ethical implications evaluations
- Created by: Aimee W x
- Created on: 14-03-22 19:55
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- ethical implications evaluations
- major problem with research that carries ethical implications or is socially sensitive that the impact can be difficult to predict: Even though all research is subject to scrutiny by an ethical committee who aim to weigh up the possible costs and benefits of the research, the social consequences of research involving vulnerable groups can be difficult to anticipate. This is a problem as the real impact of research can only ever be known once it has been made public, by which time it may be too late.
- socially sensitive research has been used to support extreme forms of social control: IQ research and testing by psychologists was used in America in the early 1900s to ‘prop up’ discriminatory practices such as the compulsory sterilisation of the ‘feeble-minded’. This included people deemed to be of low intelligence and the mentally ill. This suggests socially sensitive research can have extremely damaging effects on society.
- However, many argue that avoiding socially sensitive research could be very damaging too: Sieber and Stanley’s view is that simply ignoring sensitive research, although tempting, would not be a responsible approach to science. This suggests psychologists have a duty to conduct research into the full range of topic areas, even if this may, at times, be controversial.
- Indeed, socially sensitive research can be beneficial: Scarr (1988) argues that studies of underrepresented groups or of sensitive topics can actually help reduce prejudice and benefit society. For example, research into the unreliability of eyewitness testimony, although controversial, has helped reduce the risk of miscarriage of justice in the legal system. This suggests socially sensitive research may play a valuable role in society.
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