AO3 - Ethical Implications and Socially Sensitive Research

• A strength of socially sensitive research is that 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 topics is an 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.
• To evaluate the ethical implication of the effects of research findings on participants, 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.
• One strength of the ethical implication of potential bias against certain cultures/ethnic groups is that they can have practical applications for society. Research into IQ differences has been used to develop education programmes and reduce social inequality to support children from disadvantaged backgrounds. This shows how findings can benefit society by reducing inequality and understanding of social issues. Therefore, it is far too simplistic to consider socially sensitive research has always negative.
• A limitation of Bowlby’s research is that it had negative ethical implications because it influenced social policy. Mothers were encouraged to stay at home and look after children. This is because the theory of maternal deprivation blames the mother for the negative consequences, which can have negative implications for women by making them feel inadequate, guilty and pressured to fulfil the maternal role. As well as also making the father feel as though their role is less important.