Ethics when applying findings

Generalizability/Transferability (using what you know in a different context)

• Consider the size and nature of the sampling method

• Consider how biases may be introduced if the sampling done through a non-representative method (quantitative)

• Transferability is assessing the extent to which the findings can be applied to a different group of people, setting or context

• Consider the issues that may arise if applied inappropriately

Effective communication for appropriate application

• Findings of research must be clearly and effectively communicated

  • Research should be cautious in their claims

• This is important as misunderstandings and misapplications of the research can pose harm

• This researcher should address any misrepresentations by politicians of the media

• Potential impacts:

  • It may shape government policy/program funding

  • E.g. if a patient is going to undertake a new treatment of MDD, the psychologist should clearly communicate the limits of the research and the associated strengths and limitations

Care for groups

• Could be applying the findings that lead to prejudicial treatment of a particular group?

• The ramifications of the findings must be considered in terms of the scientific community, but also broader society

• Limitations of the study should be acknowledged as the research is likely to have real world ramifications in terms of application

Temporal Validity

• If applying findings, one must consider when the research was originally undertaken

• Social values evolve and change