ethical implications and social sensitivity

Ethical guidelines

The correct rules of guidance necessary when carrying out research outlined by the BPS (British psychological society) or APA (American psychiatric association) in psychology

Ethical issues

When the rights of the participants and the aims of the researchers to produce valid results are in conflict (e.g. deception)

Ethical implications

Consider the impact or consequences of psychological research or theories on the rights of the participants and WIDER society

Examples of ethical implications

• potential uses of the findings - e.g. allocation of resources, political consequences (changes in legislation)

• Potential bias/influence on moral attitudes against people of certain cultures/ socioeconomic backgrounds

• Economic implications

Ethical implications of theory- Bowlby

• Bowlby’s theory of attachment and monotropy suggests that children form one special attachment bond and this is usually with the mother.

• This attachment must be formed within a critical period (2yrs)

• Bowlby also suggested that this can form an internal working model for future relationships

• implications on wider society- mothers feel guilty as a result of wanting to return to work and don’t feel they can return to work. Stigma of stay at home dads

• Implications of economy- mothers not returning to work as they are told this will negatively impact children (work force- 80% of men and 50% of women)

• Implications on moral attitudes towards mothers- could be used to coerce mothers to stay home -perhaps by those seeking to justify a patriarchal, conservative society

Social sensitivity

where the topic area and/or group studied can have implications for society/certain groups in society potentially leading to a change in, or justification for, the way these groups are treated/perceived.

Social sensitivity- Bowlby

• discrimination towards primary caregiver fathers

• Stigma towards mothers who return to work and place their children in childcare

Difference between ethical implications and social sensitivity

The easiest difference to remember is:

Ethical implications focuses on the effects of research on the wider population.

Social sensitivity focuses on the way specific groups are viewed/treated.

4 things the researcher must consider to ensure research is not socially sensitive- Sieber and Stanley

1. The research question- must consider carefully. Asking questions like ‘are there racial differences in IQ?’ Or ‘ is intelligence inherited?’ May be damaging to members of a particular group

2. The methodology used - researcher need to consider the treatment of the ps and their right to confidentiality and anonymity, e.g. if someone admits to committing a crime or having unprotected sex if they are HIV positive should researcher maintain confidentiality?

3. The institutional context- researcher should be mindful of how the data is going to be used and consider who is funding the research- if funded by a private organisation/institution: why are they funding the research and how do they intend to use the findings?

4. Interpretation and application of findings - researcher need to consider bow findings may be interpreted and applied in real world

4 stages applied to research

1. Research question - any research linking intelligence to genetic factors can be seen as socially sensitive (e.g. Cyril Burt)

2. . methodology- For example, Cyril Burt used studies of identical twins to support his view that intelligence is largely genetic. there has been huge controversy regarding whether Burt had falsified his research data.

3. Institutional context- Burt worked for university of Liverpool and London county council- should have been aware about how they intended to use his findings

4. Interpretation and application of findings- His views greatly influenced the Hadow Report (1926) which led to the creation of the 11+ which was used from 1944-1976. This meant that generations of children were affected by the 11+ exam.

Socially sensitive research - Raine

• Raine et al’s research uses brain scans of violent criminals to examine their level of impulse control

• Raine found that there was damage to most areas of their brains, focussed around the frontal lobe which specialises in impulse control

• This research could be seen as socially sensitive because findings may be interpreted in a way that suggests that children should have brain scans to identify a predisposition for offending behaviour

• Children, their parents and general society may feel uneasy as to what to do with the knowledge that a child or children have a predisposition to violent, criminal behaviour

• This could lead to support for genetic engineering to avoid criminal genes being transmitted which is highly socially sensitive

• It could also have sensitive legal implications as the theory supports a determinist view in that the individual is not seen as culpable in a criminal act and violent crimes could thus not lead to convictions

AO3- socially sensitive research could lead to discrimination

P- can have negative implications on members of society

E- e.g. Bowlby’s maternal deprivation hypothesis - attachment with primary caregiver is usually with mother

Negative implications on society-

• cause or increase levels of discrimination towards fathers who are primary caregivers or single parents- and cause them to feel anxiety and concern about their ability to form attachments

• Could enhance stigma around working mothers who return to work and place children in childcare

E- solution- psychologists need to consider the wider implications of their research not just prior to but after publication

L- could involve psychologists engaging more actively with the media and with policy makers after publication to reduce negative implications

AO3- more negative implications

P- Research findings can also have potential negative implications depending on how they are used

E- e.g. Milgram’s findings from his research into obedience could be used by malevolent authority to ensure obedience (e.g. prestigious location, wearing uniform) which could increase the danger of blind obedience to malevolent authority figures

E- screening for particular genes linked to aggression (e.g. MAOA gene)- could lead to ethical implications such as genetic modification or discrimination towards these groups

L- negative implications

AO3 - socially sensitive research may be useful and benefit society

P- often investigations into socially sensitive research topics provide conclusions that are highly useful and which can directly impact policy and practice to benefit society

E- e.g. research into the unreliability of eyewitness testimony and the role of anxiety in EWT has reduced the risk of miscarriages of justice, for example through development of the cognitive interview

E- also socially sensitive research can be used by the government and other organisations to positively shape policy. E.g research into the role of the father in attachment (Field)has contributed to the relatively recent introduction of paternity leave for fathers and the introduction of father skin on skin contact with their baby shortly after birth. Can be used to challenge stereotypes and change policy

L- demonstrates importance and usefulness in conducting socially sensitive research in psychology