Discuss the ethical implications of research studies and theory.

Ethical implications are the impact in which psychological research could have on the rights of individuals. This could be how the research affects public policy or the way in which certain groups are viewed or treated. Socially sensitive research is any research which has ethical implications that impact outside the research context. People affected by this research, could be the participants in the research, the researcher (s) and or groups potentially impacted by the research.An example of a theory being 'socially sensitive' is Bowlby's theory and research of maternal deprivation. Bowlby stated that being separated from a mother in early childhood may have serious consequences for the child. This is therefore socially sensitive research, as it could be used to discriminate against women in the workplace, for example; against pregnant women who are looking for employment, may be seen by some employers as doing the wrong thing by leaving their young children at home. This research could have negative implications and is therefore socially sensitive.