Ethical implications = considers the impact/consequence that psychological
research has on the rights of other people in a wider context not just the p’s
taking part.
Possible ethical implications/effects
- Effects of research on participants e.g. fewer opportunities
- Effects of research on wider public
- Potential use of findings for allocating resources
- Potential use of findings for political consequences
- Potential bias against people of certain cultures/backgrounds
- Potential influence on moral attitudes towards individuals or groups
- Economic implications for further research/funding
Sieber and stanley ethical implications:
Implications – wider effects of research may be seen as giving scientific
credence to prejudice and discrimination such as studying the racial basis of
intelligence.
Policy – what is the research likely to be used for? What would happen if it was
used for the wrong purpose?
Research studies w ethical implications:
Milgram: There could be misuse of the findings by authority figures in society.
BUT due to this work we now have better training for nurses/military etc and
we understand the factors that lead people to obey - the end might justify the
means.
Bowlby’s theory of attachment: It is viewed that women should stay at home
and care for children preventing them from accessing employment. BUT we
have a better understanding of children's needs so day-care has significantly
improved.