Ethical Implication of Research Studies and Theory

Psychological research can have ethical implications.

This refers to consequences of the findings of a study in terms of public perceptions, how a study's findings are represented in the media, government policy, and treatments of certain groups of people. 

This refers to research into an area which may be controversial or sensitive.

For example, investigating ethnic differences in intelligence or the possibly role of genetics in aggressive behaviour may have far-reaching consequences for the groups being studied.

If research finds that there is a gene for violent crime, for instance, this may justify genetic testing of people, and even separating them from society before they have actually committed a crime.

Although these areas are sensitive, it could be argued to be part of the duty of psychologists to carry it out.

These have been identified by Sieber and Stanley (1988), and should be kept in mind when conducting socially sensitive research:

• Implications: the possible consequences of research findings, for example, if they could be used to justify prejudice and discrimination.
• Public Policy: consider what the research findings may be used for, for example, could the government use the findings for any reason?
• Validity of Research: be aware of personal values and possible biases. Many researchers who undertake socially sensitive research will consider these issues when reporting their findings (being 'reflexive').

+ Undertaking socially sensitive research has benefits, for example enhancing the understanding of the experiences of minority groups, or more general benefits (e.g. uncovering the lack of accuracy of eyewitness testimony). 

- Researching minority groups may bring similar problems to that of cross-cultural studies, for example, the researcher's own world view becomes the 'norm' and the minority group's experiences are seen as 'inferior' or 'deviant'. 

-/+ Once research is published, the effects can be long-lasting, even if it is then discredited. For example. the psychologist Cyril Burt published findings suggesting that intelligence is inherited, leading to the separation of children based on their ability once they had completed an intelligence test at age 11 (the '11+'. which decided if a child went to grammar school or not). Burt's findings were later found to have been based on invented data, but the test remained in place for a long time afterwards, and the idea that there is a 'natural' level of intelligence still remains amongst many people. This shows the potential consequences of socially sensitive research.