Ethical Implications

    Cards (11)

    • 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