The Practice of Social Research

Chapter Eighteen.  The Ethics and Politics of Social Research

TWO ETHICAL CONTROVERSIES
    Trouble in the Tearoom
    Observing Human Obedience

    To explore research ethics in more concrete detail, the chapter describes two projects which generated discussions and debate.  Laud Humphrey's study of male homosexual encounters in public restrooms raised a number of issues concerning privacy and deception.  Stanley Milgram's studies of obedience and authoritarianism generated discussions of the psychological harm that can be done to experimental subjects.

    Both of these case studies should give you an opportunity to reflect on the ways in which concrete research designs can involves ethical issues.  Thus, you should be better equipped to recognize the ethical components in research projects you might design or read about.