Ethical Implications and Socially Sensitive Research Discuss Define and explain, what is the difference between…. Ethical Guidelines, Ethical issues and Ethical implications

Definitions Ethical Implications Ethical Guidelines Ethic guidelines refer to the correct rules of conduct necessary when carrying out research outlined by the BPS or APA in Psychology. We have a moral responsibility to protect research participants from harm. However important the issue under investigation psychologists need to remember that they have a duty to respect the rights and dignity of research participants. Ethical Issues An ethical issue brings systems of morality and principles into conflict. Unlike most conflicts that can be disputed with facts and objective truths, ethical issues are more subjective and open to opinions and interpretation. An example of an ethical issue in Psychology is deception of participants Ethical Implications Ethical implications consider the impact or consequences psychological research has on the participants and the rights of other people in a wider context For teacher use of can discuss with learners

Exam practice Ethical Implications of Research and theory Outline what is meant by Ethical Implications of research or theory (4 marks) The impact that psychological research may have in terms of the rights of other people; especially the participants. This can include how the research process affects those involved in research This also includes at societal level, influencing public policy and/or the way in which certain groups of people are regarded The Implications can be positive and negative Learners to write this on their plans

You may be asked questions on 1. Ethical Implications of Research and theory Research example- Zimbardo why? Theory example- Bowlby’s monotropic theory of attachment why? 2. Social Sensitivity of Research and theory Research example- Milgram why? Theory example- Genetic explanation of OCD why? Use the Essay plan handout to note take and complete throughout this session

Sieber and Stanley (1988)  social sensitivity- studies where there are potential social consequences for the participants or the group of people represented by the research. The Research Question: The researcher must consider their research question carefully. Asking questions like ‘Are there racial differences in IQ?’ or ‘Is intelligence inherited?’ may be damaging to members of a particular group. The Methodology Used: The researcher needs to consider the treatment of the participant's and their right to confidentiality and anonymity. For example, if someone admits to committing a crime, or to having unprotected sex if they are HIV positive, should the researcher maintain confidentiality? The Institutional Context: The researcher should be mindful of how the data is going to be used and consider who is funding the research. If the research is funded by a private institution or organisation, why are they funding the research and how do they intend to use the findings? Interpretation and Application of Findings: Finally, the researcher needs to consider how their findings might be interpreted and applied in the real-world. Could their data or results be used to inform policy?

Outline the ethical implications of this research(4 marks) Exam focus Research used brain scans of violent criminals to examine their level of impulse control. Raine et al found that there was damage to most areas of the brains, focused around the frontal lobe which specialises in impulse control. Outline the ethical implications of this research(4 marks)

Answer- Raine et al (1997) P Raine et al’s biological approach to criminality can be an example of socially sensitive research. He found that there was damage to most areas of the brains of offenders, focused around the frontal lobe which specialises in impulse control suggesting a biological and innate cause to offending E Children, their parents and the general society would feel unease as to then what to do with the knowledge that a child or children have a predisposition to violent criminal behaviour E- The research could be seen as socially sensitive as the findings may be interpreted in a way that suggests that children should have brain scans to identify a predisposition for offending behaviour This could lead to support for genetic engineering to avoid criminal genes being transmitted which is highly socially sensitive. It could also have sensitive legal implications as the theory supports a determinist view in that the individual is not seen as culpable in a criminal act and violent crimes could thus not lead to convictions. L- This demonstrates the social sensitivity of Raine et al’s research and the negative implications that are likely to occur as a result of its social sensitivity

Ethical Implications and Socially Sensitive research Across the Specification Topic Explanation/ Theory/Research study Ethical Implications of/ Socially Sensitive Research, theory or study and why Social Influence   Memory Attachment Psychopathology Biopsychology

Psychological harm caused on the participants Topic Explanation/ Theory/Research study Ethical Implications of/ Socially Sensitive Research, theory or study and why and so what Social Influence Zimbardo Milgram   Psychological harm caused on the participants/researchers and possibly their families Sensitive to the participants, Findings could be used to make society obey leaders Memory  Anxiety and EWT  Psychological harm caused on the participants Attachment  Bowlby’s monotropic and maternal deprivation  Sensitive to fathers as suggests cannot be primary care giver. Sensitive to mothers wanting to work- economic implications Psychopathology Genetic/neural explanation of OCD Cognitive exp depression  Could suggest genetic engineering of those with psychological disorders Cognitive explanations blame the individual for the condition being caused by their thoughts- could worsen the condition/self fulfilling propehcy Biopsychology  Genetics Plasticity and functional recovery-  Supports role of genetic modification Link found between educational attainment, gender and age and functional recovery may be sensitive to some groups in society

Evaluating ethical implications and socially sensitive research Complete a P.E.E.L evaluation for the following points Not confident? Do these on MWBs first Confident? Add these to your essay plans  P- Socially Sensitive research can lead to issues of discrimination……  P- However some argue that the ethical guidelines set for psychological research is too restrictive…..  P- Socially Sensitive research may be useful and beneficial for society…..

 P- Socially Sensitive research can lead to issues of discrimination…… For example Bowlby’s Maternal deprivation hypotheses argues that attachment forms with a primary care giver which is usually the mother. This has negative implications on society as it may form discrimination towards fathers who are primary care givers or single parents. It could also enhance stigma around mothers who return to work and place their children in ChildCare

 However some argue that the ethical guidelines set for psychological research are too restrictive….. An example of this could be from the studies involving individuals with Gender Identity disorder. This could be deemed to have ethical implications as may be sensitive to participants. Avoiding the study of vulnerable or underrepresented groups and issues such as GID may be detrimental as research into these topics may actually promote a greater sensitivity and understanding of Gender which can help reduce prejudice and stigma.

 Socially Sensitive research may be useful and beneficial for society….. Research into the unreliability of eyewitness testimony and the role of anxiety in EWT has reduced the risk of miscarriages of justice Socially Sensitive research can be used by the government and other institutions to shape social policy