Issues and debates- Topic 7

Ethical implications of research studies and theory

What are ethical issues, guidelines and implications.

Ethical issues arise because of conflict between the need for valid research findings and preserving the rights of participants. Ethical guidelines protect participants and researchers and are also related to ethical implications of research.

Socially sensitive research

Socially sensitive research (SSR) is research that has the potential to impact the participants, specific groups, or wider society, often because it involves sensitive topics such as mental health, race, sexuality, or criminal behaviour. Socially sensitive studies, such as those on depression, or seemingly harmless research, like long-term memory in students, can have important implications, for example, influencing exam policies. Therefore, psychologists must be aware of the consequences of research.

Research question and dealing with participants

The way a research question is phrased can influence findings. For example, Kitzinger and Coyle (1995) showed that using the term “alternative relationships” tends to focus on homosexual relationships, potentially overlooking heterosexual ones. Ethical issues such as informed consent, confidentiality, and protection from psychological harm are important. For example, interviewing victims of domestic abuse may cause stress and concern that an ex-partner could access their responses.

The way findings are used

Researchers need to consider in advance how findings might be used, as results can unintentionally support prejudice. For example, early IQ tests in the US during World War I contributed to bias against Eastern Europeans and lower immigration quotas.

STRENGTH(1) OF SSR

P- One strength of SSR is benefits for the group studied.

E- The DSM-1 originally classified homosexuality as a “sociopathic personality disorder,” but this was removed in 1973 following the Kinsey report. Kinsey’s anonymous interviews with over 5,000 men concluded that homosexuality is a normal variant of human sexual behaviour.

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

L- Therefore, SSR allowing researchers to tackle topics increases its overall usefulness in the real world.

Counterpoint of strength (1)

P- However, research on socially sensitive topics can have negative consequences that need careful consideration.

E- or example, research on the so-called ‘criminal gene’ implied that individuals could not be held responsible for their wrongdoing

E- This demonstrates that findings from socially sensitive research may affect public perception and legal responsibility, potentially leading to ethical and social issues.

L- Therefore, researchers must anticipate possible outcomes and consider the wider impact of their studies to ensure responsible and ethical practice.

STRENGTH(2) OF SSR

P-  Another strength is that policymakers rely on SSR.

E- The government needs research when developing social policy related to child care, education, mental health provision and crime, it may be better to base such policies on scientific research rather than politically motivated views. For example, ONS are responsible for collecting, analysing, and dissemination objective statistics about the UK’S economy, society population.

E- This means that, psychologists also have an important role to play in providing high quality research on socially sensitive topics.

L- Therefore, SSR allows psychologists to provide valid and generalisable research that policymakers can use to make informed, ethical decisions.

LIMITATION

P- One limitation is that poor research design may have a long-term impact.

E- For example, Burt’s research on IQ showed it is genetic, fixed and apparent by age 11 which led to the 11+ exam which meant not all children had the same educational opportunities. Research still continues in parts of the UK today.

E- This means that, SSR needs to be planned with the greatest care to ensure the findings are valid due to the enduring effect on particular groups of people.

L- Therefore, SSR may lead to ethical issues, such as a failure to protect participants from harm, if it is not carefully planned.