Ethical Implications & Social Sensitivity.

• What is meant by socially sensitive research (2m)

  Where the topic area studied can have implications for certain groups in society (.e.g. those with certain religious and political beliefs, ethnic minorities, etc). Potentially leading to a change, or justification for, the way these groups are treated/perceived.
• Outline one piece of research that is socially sensitive (4m).

  Bowlby's research into maternal deprivation, specifically the 44 thieves study, because of the effects on attitudes towards child-rearing and working mothers. He found that children who had frequent and early separation from their mothers were more likely to have antisocial behaviour, .e.g. theft. This research implies any separation from their mother could damage the child's development when in fact substitute emotions come from other figure may present this.
• Explain how researchers could have dealt with the issue of social sensitivity in this study (4)

  Researchers should be aware of the implications of their research and should have considered the negative impact for the children in the sample, the reputation of schools and the wider community along with the possible self-fulfilling prophecy, .e.g. labelling children as anti-social. Could have also taken steps to counter the above through sensitive briefing/debriefing, ensuring informed consent & confidentiality.
• Discuss one or more ethical implications of research & refer to a topic studied A01(8 marks)

  The effects of research on the participants, publication on wider public, potential use of findings- political consequences, potential bias against people of certain cultures, potential influence on moral attitudes towards individuals/ethic groups, etc.
• Discuss one or more ethical implications of research & refer to a topic studied A02(8 marks)

  Milgram's obedience research and attitudes to people of different nationalities, labelling in gender identity, how research into gender may affect parenting/educational practices, diagnosis of depression, phobias, OCD, etc.
• Discuss one or more ethical implications of research & refer to a topic studied A03 (8 marks)

  Some studies have provided a valuable insight into human behaviour, e.g. Milgram informed us that poeple have a propensity to obey authority even if they conflict with their moral principles and commit acts they would not carry out on their own initiative.