Answer in paragraph form.
Ethics and cultural awareness are critical components of psychological research. Reflect on a historical example of unethical research in psychology. What ethical principles were violated, and what were the consequences? How can modern psychological researchers ensure their studies are both ethically sound and culturally sensitive? Provide in-text citations and references for each.
Answer (2)
The Tuskegee Syphilis Study is a historical example of unethical psychological research that violated informed consent and beneficence principles. Its consequences led to loss of trust and established new ethical standards in research. Modern researchers can ensure ethical soundness by following established guidelines and engaging with diverse communities.
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One historical example of unethical research in psychology is the Stanford Prison Experiment conducted by Philip Zimbardo in 1971. In this study, 24 male college students were assigned the roles of prisoners and guards in a simulated prison environment to investigate the psychological effects of perceived power. However, the experiment quickly devolved, with "guards" engaging in cruel and dehumanizing behavior towards "prisoners." The ethical principles violated in this study include the lack of informed consent, as participants were not fully aware of the potential risks and the inability to withdraw from the study. Additionally, the harm caused to participants, both psychologically and emotionally, was significant, as many experienced severe stress and distress (Zimbardo, 2007). The consequences of this unethical research were profound, leading to increased awareness and the development of more stringent ethical guidelines in psychology, such as the need for informed consent, the right to withdraw, and the necessity for researchers to ensure the well-being of participants.
Modern psychological researchers can ensure their studies are both ethically sound and culturally sensitive by adhering to established guidelines such as those outlined by the American Psychological Association (APA). These guidelines emphasize respecting cultural differences, avoiding bias, and being aware of the cultural context of research to prevent harm and ensure integrity. Critical steps include obtaining informed consent, conducting thorough risk assessments, and implementing safeguards that provide participants with the right to withdraw at any point without penalty. Researchers must also engage with diverse populations respectfully and inclusively, considering cultural norms and values throughout the research process.
References
Zimbardo, P. G. (2007). The Lucifer effect: Understanding how good people turn evil. Random House Trade Paperbacks.
