Question 1
Discuss one or more ethical considerations in studies investigating group dynamics.
Refer to the paper 2 assessment criteria when awarding marks.
The command term "discuss" requires candidates to offer a considered review of one or more ethical considerations in studies investigating group dynamics.
The ethical consideration(s) discussed can be a guideline that was adhered to in the study (what guidelines were or could be followed) or a guideline that was breached (what guidelines were not followed).
Discussion of ethical considerations may include, but are not limited to:
- the role of informed consent when studying groups
- why deception is often used in studies of group dynamics
- the difficulties of ensuring confidentiality in social psychology research, especially in the study of group dynamics
- the potential for psychological and physical harm and associated restrictions on research design
- decisions as to why certain ethical guidelines were or were not followed
- changes over time in adherence to ethical standards/guidelines
- considerations in applying the findings of a study.
Relevant studies may include, but are not limited to:
- Sherif's (1966) field experiment on competition in groups - informed parental consent
- Lyons-Padilla et al.'s (2015) survey investigating relationships between cultural identity, experiences of discrimination, and attitudes towards extremism - informed consent, anonymity and confidentiality
- Sternberg and Dobson's (1987) study on resolution of interpersonal conflicts;
Sternberg and Soriano's (1984) study on styles of conflict resolution - anonymity and confidentiality
- McLaren's (2003) study on the integrated threat theory - continued psychological harm when applying the results of a study.
For Criterion B (quality of knowledge of ethical issues) examiners need to be aware that some candidates provide minimal information about ethical issues and focus on other aspects of studies or address ethical issues only in a general manner. In awarding marks and establishing 'best fit' for knowledge and understanding examiners should take into account level of detail and context.
- If ethical considerations are only identified or described in generic terms, award marks in the lowest (1-2) band
- If ethical considerations are outlined within relevant studies, award marks in the mid (3-4) band
- If ethical considerations are described and clearly explained within relevant studies, award marks in the top (5-6) band.
If a candidate describes and discusses studies but does not focus on ethical considerations the response should be awarded up to a maximum of [2] for criterion D. All remaining criteria should be awarded marks according to the best fit approach.
Candidates may address one ethical consideration to demonstrate depth of knowledge, or may address a larger number of ethical considerations to demonstrate breadth of knowledge. Both approaches are acceptable.