Edexcel Psychology for A Level Year 2: Student Book

Issues related to socially-sensitive research Socially-sensitive psychological research Socially-sensitive research has been defined by Joan Sieber and Barbara Stanley (1988) 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’. Sieber and Stanley identified the following three concerns. Implications of research The findings of research may present issues which offend or divide people. For example, the findings may identify group-specific problems, make worrying predictions or evoke strong feelings. This is problematic as scientific evidence adds credence to beliefs so could be used to defend prejudiced ideas or discriminatory actions. For example, realistic conflict theory (Y1 page 42) could be seen to ‘justify’ discrimination as it identifies an underlying reason for tensions. Studies supporting this could be interpreted as showing that the discriminatory behaviour is legitimate as there is a genuine scarcity of a resource. Public policy and other uses When findings are published, their impact should be considered. Could the knowledge be dangerous in the wrong hands? If the findings were used by the government to change policy, would this be in people’s best interests? For example, findings about the biological underpinnings of aggression might lead to the wrong conclusions. Adrian Raine et al .’s (1997, Y1 page 110) classic study about the brain of a murderer might lead to the conclusion that murder is ‘not the murderer’s fault’. This might mean that criminal courts could not punish such murderers because they are not responsible. Validity As psychology aims to help people it is important to avoid doing the opposite. It is not that certain research should not be done, but that attention should be paid to biases and interpretations. Psychologists should ensure that research is valid and that findings can be verified. For example, in thematic analysis and research based on grounded theory, researchers’ biases are much more likely to affect the validity of the research. As a consequence, extra steps are taken to ensure the results reflect reality. The need for socially-sensitive research Research on TV viewing Bandura et al . (1961, 1963, Y1 pages 140 and 142) showed that when children watch aggression – live, filmed or even as cartoons – it increases the risk of them displaying aggression. This has implications for parenting practice because parents may feel, or be accused of being, irresponsible for allowing their children to see aggressive behaviour. Thus it is a socially- sensitive issue. However, such research is important precisely because it exposes dangers and therefore enables people to reduce children’s exposure, for example through active parenting, film certificates and actions such as the watershed. Researching Alzheimer’s disease Cognitive psychology has explored aspects of Alzheimer’s disease with research, identifying associated problems such as cognitive deficits linked to losses in the hippocampus, frontal and temporal lobes of the brain. The research explains why people living with Alzheimer’s first lose episodic memories, such as their personal experiences and later their semantic memory, such as being unable to name objects. This creates a negative image of people with Alzheimer’s which threatens their dignity. This makes the research socially-sensitive. Nevertheless, such research is valuable as it can lead to ways to improve the quality of life of people currently living with Alzheimer’s disease. For example, it means that different kinds of help can be targeted at people at different stages of the disease, to help to preserve specific memory abilities. Research has also found potential ways to slow the progress of the disorder thus offering help to people in the future. Investigating authoritarianism Research on authoritarianism has the potential to be socially- sensitive. For example, Gordon Allport (1954, Y1 page 44) suggested that individuals with right wing (authoritarian) views are less capable of critical thinking. This has implications for the way right wing individuals and their opinions are regarded in society, making the research socially-sensitive. This should not prevent research being conducted however. Where risks are identified, it is the duty of psychologists to explore them for the benefit of society. So, although it may be uncomfortable for individuals and despite the risks of misuse of findings to denigrate people who hold certain views, the research is valuable. Since authoritarian personalities also tend to be highly prejudiced, the findings could ultimately help to protect the rights of minority groups. Applying your knowledge of socially- sensitive research An example of a synoptic exam question linked to socially-sensitive research: The areas of psychology that you study for Paper 1 are social, cognitive, biological and learning theories. Assess the socially-sensitive nature of research in one of these areas. (20) The paragraphs below illustrate how you might answer this: In biological psychology, Raine et al .’s research implied that murderers, and by extension perhaps other violent criminals, are unable to control their aggressive urges as their brains are wired differently. This is socially-sensitive because it raises questions about how such criminals should be tried, sentenced and helped or indeed if they can be helped at all. This is sensitive for both the individuals and the extent to which they have free will so can be ‘blamed’, and for the state in terms of deciding on fair treatment. (87 words) The problems this social sensitivity creates should not prevent the research from being done. The knowledge such investigations produce is instructive in guiding safe decision-making in court, which is beneficial to society. For example, if such behaviour is genuinely out of the individual’s control they cannot be held responsible but are nevertheless a significant threat to society so need to be detained, perhaps for life. If, on the other hand, such biological differences were shown to be open to change, treatment should be the first goal. (86 words) Milgram’s research on obedience might be seen as socially- sensitive because it potentially ‘excuses’ the behaviour of German SS officers and may prevent us considering all possible explanations. 27