standing up against bad authority, protesting or whistle blowing etc
Authority figures could use research to encourage children to obey (for good reasons)

Question 5

Negative applications of milgram’s study

Answer 5

Can be used to excuse bad behaviour by blaming obedience
Someone can manipulate others by appearing as more authoritative

Question 6

Practical and good applications of piliavins study

Answer 6

Can make people aware on bystander apathy so break this pattern and help others

Question 7

Negative applications of piliavins study

Answer 7

Takes guilt off of bystanders by showing how everyone acts like that

Question 8

Practical and good applications of Bandura’s study

Answer 8

Use age ratings for movies and video games etc so transmission of aggression reduced in children
ProMotion of positive and kind behaviour by parents to influence children

Question 9

Negative applications of banduras study

Answer 9

Censorship of certain media so children don’t see it
May cause overcontrolling parents or place creative limits on media
Socially sensitive by putting blame on parents

Question 10

Positive applications of kohlbergs study

Answer 10

Provides understanding for immoral behaviour by children
Certain jobs such as judges can be selected based on moral stage
Identifies age of criminal responsibility

Question 11

Negative applications of Kohlbergs study

Answer 11

Could allow criminals to excuse themself saying they in low level development
Suggests some moral philosophies are less developed such as utilitarianism

Question 12

When is psychological research useful?

Answer 12

The findings can be generalised to the target population (sample represents target population in terms of age, gender etc)
There are real world applications
If the findings are accurate (valid) to reality
If the research is ecologically valid