Ethical implications

• Sieber and stanley describe socially sensitive research as - 'studies in which there are potential social consequences or implications, either directly for the participants in research or the class of people represented by the research'
• Ethical issues - Participants in studies are protected by guidelines in place by the British Psychological Society - protection from harm, confidentiality, right to withdraw
• Ethical implications - wider impact on the people in the target populations
• 1. Effects on participants

  > Milgram obedience research led to psychological harm and physical harm both in the research and in the future

  e.g. x3 had seizures due to distress

  AO3

  > It is important for researchers to do a cost benefit analysis weighing up the effects of research and the findings on individual ppts with the benefit to society as a whole.

  > For example, many would argue, despite the ethical implications of Milgram’s research the findings on obedience were of great value to society
• • Potential bias against people

  > Several researchers have conducted studies on IQ and have identified that Afro-Caribbeans score an average of 15 points lower on IQ tests than Caucasians. 

  AO3

  > Findings may be misused within society as it gives a scientific justification for discrimination and prejudice as it implies that Afro-Caribbean are intellectually inferior to Caucasians.

  > Clearly this could be used as ammunition for racists which could lead to social unrest
• • Possible uses of the findings - government policies

  > Bowlby developed his maternal deprivation theory. If argued that separation from the mother can lead to a range of psychological and social problems - including affectionless psychopathy.

  AO3

  > A limitation of Bowbly’s research is that it had negative ethical implications because it influenced social policy

  > Mothers encouraged to stay at home and look after children

  > The theory of maternal deprivation blames the mother for the negative consequences, which can have negative implications for women by making them feel inadequate
• AO3

  :) It addresses some of society's most pressing issues and policy questions

  > Although ignoring the ethical implications in sensitive research is not a responsible approach to science, shying away from controversial topic in avoidance of responsibility

  > Therefore, it is important for ethical committees to fully consider the costs and benefits both to the participants in the study, but also the groups of people they represent, when reviewing research proposals