7. ethical implications

what are ethical implications

the consequences of any research (studies and/or theory) that affect individual participants and perception of groups, even on a wider societal level

which of the ethical guidelines are ethical implications

ONLY protection from harm

example

research into depression

• individual participants - personal information may be revealed that is later accessed by a prospective employer

• wider social group - findings suggest people with depression never fully recover and therefore are a risk as an employee

• social policy - findings could inform preferred treatment options recommended by the NHS

social sensitivity

according to sieber and stanley socially sensitive research is

• 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

implications for the research process 

• sampling 

• research question 

• dealing with participants

• use of findings

research question

the way in which research questions are phrased and investigated may influence the way findings are interpreted 

• eg research into relationships has been guilty of a form of ‘heterosexual bias’ within which homosexual relationships were compared and judged against heterosexual norms 

dealing with participants

issues such as informed consent, confidentiality and psychological harm may be especially important in socially sensitive research

• eg a study on domestic abuse participants may worry an ex partner will find out and it is likely to be extremely stressful to explain experiences so may provide informed consent but not fully understanding the potential effects

use of findings

researchers should consider in advance how the findings will be used 

• important as findings may be seen as giving scientific credence to existing prejudices eg studies examining the ethnic basis of intelligence 

evaluation

1. real world application

2. benefits for groups (& COUNTERPOINT)

3. often avoided 

real world application 

• socially sensitive research has a value for policy making 

• research into attachment has informed childcare practices, adoption procedures and parental leave policies - similarly studies on EWT have shaped legal systems

• by providing evidence based guidance, psychology can have wide ranging benefits for society showing how socially sensitive research is valuable when applied responsibly

benefits for groups

• socially sensitive research can benefit specific groups

• homosexuality was once classed as a mental illness in the DSM - research by hooker showed no difference in psychological adjustment between homosexual and heterosexual men helping declassify homosexuality as a disorder 

• shows how research can challenge stereotypes, reduce stigma and bring about positive social change to improve the lives of minority groups 

counterpoint

• some studies may reinforce stereotypes or have negative consequences 

• research into racial differences in IQ has historically been used to justify discrimination and stimulate eugenic policies 

• shows that socially sensitive findings can harm the very groups they study 

often avoided

• socially sensitive research is often avoided

• sieber & stanley argue ignoring sensitive issues simply leaves them unresearched which does not prevent potential harm and may even make it worse

• eg research into mental health conditions can have huge social benefits if studied responsibly - avoiding these areas means society misses out on valuable knowledge and possible improvements in policy or treatment

• suggests rather than avoiding, psychologists should approach them with great care, robust methodology and strong ethical safeguards