Ethical implications

• What is the difference between ethical issues and ethical implications?

  • Ethical issues generally arise because of the conflict between psychology's need to gain valid research findings and the rights of participants
  • Ethical implications concern the consequences of psychological research on wider society, and some areas have greater social sensitivity than others
• What is 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
• What are the implications for the research process?

  • The way research questions are phrased and investigated may influence the interpretation of findings e.g. research into relationships has been guilty of 'heterosexual bias' where homosexual relationships are compared against hetero norms
  • Issues such as informed consent, confidentiality and psychological harm may be especially important in socially sensitive research e.g. ppts. who take part in a study on domestic abuse may be worried ex-partners will find out about it
  • Findings should be used wisely e.g. they may be seen as giving scientific credence to prejudices such as IQ
  • Sensitive information will attract media and publicity and so measures should be taken to protect participants' identities
• What is one implication of socially sensitive research?

  • Benefits for groups: in 1952 the DSM-1 listed homosexuality as a sociopathic personality disorder yet was removed in 1973, credited to a psychological report concluding homosexuality is a typical expression of human sexual behaviour
  • Report also included data on interviews with women which caused outrage as these were topics no one discussed
  • Illustrates the importance of researchers tackling topics that are sensitive as they could pave paths for minority groups
• What is another implication of socially sensitive research?

  • Negative consequences for groups: research investigating the genetic basis of criminality has found that there may be a 'criminal gene'
  • Causes us to question whether someone can be convicted on the basis that they have such a gene or should offenders be excused because they cannot be held responsible for any wrongdoing
  • Suggests when researching socially sensitive topics there is a need for very careful consideration of the possible outcomes and their consequences
• What is another implication of socially sensitive research?

  • Real-world application: policymakers and government officials look to psychological research when developing important social policies or decisions e.g. childcare and mental health provision
  • It is preferable to base these policies on scientific research rather than politically motivated views - UK has independent groups such as Office for National Statistics who are responsible for collecting and analysing objective statistics about areas in psychological research
  • Shows psychologists have an important role to play in providing high quality research on socially sensitive topics
• What is another implication of socially sensitive research?

  • Poor research design: may lead to erroneous findings that impact the public arena
  • Burt (1955) established the 11+ exam which determined if a child went to a grammar or public secondary school, based on twin studies that showed intelligence studies were heritable and could be detected by age 11
  • Discrepancies in Burt's data revealed much of it was fake and he was discredited, however the idea that children should be separated on the basis of their natural intelligence still lingers