Psychology issues and debates: Ethical implications
Definition: refers to the consequences of research of theory on individuals or groups based
on how the study regards the participants and who they represent, sometimes on a wider
societal level. This debate looks at whether consequences to vulnerable groups are
worthwhile for the purpose of research.
Social sensitivity: defined by Stanley (1988) as ‘studies in which there are potential consequences
either directly for the participant or for the class of individuals represented by the research’.
Research studies vary on social sensitivity. E.g., A ‘Long term memory’ study may not represent a
social group and have little implications on them. However, a study into depression could conclude
that participants can never recover, which may have negative implications on the careers of the
social group who have depression, if for example employers were informed of the study.
In terms of social policy, studies could conclude preferred medical treatment options for the NHS
and improve health etc.
Implications of the research process:
Research questions
The way that questions are worded or phrased can influence the way that findings are interpreted.
For example, Coyle (1995) notes how research into alternative relationships is guilty of ‘heterosexual
bias’ whereby homosexual relationships are judged against hetero norms.
Participant processes
Informed consent, confidentiality, psychological harm is important in socially sensitive research, for
the participant to be fully comfortable with speaking about sensitive experience and trusting the
researcher that this will not be disclosed. For example, someone speaking of domestic violent
experiences may worry that the abuser might hear about their partners participation in the research.
Consent is important to be maintained throughout research, one may be willing at the beginning but
as topics become more sensitive, consent may not be as strong.
Consent for psychological research is 16, studies into underage smoking/drinking require consent
from parents, though asking for the consent may disclose the child’s activity to the parents that they
were not aware of!
Use of findings
Researchers should plan how research findings may be used as it may impact what data they collect.
This is especially important in sensitive research where findings could be interpreted as trying to
support the likelihood of discriminate prejudices to be true, such as studies that examine the ethnic
basis of intelligence.
Definition: refers to the consequences of research of theory on individuals or groups based
on how the study regards the participants and who they represent, sometimes on a wider
societal level. This debate looks at whether consequences to vulnerable groups are
worthwhile for the purpose of research.
Social sensitivity: defined by Stanley (1988) as ‘studies in which there are potential consequences
either directly for the participant or for the class of individuals represented by the research’.
Research studies vary on social sensitivity. E.g., A ‘Long term memory’ study may not represent a
social group and have little implications on them. However, a study into depression could conclude
that participants can never recover, which may have negative implications on the careers of the
social group who have depression, if for example employers were informed of the study.
In terms of social policy, studies could conclude preferred medical treatment options for the NHS
and improve health etc.
Implications of the research process:
Research questions
The way that questions are worded or phrased can influence the way that findings are interpreted.
For example, Coyle (1995) notes how research into alternative relationships is guilty of ‘heterosexual
bias’ whereby homosexual relationships are judged against hetero norms.
Participant processes
Informed consent, confidentiality, psychological harm is important in socially sensitive research, for
the participant to be fully comfortable with speaking about sensitive experience and trusting the
researcher that this will not be disclosed. For example, someone speaking of domestic violent
experiences may worry that the abuser might hear about their partners participation in the research.
Consent is important to be maintained throughout research, one may be willing at the beginning but
as topics become more sensitive, consent may not be as strong.
Consent for psychological research is 16, studies into underage smoking/drinking require consent
from parents, though asking for the consent may disclose the child’s activity to the parents that they
were not aware of!
Use of findings
Researchers should plan how research findings may be used as it may impact what data they collect.
This is especially important in sensitive research where findings could be interpreted as trying to
support the likelihood of discriminate prejudices to be true, such as studies that examine the ethnic
basis of intelligence.
