Ethical implications for research studies and theory

Ethical implications

- This concerns the consequences that psychological research (studies/theories) may have in terms of the effects on individual participants or on the way in which certain groups of people are subsequently regarded. There may also be consequences on a wider societal level

Social Sensitivity

- Sieber and Stanley (1988) define research involving this as, 'studies in which there are potential consequences or implications, either directly for the participants in the research or for the class of individuals represented by the research'

Example of psychological research having lesser social sensitivity and ethical implications

- Research on long-term memory in a student population is unlikely to have consequences for individual participants, or for the broader social groups the participants represent (in the fact the participants may not 'represent' a social group - the participants may be drawn from many different groups) in addition, there are unlikely to be consequences for social policy

Example of psychological research having greater social sensitivity and ethical implications

- A study on depression may have consequences in terms of individual participants, the wider social group they represent and for social policy. For example, an individual participant may reveal personal information that is later accessed by a prospective employer. Or the findings of the study may suggest that people with depression never fully recover and therefore are a risk as an employee. In terms of social policy, the findings of a study on depression could inform preferred treatment options recommended by the NHS.

Implications for the research process

- All psychological research has potential consequences but this applies to socially sensitive research in particular. Therefore all stages of planning and conducting studies are important when thinking of social sensitivity, as well as later in handling the findings

Implications for the research process- Research question

- Sieber and Stanley (1988) warn that the way in which these are phrased and investigated may influence the way in which findings are interpreted. E.g. Kitzinger and Coyle (1995) note how research into relationships has been guilty of a form of 'heterosexual bias' within which homosexual relationships were compared and judged against heterosexual norms

Implications for the research process- Dealing with participants

- Issues such as informed consent, confidentiality, and psychological harm may be important in socially sensitive research. E.g. in a study on domestic abuse participants may worry that an ex-partner will find out about the study and also it is likely to be extremely stressful for participants to describe their experiences. Such participants may provide informed consent at the start of the study but not fully understand the effect of the research.

Implications for the research process- The way findings are used

- Researchers should consider this in advance. It may impact on what data they actually collect. This is important because this may be seen as giving scientific credence to existing prejudices, such as studies examining the ethical basis of intelligence. Furthermore, sensitive information is exactly what the media tend to be interested and will publicise.

Evaluation of socially sensitive research- Strengths

- It can have benefits for the groups who have been studied. E.g. homosexuality. In 1952 the DSM-1 listed this as a 'sociopathic personality disorder' but removed it in 1973. This change has been credited to the Kinsey report which was based on anonymous interviews with over 5000 men about their sexual behaviour (Kinsey et al 1948). The report concluded that homosexuality is a typical expression of human sexual behaviour. The report also included data on interviews with 6000 women and caused outrage at the time as these were topics that no one discussed

- This illustrates the importance of researchers tackling topics that are sensitive

Evaluation of socially sensitive research- Strengths

- Certain groups (e.g. policymakers) rely on research related to socially sensitive issues. The government looks to research when developing social policies, e.g. decisions related to child care, education, mental health provision, crime, etc. It is preferable to base such periods on scientific research rather than politically-motivated views. In the UK there are independent groups such as the ONS (Office for National Statistics) who are responsible for collecting, analysing, and disseminating statistics about the UK's economy, society, and population. Such data is used in psychological research

- This means that psychologists have an important role in providing high-quality research on socially sensitive topics (real-world application)

Evaluation of socially sensitive research- Weaknesses

- Poor research design may lead to erroneous findings, which, once in the public domain, continue to have an impact. Therefore any research on socially sensitive topics needs to be planned with the greatest care to ensure the findings are valid because of the enduring effects on particular groups of people