ethical implications of research studies&theory

    Cards (11)

      • Ethical implications: Ethical guidelines were established to help protect those involved in research. Although researchers may exercise considerable control over the methods they select and the way they treat participants, they may have relatively little say in terms of how their research findings are represented in the media, the impact of their work & how it may influence our perception of particular groups in society. This amounts to a concern with the wider ethical implications of research 
    • Socially sensitive research: Some areas are likely to be more controversial & be subject to greater social sensitivity. A study that examines the cognitive processes involved in long-term memory, for instance, is unlikely to have far-reaching consequences for those that take part or for the broader social groups the participants represent.
    • Socially sensitive research: Studies that tackle socially sensitive ‘taboo’ topics, such as aspects of race or sexuality, attract a lot of attention. However, just because this is the case, it shouldn’t lead to psychologists ‘shying away’ from research that may be socially sensitive. Psychologists may have a social responsibility to carry it out
      • Ethical issues in socially sensitive research: Joan Sieber and Liz Stanley (1988) have identified a number of concerns that researchers should be mindful of when conducting socially sensitive research:
      ↳ Implications - the wider effects of such research should be carefully considered as some studies may be seen as giving ‘scientific’ credence to prejudice & discrimination, such as studies examining the racial basis of intelligence. However, the implications of research may be difficult to predict at the outset
      • Ethical issues in socially sensitive research: Joan Sieber and Liz Stanley (1988) have identified a number of concerns that researchers should be mindful of when conducting socially sensitive research:
      ↳ Uses/public policy - what is the research likely to be used for? And what would happen if it was used for the wrong purpose? This is related to the idea that findings may be adopted by the gov. for political ends or to shape public policy
      • Ethical issues in socially sensitive research: Joan Sieber and Liz Stanley (1988) have identified a number of concerns that researchers should be mindful of when conducting socially sensitive research:
      ↳ The validity of the research - Some findings that were presented as objective and value-free in the past have actually turned out to be highly suspect and fraudulent
      • Ethical issues in socially sensitive research: Joan Sieber and Liz Stanley (1988) have identified a number of concerns that researchers should be mindful of when conducting socially sensitive research:
      ↳ The validity of the research - However, many modern social constructionist researchers - who may tackle socially sensitive areas of research - are much more up-front about their own biases and preconceptions, and include comment on the reflexive nature of their work in their publications
    • Evaluation:
      Benefits of socially sensitive research: Sandra Scarr (1988) argues that studies of underrepresented groups & issues may promote a greater sensitivity and understanding of these. This can help reduce prejudice and encourage acceptance. Similarly, socially sensitive research has benefited society - for instance, research into the reliability of eyewitness testimony has reduced the risk of miscarriages of justice within the legal system. Thus it is valuable for society
    • Evaluation:
        ↳ Cost and benefits: Some of the social consequences of research involving vulnerable groups may be difficult to anticipate. As such, assessments of the ‘worth’ of such research are invariably subjective & the real impact of research can only ever be known once it has been made public 
    • Evaluation:
        ↳ Framing the question: Investigators must approach their research with an ‘open mind’ and be prepared to have their preconceptions challenged if they are to avoid misrepresenting minority groups
    • Burt established the 11+ examinations in the UK, which is used to determine whether the child could go to a grammar school based on their 'natural' intelligence. Burt's view was that intelligence is genetic. But discrepancies in the data showed he made up much of the data and invented two research assistants. The schools had an impact on the future of children