Ethical Implications in Research Studies and Theory

Ethical implications are when there is a potential consequence for society or groups in society as a result of
the findings of the study or a psychological theory.

Ethical implications are different to ethical issues

Ethical guidelines address ethical issues - they protect Ps in research studies – but they do not address
ethical implications – they do not deal with all the possible ways that research may inflict harm on a
section of society. Scientist do not have control over how their findings are represented in the media, the
impact their work has on public policy and how it may influence the perception of particular groups in
society.

Socially Sensitive Research

Studies where there are potential negative social consequences or implications, either directly for the Ps
involved or for the class on individuals represented by the research.

Examples:

 Drug use
 Sexuality
 Heritability and crime
 Heritability and IQ (potentially leading to racist theories about racial differences)

Reasons to carry out SSR Reasons to avoid SSR

Ethics in SSR

In the absence of guidelines for dealing with ethical implications, Seiber and Stanley (1988) identified the
following concerns that psychologists should consider when conducting SSR:

1. Implications

The wider effect on attitudes in society. Could the study be used to give ‘scientific’ credence to prejudice
and discrimination?

NB implications are hard to predict.

2. Uses / public policy

What will the research be used for? And what might happen if it were used for the ‘wrong’ purpose?

For example:

Ideas about ‘fixed’, heritable IQ used to support …………… …………………………………..

………………………………………………………… used to support lack of free childcare for under 5s and mothers being
awarded custody after divorce.

3. Validity of the Research

Research findings are presented as ……………………………………………. and value-free, but psychologists should
recognise that their own biases and preconceptions do affect their research.

Commenting on your own position and biases in your work is called ‘reflexivity’; social constructionists and
feminist psychologists have led the way in doing this.