Discuss ethical implications of research studies and theory, including
reference to social sensitivity (16 marks).
Ethical implications are the impact that psychological research has in terms of the rights of
other people especially participants and includes how research has influenced society and
the way people are considered.
Social sensitive research is research where there are potential social consequences either
directly for the participants in research or the group represented . Sieber and Stanley
identified 4 aspects of research process that raise ethical implications, especially socially
sensitive research. Firstly, the research question should not add to any prevailing prejudice
or stereotypes (for example the belief that intelligence is inherited.) Secondly, the
information obtained should be treated confidentially all through research process (before,
during, after). Thirdly if research is funded by another institution or government research
should ensure data is not misused. Lastly, the researcher should ensure the interpretation of
data/findings has no impact on the participants involved or the group of people the
participants represent. If the research is to follow these considerations then research is less
likely to have any social consequences on participants. (involved or represented)
Example of social sensitive research is Burt’s research who established 11+ examinations
which were used to decide whether children go to grammar school. His views based on
evidence he produced was intelligence was genetic used twin’s studies that showed
heritability coefficient of +0.77. Discrepancies in his research revealed he made much of it
up but 11+ remained meaning children were separated based on intelligence affecting their
future prospects.
A strength of social sensitive research is that its beneficial to society. For example, research
into EWT especially the use of child witnesses (Flin et al) have found that young children are
reliable witnesses if questioned appropriately which as a result will reduce unjust justice
within the legal system. Thus, research in socially sensitive research has real life application
as it has resulted in a good working relationship between psychologists and legal profession
to help improve the accuracy and validity of child eye witnesses.
A strength is of ethical implications is understanding how to frame questions. This is as the
way in which people phrase their research questions can be viewed differently depending
on the culture that the research has been conducted it. For example, Kitzinger note how so
called ‘alternative relationships’ has been guilty of ‘heterosexual bias’, because homosexual
relationships were judged against heterosexual norms. Thus, this suggests investigator must
approach their research in an unbiased opened way and prepare to have their
misconceptions challenged.
A limitation of social sensitive research is that it can lead to discrimination, hence many
psychologists argue against conducting this form of research. For example, 1907 and 63,
over 64,000 individuals were forcibly sterilised under eugenic legislation in the US, and in
1972 the US senate committee revealed that at least 2000 involuntary sterilisations had
been performed on poor black women without their consent/knowledge. Thus, this is a
