Use and misuse of psychological science, knowledge and research

This ground-breaking book is designed to raise awareness of human rights implications in psychology, and provide knowledge and tools enabling psychologists to put a human rights perspective into practice. Psychologists have always been deeply engaged in alleviating the harmful consequences human rights violations have on individuals. However, despite the fundamental role that human rights play for professional psychology and psychologists, human rights education is underdeveloped in psychologists’ academic and vocational training. This book, the first of its kind, looks to change this, by: raising awareness among professional psychologists, university teachers and psychology students about their role as human rights promoters and protectors providing knowledge and tools enabling them to put a human rights perspective into practice providing texts and methods for teaching human rights. Featuring chapters from leading scholars in the field, spanning 18 countries and six continents, the book identifies how psychologists can ensure they are practising in a responsible way, as well as contributing to wider society with a clear knowledge of human rights issues in relation to culture, gender, organisations and more. Including hands-on recommendations, case studies and discussion points, this is essential reading for professional psychologists as part of continuing professional development and those in training and taking psychology courses. Chapter 7 Use and misuse of psychological science, knowledge and research By Tony Wainwright and Giovanna Leone The authors say that this chapter can be read as a kind of warning about how easy it can be to lose your moral compass, particularly in times of great social and political conflict or turmoil and it raises some uncomfortable questions about the way psychology can be dangerous if misused. The chapter provides a brief overview of the history of psychology’s role in human rights violations and how some of this can come from the best of intentions. The early pioneers of eugenics informed their work with ideas from psychological research on individual differences and thought they were doing good. This effort at public health and social engineering has, over the years taken a terrible toll. This and other aspects of our history as a profession, need to be integrated into our thinking so we can ensure as far as possible these mistakes are not repeated. Sadly, there are examples that the chapter outlines of such violations taking place in many different fields of psychological endeavour. This is balance by examples of good practice.