Ethical Implications

• Ethical implications are the consequences of any research in terms of the effects on the participants or the way certain groups are subsequently regarded
• The groups affected by ethical implications are: participants, families, group represented, society, institutions, researcher
• Social Sensitivity is when studies have potential consequences or implications
• Research questions - the way in which they are phrased and investigated may influence how findings are interpreted e.g. 'alternative relationships' research may be guilty of 'heterosexual bias'
• Dealing with participants - informed consent, confidentiality & anonymity, psychological harm
• Using findings - findings should be considered in advance as they may be seen to give scientific credence to existing prejudices e.g. research into ethnic basis of intelligence
• Privacy refers to people and asking personal questions e.g. sexuality
• Confidentiality refers to data and information that may affect the participants life if leaked
• Cost/benefit analysis is where the study is only ethical if the benefits outweighs the costs
• Advantages of socially sensitive research is that it can help the understanding of marginalised groups and can give the minority a voice
• Disadvantages of socially sensitive research is that it can lead to prejudice and biased interpretations may contribute to discrimination