Social Sensitivity in Psychological Research (AQA A Level Psychology): Exam Questions

In a study of antisocial activity and social background, researchers interviewed 100 children aged 14 years. They then classified each child according to their level of antisocial activity.

They concluded that 26 were ‘very antisocial’, 40 were ‘mildly antisocial', and 34 were ‘not antisocial’. The researchers found that the majority of the ‘very antisocial’ children attended Crayford secondary school, whereas most of the other two groups of children attended another local school.

The study above is an example of socially sensitive research.

Briefly explain how the researchers could have dealt with the issue of social sensitivity in this study.

Outline what social sensitivity means in the context of psychology. Explain how researchers in psychology could deal with issues related to social sensitivity.

Research conducted in a high-security prison found that a large proportion of inmates convicted of violent offences had a particular variant of the MAOA gene. This gene is associated with an increased likelihood of aggressive and violent behaviour.

The media widely reported these findings, leading to public debate about whether schools should introduce mandatory genetic screening to identify children who may be “at risk” of future criminal behaviour.

Discuss social sensitivity in psychological research. Refer to the scenario in your answer.