Socially sensitive

• Social sensitivity

  Ethical implications refers to any consequence, where as social sensitivity is specific to social consequences such as discrimination.
• Siber and Stanley

  -defined it as the possible social consequences f potential implications research may have directly on the PP. The findings from research may lead to changes in how the social group represented are viewed and treated.

  -Could also change social policies which affect the social group.
• Rutters research with Romanian Orphans

  • Rutters longitudinal research challenged dominant theories of attachment at the time.
  • Rutter found the negative effects of institutionalising were not permeant or irreversible.
  • His ERA study found that by age 11 most orphans adapted showed cognitive functioning similar to that of a control group.
  • Found that orphans raised in institutions could still form attachments with caregivers after critical period.
• This research is socially sensitive

  • It shows that recovery from negative effects of institutionalisation is possible so higher self-esteem for Romanian Orphans.
  • Changes in perception about institutionalisation. children are now viewed as able to recover.
• How to deal with social sensitivity

  • Submit research proposal to ethics committees and abide by any recommendations they make.
  • Weigh up the costs and benefits before conducting research.
  • Take steps to avoid prejudice and bias media presentation of findings.
  • Take care when formulating the aim and making the questions so is not misinterpreted by the different groups.
• Ways to mitigate socially sensitive research


  -The research question: consider the questions asked as questions like 'Are there racial differences in IQ?' may be damaging to a particular group.

  -The methodology used: consider treatment, right to confidentiality, e.g. someone admitting to a crime must remain confidential.

  -The institutional context: be mindful of how the data is going to be used and consider who is funding it and how do they intend to use it.

  -Interpretation and application of findings: consider how their findings might be interpretated and applied to the real-world.