Ethical Implications (Issue)

• Ethical Implications 


  The impact that psychological research may have on people and society. Although psychologists go to great lengths to protect participants during the research (ethical guidelines), there is little control over the impact of the research once it is published and how it may be interpreted by the public/media. Possible implications should be considered
• Social Sensitivity 


  Defined by Sieber and Stanley. ‘Studies in which there are potential (ethical) consequences or implications, either directly for the participants involved in the research or for the class of individuals represented by that research‘. Often conducted into taboo subjects, but implications can be positive or negative
• Sieber and Stanleys’ reasons for ethical implications

  • How the research question is phrased
  • The methodology used (e.g. confidentiality)
  • The institutional context (how data will be used and who is funding it)
  • Interpretation and application of findings
• Avoiding ethical implication/social sensitivity 


  Can never be avoided completely, but researchers should weigh up possible costs and benefits before conducting research
• Examples

  • Milgram’s obedience study was used to defend war crimes
  • Bowlby‘s theories have caused discrimination towards working mothers, but did introduce maternity leave
  • Research into atypical sex chromosomes have provided greater understanding of conditions, but people with the conditions are treated differently
• Socially Sensitive Research - Strength

  Can benefit society as a whole. Research into EWT has reduced miscarriages of justice within the legal system. Scarr also argues studies of under-represented groups promotes understanding to help reduce prejudice
• Socially Sensitive Research - Strength

  Psychology is a study of human behaviour, so if we avoided all socially sensitive topics, there would be nothing to research. If there is no research, there is no discussion/potential for change. Researchers can’t predict how their research might be used but they can be reflective
• Socially Sensitive Research - Weakness

  Has been used to validate discrimination. For example, IQ test in WW1 developed by Yerkes was culturally biased so only white Americans scored well. This was used to validate the Immigration Restriction Act and caused millions to be killed by Nazis. Also led to discrimination and jobs/education not being offered
• Socially Sensitive Research - Weakness

  Costs and benefits might be difficult to predict. For example, Milgram’s colleagues predicted only 3% would go up to 450V, whereas 65% did. This caused a great deal of distress for participants. It is impossible to know implications before research is published/carried out.