Ethical implications of research studies and theory, including reference to social sensitivity. (8 marks, 2018; 8 marks, 2022)

• Ethical implications of research studies and theory, including reference to social sensitivity. (8 marks, 2018; 8 marks, 2022

Outline what social sensitivity means in the context of psychology. Explain how researchers in psychology could deal with issues related to social sensitivity. [8 marks]

Socially sensitive describes studies where there are potential social consequences for the participants or the group of people represented by the research

One example of a socially sensitive study comes from Raine (1996) who found that there was brain damage in the brain scans of violent criminals around the frontal lobe, which specialises in impulse control. Raine made the socially sensitive suggestion that children could be scanned to help find the potential violent criminals of the future, as the brain scans proved a method of identification of people with a predisposition to violent criminal behaviour.

Sieber and Stanley (1988) identified four aspects in the scientific research process that raise ethical implications in socially sensitive research

1. Question: Be careful with sensitive topics like race or inheritance.

2. Methodology used: Respect anonymity and confidentiality, especially with crime or health disclosures.

3. Institution: Check funding sources for bias and integrity.

4. Interpretation: Consider how findings affect policy and society

Explain what psychologists mean by socially sensitive research. [2 marks]

Give an example [4 marks]

Socially sensitive describes studies where there are potential social consequences for the participants or the group of people represented by the research

One example of a socially sensitive study comes from Raine (1996) who found that there was brain damage in the brain scans of violent criminals around the frontal lobe, which specialises in impulse control. Raine made the socially sensitive suggestion that children could be scanned to help find the potential violent criminals of the future, as the brain scans proved a method of identification of people with a predisposition to violent criminal behaviour.

Give an example of a theory that is socially sensitive [4 marks]

Bowlby’s theory of maternal deprivation refers to the prolonged loss of emotional care from the mother figure, without any adequate substitute care, and it can have serious long-term consequences. 

The theory of maternal deprivation is socially sensitive because it highlights the importance of maternal care in child development. However, it can also inadvertently place blame or guilt on mothers who may not be able to provide constant care due to various reasons such as work or illness.

Explain what is meant by ‘Ethical implications’ [2 marks]

Ethical implications refer to the consequences of the research and theory. This could be positive consequences or negative consequences.

Read the item and then answer the questions that follow.


In a study of antisocial activity and social background, researchers interviewed 100 children aged 14 years. They then classified each child according to their level of antisocial activity. They concluded that 26 were 'very antisocial', 40 were 'mildly antisocial' and 34 were 'not antisocial'. The researchers found that the majority of the 'very antisocial' children attended Crayford secondary school, whereas most of the other two groups of children attended another local school.


Briefly explain how the researchers could have dealt with the issue of social sensitivity in this study. [4 marks]

• Awareness of issue: Researchers should be aware of the implications of their research: possible negative impact for the children in the sample; possible negative implications of the research for the reputation of Crayford school and the wider community; possible self-fulfilling prophecy
• Dealing with the issue: Researchers should take adequate steps to counter the above: sensitive briefing/debriefing of participants, parents, teachers etc; care in relation to publication, disclosure of results and confidentiality/anonymity.

Suggest one way in which Dr Austin might take account of ethical considerations when carrying out the interviews. [1 mark]

• Keep information confidential

• Show respect for the patient eg listening, appreciating the patient’s perspective

• Ensure the patient is not harmed – does not feel worse after the interview than before

Outline all the ethical issues

Informed consent

Participants must know what they're doing. Informed consent involves informing them about the research purpose, procedures, and rights, enabling an informed decision to participate.

Deal with it by informed consent form

Presumptive consent, Prior general consent, Retrospective consent

Confidentiality

Participant’s data should not be disclosed to anyone unless agreed in advance. Numbers should be used instead of names. Participants shouldn’t be able to identify themselves either.

Deal with it by If personal details are held these must be protected. However, it’s more usual for researchers to use numbers rather than names.

Right to withdraw

As part of their briefing prior to giving consent to partake, participants must be informed that they can leave the study at any point if they wish, and are under no obligation to disclose a reason why if they do.

Debriefing

When a study ends, participants should be told the true motivations behind the investigation, and given the opportunity to clarify any misunderstandings with the researchers. It is also essential to ensure that the participants leave having not suffered long-lasting negative physical or mental effects, particularly where deception (see above) was utilised for the purposes of the experiment. Having checked that participants are in a positive state of health, they should also be notified of relevant services such as counseling to seek, if partaking in the study presents negative effects.

Protection of participants

It is the responsibility of the researcher to ensure that participants are not caused any long-term physical or mental damage. For instance, it may be that participants are temporarily caused distress, although research will be pre-approved by an ethics committee to ensure this is sufficiently minimized, and researchers are expected to take participants through a detailed debriefing (see debriefing)