Journal Of Social Psychology, 2018 Book 11, Pp. 51–55

Journal Of Soc Psy Sci 2018 Volume 11 1 51 55 Available At

This paper discusses some of the moral and ethical issues associated with psychological research throughout history. This is a very broad area which covers a vast array of topics. However, it is not within the scope of this paper of focusing on absolutely every single aspect of this area.

Thus, not sacrificing depth of analysis, the present paper brings relevant issues for discussion by examining some key areas including, schizophrenia, and gender and IQ research, as well as hypothesis and significance testing, which normally constitutes the basis for changes in ethics and research development. These areas have become paradigmatic for much criticism concerning its moral and ethical implications for individuals who received diagnostic labels as a consequence of such research. This paper takes the position that the very practice of uncritically presenting such research as being ‘value free’ or as some form of universal and absolute truth is in itself a cause for major ethical concerns.

Paper For Above instruction

Throughout the history of psychology, ethical considerations have frequently lagged behind scientific advancements, often leading to significant moral dilemmas and societal consequences. From the unethical experiments conducted during the Nazi era to contemporary debates surrounding diagnostic labels like schizophrenia, the discipline has wrestled with balancing scientific progress and moral responsibility. This essay explores the evolution of ethical standards in psychology, emphasizing key issues such as the treatment of vulnerable populations, the objectivity of research, and the socio-political implications of psychological labels, particularly focusing on schizophrenia, gender, and IQ studies.

The origins of modern ethics in psychology can be traced back to the early 20th century and the debates around scientific legitimacy versus pseudo-science. The Vienna Circle, an influential group of philosophers and scientists, sought to demarcate scientific inquiry from non-scientific beliefs, which set the groundwork for valuing empirical evidence. However, early psychological research often involved unethical practices, especially when human participants were subjected to experiments without informed consent. During World War II, atrocities committed by Nazi physicians exemplified the extreme consequences of disregarding ethical standards in pursuit of scientific knowledge. These experiments involved millions of concentration camp prisoners subjected to torture, experimentation, and even lethal procedures without consent, highlighting the moral failure often justified by claims of scientific advancement.

In response to such abuses, the discipline gradually adopted ethical guidelines, including the requirement for informed consent, confidentiality, and the minimization of harm. Despite this progress, controversies persist, especially in areas like diagnostic labeling and mental health treatment. For instance, diagnoses such as Gender Identity Disorder or schizophrenia have historically been treated as objective facts, often leading to controversial treatments like electroconvulsive therapy, which carry significant ethical concerns. These diagnoses are heavily influenced by cultural and societal notions of normality, which vary across time and context. What one society deems abnormal or disordered may differ radically from another, illustrating the subjective and culturally contingent nature of psychological constructs.

Further, the reliance on hypothesis testing and statistical significance in psychological research presents ethical challenges. The assumption that correlation implies causation is a persistent flaw that can lead to misinterpretation and misuse of data. For example, many studies report statistically significant results with small effect sizes that may not translate meaningfully into real-world applications, raising questions about the validity and utility of such research. Compounding this issue is the variability of neuroimaging techniques like fMRI, which are prone to artifacts and misinterpretations, such as the infamous "zombie fish" neural activation observed in dead specimens. Such technical limitations underscore the tentative nature of conclusions drawn from neuropsychological data, demanding cautious interpretation to uphold scientific integrity.

On a broader epistemological level, the indeterminacy of subjective experience versus objective measurement raises fundamental questions about the nature of psychological phenomena. Bohm’s notion of the implicate order suggests that reality is interconnected and observer-dependent, challenging the traditional scientific paradigm that seeks absolute objectivity. This perspective implies that psychological experiences, which are inherently subjective, should be studied with the same rigor and respect for their complexity as physical phenomena. Recognizing this could foster more ethically responsible research that respects individual differences and contextual factors rather than imposing rigid classifications detached from lived realities.

Ethical concerns are also heightened when considering mental health diagnoses like schizophrenia, which remain inconsistently defined across different cultures and contexts (Boyle, 2002). The biomedical model often attributes such conditions primarily to neurochemical imbalances or genetic factors, neglecting socio-economic and environmental contributors. These diagnostic labels can lead to stigmatization, social marginalization, and denial of personal agency. Consequently, the ethical practice in psychology must account for the subjective, cultural, and social dimensions of mental health, avoiding reductionist models that pathologize normal human reactions to intolerable circumstances (Bentall, 2003).

Moreover, the political implications of psychological research exemplify ethical dilemmas. Governments and institutions frequently influence mental health policies, often aligning them with ideological agendas rather than scientific consensus. For example, legislation like the UK's Mental Health Act can enforce involuntary hospitalization and treatment, raising concerns about individual rights and autonomy. The interplay between scientific research and political power underscores the importance of transparency, accountability, and inclusivity in developing ethical standards that protect vulnerable populations.

In conclusion, the history of psychology reveals a pattern of evolving ethical standards often driven by societal values and scientific limitations. The misconception that psychological research is inherently objective and value-free has contributed to ethical lapses, including harm to research participants and marginalized groups. Recognizing the subjective nature of human experience and the cultural contingency of psychiatric diagnoses is essential to fostering an ethically responsible discipline. As psychology continues to develop, ongoing critique and reflection on its ethical foundations remain crucial to prevent commodification and medicalization of human diversity, ensuring that scientific progress aligns with moral responsibility.

References

• Bentall, R. (2003). Madness Explained: Psychosis and Human Nature. London: Penguin Books.
• Wholeness and Implicate Order. London: Routledge.
• Schizophrenia: A Scientific Delusion? London: Routledge.
• The Journal of Critical Psychology, Counselling and Psychotherapy, 4(2), 11-19.
• Tropical Parasitology, 1(1), 2–3.
• Journal of Social & Psychological Sciences, 6(1), 1–10.
• Clinical Functional MRI (pp. 45-60). Springer Berlin Heidelberg.
• A Critical History and Philosophy of Psychology. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.