Socially sensitive research Socially sensitive research is a term that refers to any psychological research that has ethical. implications that go beyond the research situation and affect people or groups in the wider. society. SSR is that which contains an element of threat or risk Topics that are private, stressful or sacred Potential for exposure of incriminating or stigmatising info Research can become SSR for many reasons including: - The research question - Treatment of pps - The institutional context I- nterpretation and use of findings

Psychological research takes place within a social context and often is a reaction to real life events or previous research. This often means that factors such as culture, religion, age and target population will have an effect on how socially sensitive research is seen to be.

Should we conduct socially sensitive research? “Shying away from controversial topics…[is] an avoidance of responsibility.” Sieber & Stanley (1988)

Possible strengths • Usefulness • Often socially sensitive research is used to shape public policy and effect social change • Often socially sensitive research is used positively to challenge discrimination against groups of people • Practical applications • Gather findings that are not obtainable in a less socially sensitive way • Gain valuable insight into human behaviour as socially sensitive research often investigates highly personal or private experiences • Socially sensitive research sometimes studies deviant behaviour which is beneficial in establishing abnormality from normality • Can establish patterns of behaviour that could prevent future atrocities / immoral acts Possible weaknesses • Ethical issues may be raised • (However useful it is) It may be difficult to replicate the research due to its sensitive nature • Often socially sensitive research is used to shape public policy and more informally it feeds the media headlines, both of which can have quite an impact on both individuals and groups in society if the information is used unfairly or inappropriately • Topics may be controversial or produce findings that could lead to discrimination against groups of people / individuals (mental health, crime, racial differences etc)