Ethical Implications of Research & Theory

All psychological research raises ethical questions. The AQA specification requires you to understand the concept of socially sensitive research, the broader ethical implications of psychological theory and findings, and how research can have consequences beyond the laboratory.

Key Definition: Socially sensitive research (Sieber & Stanley, 1988) is research that has potential social consequences — for the participants studied, for the groups they represent, or for society at large.

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Sieber & Stanley (1988): Defining Socially Sensitive Research

Sieber and Stanley (1988) defined socially sensitive research as "studies in which there are potential consequences or implications, either directly for the participants in the research or for the class of individuals represented by the research."

They identified four key areas where ethical issues arise in socially sensitive research: