Ethical implications of research

• Ethical implications - refers to the way that research impacts on those who take part and also the way the findings are communicated to the public
• Socially sensitive research - studies in which there are potential social consequences or implications either directly for the participant in the research or the class of individuals represented by the research.

  Example - Women affected by Bowlby's work on attachment, mothers believing that they are not a good parent
• Some more areas of research are more controversial and subject to social sensitivity that others.

  Research into the genetic basis of criminality or studies that tackle aspects of race or sexuality attract a great deal of attention from the public. However this should not necessarily lead psychologists to avoid researching such topics
• Sieber and Stanley - identified a number of concerns that researchers should be mindful of:

  • Implications - the wider effects of research should be careful considered as some studies may be seen as giving scientific credence and therefore legitimising prejudice
  • Uses/Public policy - findings may be used by the government for political ends or to shape public policy
  • The validity of research - some findings that were seen as objective have turned out to be suspect. Peer review process is important to make sure no bias.
• Researchers should consider the:

  • Effects of research on participants
  • Effects on publication on wider public
  • Potential use of the findings - allocation of resources
  • Potential use of the findings - political consequences like changes in legislation
  • Potential bias against people of certain culture backgrounds
  • Potential influence on moral attidtudes towards certain groups
  • Economic implications - funding
• Dealing with socially sensitive research:

  • Submit research to ethics committees
  • Weigh up possible costs and benefits before research
  • Take care when formulating framing questions to not misrepresent certain groups
  • Be alert to possibility of misuse of findings
  • Consider wider effects of publication
  • Consider reactions of participants to procure and identify ethical issues
• AO3

  Scar argues that studies of underrepresented groups and issues may promote greater sensitivity and understanding of these. Example is homosexuality. It was listed as a sociopathic personality disorder in 1952 but finally was removed in 1973. This change was due to the Kinsey repost who concluded homosexuality is a human sexual behaviour.

  This shows the important of tackling sensitive topics
• AO3

  Some studies can have negative consequences for the groups being studied. For example research investigating the genetic basis of criminality has found that there is a 'criminal gene' If this is true, does it mean that someone could be convicted on the basis of there genes
• AO3 - Socially sensitive research has benefitted society

  Questioning the validity of the testimony of eyewitnesses was once controversial but has now led to improvements in gathering information and reducing miscarriages of judtice within legal system.
• AO3 - often bias in methodology

  Sieber and Stanley warn that the way in which research questions re phrased and investigative may influence the way findings are interpreted.

  Example - Ainsworth strange situation shows how Western culture cannot always transfer directly to other cultures. The Japanese infants were mislabelled as insecure resistant when the strategies with which they were raised were not fully understood.