According to sieber and Stanley, what is the def of socially sensitive research
Studies in which there are potential consequences or implications, either directly for the ps in the research of for the class of individuals represented by the research
3 features of socially sensitive research
- can pose a threat for those it represents
- has consequences that go beyond research situation to effect others
- can pose a threat to those involved in it
According to Lee, def of sensitive research
Research which potentially poses a substantial threat to those who are or have been involved in it
Ethical implications (3)
- the way research impacts represented by the research
- the way research impacts those who take part
- the way that findings from the research are interpreted and used
3 examples of socially sensitive research
Depression, memory, IQ and race
How depression is socially sensitive
For the individual, if research suggests people don’t cover from depression, an employer might not employ them, affecting social policy
How is memory socially sensitive
Influencing teaching and learning - exam and school policies, influence on legal system
How is IQ and race socially sensitive
Such as historical research into racial differences - Jenson found black people scored 10-15 points lower on IQ test - less likely to get jobs - scientific racism
What did seiber and Stanley suggest
Ethical implications are connected to all stages of the research process
4 ways ethical implications are connected to all stages of the research
- the research question
- how the research is conducted and treatment of ps
- institutional context ie findings of research
- interpretation and application of findings
Elaboration of the research question
Wording and method influenced interpretation of findings eg research inti relationships has judged homosexual relationships in comparison to heterosexual norms
Elaboration of how research is conducted and treatment of participants
Need to prevent negative knock-off effects of research eg confidentiality
Elaboration institutional context
Research may be funded and managed by private institutions who may issue the data or misunderstand the data produced
Elaboration interpretation and application of findings
Use findings to justify prejudice - research findings may be used for purposes other than originally intended
Example:milgrams study - negative impacts
- breaking range of ethical guidelines - exposed to mental harm
- couldn’t fully consent or withdraw
- findings could be an excuse for people who have committed immoral acts
Example: milgrams study - positive impacts
- stimulated efforts to improve ethical considerations in research
- added much greater understanding into factors in obedience and other contexts
4 evaluation points
Weakness - negative doc sequences for groups studied
Weakness - researchers may avoid socially sensitive topics
Strength - certain groups rely on research related to socially sensitive issues
Strength - benefits group being studied
Elaboration weakness - negative consequences for groups studied
- research into genetic influences
- eg IQ and mental illness should anticipate neg consequences for group researched
- eg criminal gene - could lead to stigma and discrimination
- therefore socially sensitive research needs planning and consideration of any neg consequences
Elaboration weakness - researchers may avoid socially sensitive topics
- may not include people with difficulties, their views aren’t presented
- ps not represented in research so can’t experience beneficial effects
- leads to weaknesses understanding and representation of all groups in socially decreasing generalisability
Elaboration strength - certain groups rely on research related to socially sensitive issues
- Gou looks at research when developing social policies eg decisions for childcare and education
- there are independent groups responsible for collecting and analysing statistics about UK
- this is used in psychological research meaning psychologists have an important role in providing SSR, increasing application
Elaboration strength - benefits of group being studied
- Hinsey reported anonymous interviews with 5 000+ men to conclude homosexuality is a typical expression of human behaviour
- homosexuality was then no longer classified as a role of sociopathic personality disorder in DSM and removed in 1973
- shows its important to tackle SSR to promote appropriate classification
