Essay
Discuss the ethical implications of research studies and theory
- Course
- Institution
A level issues and debates 16 marker full mark essay
[Show more]
Seller
Follow
elenamori2004
Content preview
Discuss the ethical implications of research studies and theory, including reference to socialsensitivity (16 marks).
Ethical implications consider the impact or consequences that psychological research may
have on certain individuals outside of the study rather than just the participants involved.
Ethical guidelines are put in place by the BPS to help overcome ethical issues within the
study, such as protection from harm, however, it is much harder to control the ethical issues
outside of the study once it reaches the media. Some studies such as research into race,
gender, sexuality are more susceptible to social sensitivity than others as findings can be
harmful to those who identify within the groups being studied. For example, Bowbly’s
theory of attachment suggests that children form one special attachment bond, usually the
mother, and that this bond affects their future relationships through an internal working
model. This theory encourages the view that a women’s place is at home with her children,
which could be seen as socially sensitive due to the issue of gender inequality and the
growing population of women in work.
Sieber and Stanley (1988) used the term social sensitivity to describe studies where there
are potential social consequences for the participants, or the group of people represented
by the research. They identified four aspects that raise ethical implications in socially
sensitive research. Firstly, the researcher must consider their research question carefully so
that it is asked in a way that isn’t damaging to members of a particular group. For example,
asking, “are there racial differences in IQ” is a damaging question. Secondly, the
methodology used is important in ensuring the correct treatment of the participant and
their right to confidentiality. Thirdly, the researcher must consider the institutional context.
If the research is funded privately, they should understand why they are funding the
research and what they intend to use it for. Finally, the researcher needs to consider how
their findings might be interpreted and applied in the real-world. They also identified ten
types of ethical issues that are especially important in socially sensitive research. These
include privacy, confidentiality, ownership of data and risk/benefit ratio as a few outlined by
them.
A limitation of socially sensitive research is that it could disadvantage marginalised groups
and possibly lead to issues of discrimination and therefore, some psychologists argue
against conducting this form of research. For example, Cyril Burt used studies of identical
twins to support his view that intelligence is largely genetic. His views greatly influenced the
Hadow Report (1926), which led to the creation of the 11+ exam for entry into a selective
‘grammar school’. This was used throughout England and is still used today in a few areas.
This meant that generations of children were affected by the 11+ exam, even though there
has been huge controversy regarding whether Burt has falsified his research data. However,
it is important to note that not all socially sensitive research is controversial, and some is
desirable and beneficial to society. For example, research examining eye-witness testimony.
An easily solution to handle socially sensitive research is to avoid it all together. Arguing in
favour of this would mean that the negative consequences of the findings for the
participants or certain groups would be avoided. However, it would also mean that
psychologists would have nothing to examine except unimportant issues. Furthermore,
there are endless examples of socially sensitive research that has been beneficial for the
The benefits of buying summaries with Stuvia:
Guaranteed quality through customer reviews
Stuvia customers have reviewed more than 700,000 summaries. This how you know that you are buying the best documents.
Quick and easy check-out
You can quickly pay through credit card or Stuvia-credit for the summaries. There is no membership needed.
Focus on what matters
Your fellow students write the study notes themselves, which is why the documents are always reliable and up-to-date. This ensures you quickly get to the core!
Frequently asked questions
What do I get when I buy this document?
You get a PDF, available immediately after your purchase. The purchased document is accessible anytime, anywhere and indefinitely through your profile.
Satisfaction guarantee: how does it work?
Our satisfaction guarantee ensures that you always find a study document that suits you well. You fill out a form, and our customer service team takes care of the rest.
Who am I buying these notes from?
Stuvia is a marketplace, so you are not buying this document from us, but from seller elenamori2004. Stuvia facilitates payment to the seller.
Will I be stuck with a subscription?
No, you only buy these notes for $9.17. You're not tied to anything after your purchase.
Can Stuvia be trusted?
4.6 stars on Google & Trustpilot (+1000 reviews)
62890 documents were sold in the last 30 days
Founded in 2010, the go-to place to buy study notes for 14 years now