Ethical implications

• Ethical implications: The consequences of any research in terms of effects on individual participants or on the way in which certain groups of people are subsequently regarded. There may also be consequences on a wider societal level.
• Social sensitivity: Studies in which there are potential consequences or implications, either directly for the participants in the research or for the class of individuals represented by the research.
• Ethical implications concern the consequences that studies may have, for example a study on depression may suggest that they never fully recover making employers not want to give them a job.
• Research question:

  • The way in which research questions are phrased and investigated may influence the way the findings are interpreted.
• Dealing with participants:

  • Issues such as informed consent, confidentially, and psychological harm may be especially important in socially sensitive research.
• The way findings are used:

  • Researchers should consider in advance how research findings may be used and how the media may use it.
• Socially sensitive research evaluation (strength)

  • It has benefits for the group who have been studies.
  • For example a report on homosexuality changed the perceptions of gay people.
  • This illustrates the importance of researchers tackling sensitive topics.
• Socially sensitive research evaluation (limitation)

  • There could be negative consequences for the groups being studied.
  • There is need for very careful consideration when researching sensitive topics.
• Socially sensitive research evaluation (strength)

  • Certain groups rely on research related to socially sensitive issues.
  • The governments look to it when making social policies.
  • This shows how it is important in providing high quality research to base laws off.
• Socially sensitive research evaluation (limitation)

  • Poor research design may lead to erroneous findings which have an impact.
  • Any research need to have careful consideration to make sure the findings are valid to avoid the wrong conclusions being made.