Ethical costs of conducting research

Intro-

There are those who argue that psychological research that benefits many people, outweighs the ethical costs to individual participants or even society, while others argue that; psychological research that has any ethical costs to the participants is never justified. However, this is far too simplistic view. In reality, whilst both sides can agree that psychological research has ethical costs as well as benefits, the disagreement is about the subjective degree of these costs and benefits

What are the 3 main themes?

Benefits to society and the economy (BSE)

Potentially negative consequences for society (PNCS)

Risk management techniques used by psychologists (RMTP)

PNCS- what is socially sensitive?

Research that has potentially negative consequences for those involved; the participants of the research or the group of people the research represents

How is Bowlbys study socially sensitive? & benefits

Bowlbys study had put implications on mothers filling them with guilt if they choose to return to work seen as a bad mother. All blame for how kids turn out ends up on the mother. However not fully negative as it put importance on the role of the mother for the 1st time, people seeing importance of the role.

How is Fromm-Reichmanns study socially sensitive? & benefits

It proposed that SZ is triggered by cold & domineering parenting the concept of SZ mother. It’ss socially sensitive as it blames mothers for their children’s mental illness- gender bias. It’s however beficisl as it humanised treatment of severe mental illness demonstrates patients who were ‘incurable’ could recover through intense therapy

What to conclude about socially sensitive research

Socially sensitive research can be an ethical cost of research due to the potential negative impact that it can have on groups in society. But, without it, we would have a limited understanding of many areas of human behaviour so it is the responsibility of the researcher to ensure their findings are reported responsibly- and consideration is given to the potential negative impact of that work

BSE- what does benefit mean?

Knowledge gained from scientific research (something we didn’t know before or improvements to previous knowledge)

BSE- what does benefit to society mean?

Increase understanding or awareness of issues in society

BSE- what does benefit to the economy mean?

Practically applications of knowledge; allowing businesses and policymakers to design products,services and policies that are informed by psychological theory. Therefore, boosting productivity and overall economic well-being through factors like improved workplace environment, and reduced absenteeism due to mental health issues

BSE- 1 unethical study that had benefits to society

The use of antipsychotics the ‘chemical straight jacket’ relays on control trials and has many side effects seen as making people all the same and zombie like. However it’s a cost effective method of treatment for SZ, reduced the cost of institutionalisation. Cheaper than therapy and allows people to return to work and contribute to society

BSE- why was that study useful?

If the study wasn’t conducted, no treatment would be found for SZ that is as effective as drug therapy. There wouldn’t be as many positive social implications.

Even though study is seen as unethical if it was conducted differently eg no placebo groups there would be nothing to compare to to even know if the treatment is affective. To eliminate the placebo group not getting the drugs after the trial, they can be offered the treatment. Social benefits outweigh the ethical issues

Risk management techniques used by psychologists

Psychologists manage ethical risks in research through the development of professional guidelines for the conduct of their studies. The hallmark of any professional group of people is that they monitor standards of behaviour for their group. In Britain, psychologists are bound by the guidelines of the British Psychological Society- Code of Ethics and Conduct (BPS,2009). This identifies four core principles: respect, competence, responsibility and integrity. The BPS also advises on specific situations, giving instructions about what is appropriate e.g. valid consent. However, it is critised due to its close off discussion and discouraging people from taking the personal responsiblity of their behaviour.

Professional associations in other countries have developed their own codes, for example instead of stating the principles in Canada They have the CPS that emphasis ethical decision making inviting psychologists to discuss hypothetical dilemmas that encourage debate.

Are risk management techniques very effective? Milgram

Milgrams participants experienced distress but there were benefits of society understanding obedience in the impact of authority which could then be applied to the justice system war politics social policy.

This proves that risk management techniques aren’t very effective as in Milgrim study the American psychological Society only came into place 1988. He had no ethical rules to follow (study in 1961) and even if it was in place, many psychologist don’t follow as the guidelines and not the law. Milgrim did argue that the majority didn’t regret taking part and learned a lot 84% we’re glad they took apart 1.3% wish they didn’t. To conclude the current risk management techniques aren’t thrown enough to avoid an ethical research from being conducted and although researchers may not set out to conduct an ethical research from the outset, it’s still done.