Ethical Implications of Research (AQA A Level Psychology)

In a study of antisocial activity and social background, researchers interviewed 100 children aged 14 years. They then classified each child according to their level of antisocial activity.

They concluded that 26 were ‘very antisocial’, 40 were ‘mildly antisocial', and 34 were ‘not antisocial’. The researchers found that the majority of the ‘very antisocial’ children attended Crayford secondary school, whereas most of the other two groups of children attended another local school.

The study above is an example of socially sensitive research.

Briefly explain how the researchers could have dealt with the issue of social sensitivity in this study.

Outline what social sensitivity means in the context of psychology. Explain how researchers in psychology could deal with issues related to social sensitivity.