ethical implications of research studies and theory

• ethical issues/guidelines/implications

  • ethical issues = arise because of conflict between the need for valid research findings and preserving the rights of participants
  • ethical guidelines = protect participants and guide researchers
  • guidelines are also related to ethical implications (consequences) of research
  • implications/consequences should be considered at all stages of the research process
• socially sensitive research (SSR)

  • SSR = research that has ethical implications for people beyond the researchers and participants directly involved
  • psychologists must be aware of the consequences of research for the research participants or for the group of people represented by the research
  • some research is more socially sensitive (eg studying depression) but even seemingly innocuous research (eg LTM memory in a student population) may have consequences (eg for exam policy)
  • implications/consequences should be considered at all stages of the research process
• research question

  • the phrasing of the research question influences how the findings are interpreted
  • example:
  • if a research study is looking at 'alternative relationships' this is likely to focus on homosexual relationships and may overlook heterosexual ones because 'alternative' suggests alternative to heterosexual relationships
• dealing with participants

  • eg = informed consent, confidentiality, psychological harm
  • example:
  • when interviewing victims of domestic abuse, participants may worry about an ex-partner finding out what they said and also participants may find the experience of talking about abusive experiences stressful
• the way findings are used

  • need to consider in advance how findings might be used (especially because findings may give scientific credence to prejudices)
  • eg = the use of early (flawed) IQ tests in America during WW1 led to prejudice against Eastern Europeans and lower immigration quota
  • media may be especially interested in sensitive findings
  • eg = research on patients in a minimally conscious state who appeared to be responsive
• ethical concerns that researchers should consider before conducting socially sensitive research

  • Implications: What harmful effects could the study have on society? For example, could it be used to legitimise discrimination ?
  • Public policy: Psychological studies could be used by governments to support or inform policies
  • Validity: Are the study’s results accurate? There are many cases where research findings have turned out to be inaccurate or fraudulent
• strength = SSR benefits the group studied

  • 1973 = as a result of the Kinsley report (Kinsley et al), the DSM-1 removed its listing that homosexuality was a 'sociopathic personality disorder'
  • anonymous interviewees with over 5000 men about their sexuality concluded that homosexuality is a normal variant of human sexual behaviour
  • this illustrates the importance of researchers tackling topics that are sensitive
• counterpoint to SSR benefiting groups studied

  • there may be negative consequences that could have been anticipated
  • eg research on the 'criminal gene', implies that people can't be held responsible for their wrongdoing
  • suggests that when researching socially sensitive topics, there is a need for very careful consideration of the possible outcomes and their consequences
• strength = policymakers rely on SSR

  • government needs research when developing social policy = related to child care, education, mental health provision, crime etc
  • better to base such policies on scientific research rather than politically-motivated views
  • eg = the ONS are responsible for collecting, analysing and disseminating objective statistics about the UK's economy, society and population
  • means that psychologists also have an important role to play in providing high quality research on socially sensitive topics
• limitation = poor research design may have a long-term impact

  • eg = Burt's research on IQ showed it is genetic, fixed and apparent by age 11
  • led to the 11+ exam = meant not all children had the same educational opportunities
  • research later shown to be based on invented evidence but the system didn't change and continues in parts of the UK today
  • => any SSR needs to be planned with the greatest care to ensure the findings are valid because of the enduring effects on particular groups of people
• extra evaluation =

  • we could avoid SSR = the APA claimed that 95% of non-sensitive proposals are approved but only 50% of SSR are
  • HOWEVER = Sieber and Stanley = advised that ignoring such topics is not responsible
  • researchers should use a more reflexive approach (as in qualitative research)
  • suggests that SSR can be ethical if researcher's biases form part of the findings
• extra evaluation = discrimination

  • SSR increases discrimination = socially sensitive research findings may be used to justify discrimination and prejudice
  • SSR reduces discrimination = research into differences between groups (e.g. genders, races, sexual orientations) may lead to greater understanding
  • which could lead to changes that reduce discrimination and improve the lives of disadvantaged groups