Ethical implications of research studies and theory, including reference to social sensitivity
Some psychological research produces findings that can harm or stigmatise entire social groups. Socially sensitive research means studies where the results carry real-world consequences beyond the lab.
Real World
The Minnesota Twin Study found high heritability of IQ, which some media outlets used to justify racial differences in intelligence — leading to public backlash and accusations that the research stigmatised ethnic minorities.
Exam Focus
Always link social sensitivity to specific real-world consequences, not just abstract ethical concerns — examiners reward applied analysis.
Evaluation Scaffold
A four-step framework for high-quality evaluation. Use this for 'assess', 'evaluate', and 'to what extent' questions.
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