Ethical implications of research & theory

What is the purpose of ethical guidelines in psychological research?

To ensure that all participants are treated fairly & to prevent long-term harm during & after research

Why are there wider ethical implications beyond the research itself?

Psychologists often have little control over how their findings are interpreted (or misinterpreted) by the media, used in public policy or how they may influence societal views of certain groups

What is meant by socially sensitive research?

Studies that may have consequences or implications either directly for the participants in the research or the class of individuals represented by the research

Why is research into topics, such as race & IQ, considered controversial?

It can lead to social sensitivity, potentially reinforcing stereotypes, prejudice or discrimination

Why do socially sensitive topics attract media attention?

They are often considered taboo & have wider societal implications, making them more likely to be highlighted & debated publicly

What are the three main concerns that Sieber & Stanley identified in socially sensitive research?

• Implications: the wider effects of research should be considered & how these could lead to prejudice/discrimination

• Uses/public policy: what the research will be used for & what might happen if it’s used for the wrong purpose (e.g. in government public policy)

• Validity of the research: some findings that have been presented as objective in the past have been found to be highly suspect & in some cases, fraudulent (e.g. Burt’s research into inherited IQ).

What is meant by ethical implications in socially sensitive research?

The wider effects of research & whether findings could lead to prejudice or discrimination

Whose research highlights issues with research validity?

Burt’s research on inherited IQ was later found to be unreliable & possibly fraudulent

Why must psychologists be cautious when publishing socially sensitive research findings?

Findings can influence public opinion, policy decisions & attitudes towards certain groups, potentially causing harm

Discuss the ethical implications of research studies and theory, including reference to social sensitivity (16 marks)

Write your AO1 paragraph

• Ethical guidelines have been introduced to ensure participants are treated fairly in psychological research & protected from long-term harm. However, psychologists often have limited control over how their findings are interpreted by the media, used in public policy or influence public perceptions, meaning research can have wider ethical implications.

• Socially sensitive research refers to studies with potential consequences for participants or the wider groups they represent. These studies, often on controversial, taboo topics (e.g. race & IQ) attract media attention & can have significant social impact. Psychologists shouldn’t avoid these topics, but simply carefully consider their ethical implications.

• Sieber & Stanley identified three 3 concerns: the wider implications of research & potential for prejudice/discrimination, how findings may be used in public policy or misused & the validity of the research - some ‘objective’ findings have later been found to be flawed (e.g. Burt’s research into inherited IQ).

Discuss the ethical implications of research studies and theory, including reference to social sensitivity (16 marks)

Write strength AO3 PEEL (Milgram)

• Point: One strength of socially sensitive research is that it can challenge harmful stereotypes, leading to more accurate explanations of behaviour.

• Evidence: For example, Milgram conducted a study into obedience following the high levels of obedience shown by Germans during WW2 - it was thought they must have had an authoritarian personality to go along with the horrors of the holocaust.

• Explain: However, Milgram found that situational variables can cause ordinary people to show extreme obedience, as all participants went up to 300V & 65% continued to 450V.

• Link: As such, the perspective that the ‘Germans are different’ was disputed & proved to be an unhelpful stereotype.

Discuss the ethical implications of research studies and theory, including reference to social sensitivity (16 marks)

Write limitation AO3 PEEL (Bowlby)

• Point: One ethical implication of attachment research is that it may reinforce traditional gender stereotypes by suggesting childcare is primarily a woman's role.

• Evidence: For example, Bowlby’s monotropic theory & maternal deprivation hypothesis propose that the mother has a unique, superior & irreplaceable role in a child’s life.

• Explain: This places immense pressure on the mother to create a strong mother-infant attachment & minimises the importance of the father’s role.

• Link: Overall, this may contribute to the gender pay gap & marginalise non-traditional families (e.g. single fathers or same-sex parents).

Discuss the ethical implications of research studies and theory, including reference to social sensitivity (16 marks)

Write limitation AO3 PEEL (Burt)

• Point: One ethical implication of socially sensitive research is that it can influence public policy, even when flawed.

• Evidence: For example, Burt proposed that intelligence is largely inherited & supported the 11+ exam for school placement - however, much of his data was later found to be fabricated, including inventing research assistants.

• Explain: Despite this, Burt’s findings influenced educational policy, affecting many children’s academic opportunities & life chances.

• Link: Therefore, this highlights the danger of basing societal decisions on invalid research & the need for accurate, credible research.