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Summary Ethical Implications - Social Sensitivity notes
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Ethical implication of Research studies and theoryEthical implications of research studies and theory
Ethical implications
We have seen how ethical issues may arise when there is a conflict between psychology’s
need to gain valid and valuable research findings whilst, at the same time, preserving the
rights and dignity of participants. Thus, ethical guidelines were established to help protect
those involved in research. What may be more difficult to guard against, however, is the social
Impact of psychological research once it has been conducted.
Although researchers may exercise considerable control over the methods they select
and the way they treat participants, they may have relatively little say in terms of how their
research findings are represented (or misrepresented) in the media, the impact of their work
on public policy, and how it may influence our perception of particular groups in society. This
amounts to a concern with the wider ethical implications of research.
Socially sensitive research
Clearly, some areas of research are likely to be more controversial, and be subject to greater
social sensitivity, than others. A study that examines the cognitive processes involved in
long-term memory, for instance, is unlikely to have far-reaching consequences for those that
take part or for the broader social groups the participants represent. Research investigating
the genetic basis of criminality on the other hand, might. Studies that tackle socially sensitive
'taboo' topics, such as aspects of race or sexuality, also attract a good deal of attention; not
merely from other psychologists but also from the media and the public at large.
However, just because this is the case, it should not lead to psychologists "shying away'
from research that may be socially sensitive. In fact, because of the undoubted importance of
such research, psychologists may have a social responsibility to carry it out (Aronson 1999).
Ethical issues in socially sensitive research
Joan Sieber and Liz Stanley (1988) have identified a number of concerns that researchers
should be mindful of when conducting socially sensitive research:
o Implications - The wider effects of such research should be carefully considered as some
studies may be seen as giving 'scientific' credence to prejudice and discrimination, such as studies
examining the racial basis of intelligence. However, the implications of research may be difficult to
predict at the outset.
o Uses/public policy - What is the research likely to be used for? And what would happen
if it was used for the wrong purpose? This is related to the idea that findings may be
adopted by the government tor political ends or to shape public policy.
o The validity of the research - Some findings that were presented as objective and
value-free in the past have actually turned out to be highly suspect, and in some cases, fraudulent.
However, many modern social constructionist researchers - who may tackle socially sensitive areas
of research – are much more up-front about their own biases and preconceptions, and include
comment on the reflexive nature of their work in their publications.
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