Ethical implications of research studies and theory

• Ethical implications

  • Hard to guard against social impact of psychological research when conducted
  • Conflict with gaining valid finding while preserving rights and dignity of ppts - Ethical guidelines used to protect against
  • Little say how findings are represented in the media, its impact on public policy and influence of other groups in society
• Socially sensitive research

  • Studies that tackle socially sensitive taboo topics (Race or sexuality) - Attract attention from psychologists and the media
  • E.g. more questioned on research investigating genetic basis of criminality than cognitive processes involved in LTM
• Ethical issues in socially sensitive research - Sieber and Stanley

  Implications:

  • Effects should be considered - May give scientific credence to prejudice and discrimination e.g. studies examining racial basis of intelligence

  Uses/public policy:

  • What the research it going to be used for
  • What would happen if its for the wrong purpose
  • Findings may be applied to shape public policy

  Validity of research:

  • Findings - Objective - May be highly suspect or fraudulent
  • Modern social constructionist researcher - Up-front about biases and preconceptions
• Evaluation of ethical implications of research studies and theory - Benefits of socially sensitive research

  • Scarr - Studies of underrepresented groups and issues promoting greater sensitivity and understanding - Reduce prejudice and encourage acceptance
  • Can benefit society - Research into EWT - Reduced risk of miscarriages in justice in the legal systems

  Strength: Socially sensitive research may play a valuable role in society
• Evaluation of ethical implications of research studies and theory - Framing the question

  • Sieber + Stanley - Way research questions are framed may influence way finding are interpreted
  • Kitzinger + Coyle - Research onto alt relationships - Heterosexual bias

  L: Investigators must approach research with an open mind + Prepare to be challenged
• Evaluation of ethical implications of research studies and theory - Who gains

  • Socially sensitive research used by government and institutions - Shape social policy's without full consideration of effects
  • Consequences - Packard (1957) Making up his findings that affected the marketing of companies

  Limitation: Research that manipulate public has ethical complications + Raises issue of who benefits