A-Level AQA Psychology Ethical Implications of Research: Evaluate Watson and Rayner (1920

Evaluate Watson and Rayner (1920) and Sherif et al - AQA - A-Level Psychology - Question 4 - 2022 - Paper 3

Question 4

Evaluate Watson and Rayner (1920) and Sherif et al. (1954/1961) in terms of ethical issues.

Worked Solution & Example Answer:Evaluate Watson and Rayner (1920) and Sherif et al - AQA - A-Level Psychology - Question 4 - 2022 - Paper 3

Step 1

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Answer

Watson and Rayner's study with Little Albert raises several ethical concerns:

Informed Consent: Although Little Albert was a participant in the study, his mother was not informed about the true nature of the experiment. This lack of informed consent is significant, particularly for a child participant.
Deception: The researchers used classical conditioning to induce fear in Little Albert by exposing him to a white rat paired with loud, frightening noises. The ethical implications of this deception are profound as it could cause long-term psychological harm.
Psychological Harm: The study could have inflicted lasting psychological damage on Little Albert through the development of fear responses. Protection of participants is a vital ethical principle that was overlooked in this case.
Lack of Withdrawal Rights: There was no clear process for Little Albert or his mother to withdraw from the study, as the focus was solely on the results and not the welfare of the child.

Step 2

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Answer

Sherif et al.'s study also presents several ethical considerations:

Informed Consent: Although the principals and teachers of local schools granted permission for the study, individual participant consent was not thoroughly secured. Parents were informed about the study's purpose, but some children were not adequately briefed.
Risks of Psychological Harm: The study involved group dynamics that could have led to emotional distress, particularly as participants engaged in activities like name-calling and were subjected to conflicts.
Right to Withdraw: Participants were not clearly informed of their right to withdraw at any stage of the study. The intense competitive environment may have made it difficult for participants to feel comfortable leaving.
Debriefing and Long-term Effects: Post-experiment debriefing should have been provided to participants to mitigate any potential negative effects. Lack of follow-up after the study raises ethical concerns about the researchers’ responsibilities.
Competence and Risk Management: The researchers needed to ensure they operated within their ethical boundaries and considered potential psychological harm, emphasizing the ethical obligation of competence in research practices.