Ethical implications of research studies and theory - Evaluation

Scarr argues that studies of under-represented groups and issues may promote greater understanding to help reduce prejudice and encourage acceptance. 

Socially sensitive research has benefitted society (e.g. research into unreliability of eyewitness testimony has reduced the risk of miscarriages of justice within the legal system)

This suggests that socially sensitive research may play a valuable role in society.

Sieber and Stanley warn that how research questions are phrased and investigated may influence the ways findings are interpreted.

Kitzinger and Coyle note how research into so-called 'alternative relationships' has been guilty of 'heterosexual bias' - homosexual relationships were judged against heterosexual norms.

This suggests that investigators must approach their reserach with an 'open mind' and be prepared to have their preconceptions challenged to avoid misrepresenting minority groups.

Socially sensitive reserach has been used by governments and other institutions to shape social policy, despite the sometimes dubious nature of the findings (e.g. Burts research into IQ).

Packard calimed sales of Coca-cola and popcorn increased when images of the products were flashed on cinema screens too quickly for audiences to be aware of them (subliminal). It was later revealed Packard had make his fidings up!

Research that seeks to manipulate the public has obvious ethical implications. It also raises the question of who benefits from such research - which may be particularly difficult to manage once the research is 'out there'.

In the 1920's and 30's, a large number of US states enacted legisaltion that led to the compulsory sterilisatino of many of its citizens.

These people were judged to be 'feeble-minded' and a drain on society (e.g. those of 'low intellegence', drug/alcohol addicts and the mentally ill). Some psychologists argued they were 'unfit to breed'.

The fact that socially senstivie reserach has been used to 'prop up' discriminatory practices in the past is an argument against its widespread adoption.

Research that carries ethical implications (or is socially sensitive) is scrutinised by an ethics committee - it is their job to weigh up the costs and benefits of the research.

However, some of the social consequences of research involving vulnerable groups may be difficult to anticipate.

Assessments of the 'worth' of such research are typically subjective, and the real impact of research can only ever be known once it has been made public.