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| "Eye Opener" by Burhan Dogancay (2009)This artwork may be protected by copyright. It is posted on the site in accordance with fair use principles |
Could this experiment be used to bypass someone's conscious resistance to revealing their sexual preferences? In other words, might a subject be told that this was a vision test, when really it was an effort to determine whether or not they were gay?
Do you see any ethical or scientific problems with such an experiment? Why or why not?
Do you think that it is possible to train someone's unconscious in such a way that might change their visual abilities in this regard?
There are always exceptions to the rule, although this test might be accurate for most individuals, it is not an universal truth. In saying that, this test could possibly mislead a few individuals on what their sexual preference is. Not only that but it is unethical to lie to someone in order to find out their true sexual preference. This is an area where I believe that a person’s critical thinking and conscious must make the final decision. Although a person my lean a certain direction on which sex they find attractive that is not an absolute indicator on whether or not they are homosexual.
ReplyDeleteIn saying that, I think that if a person is questioning their sexual orientation or just curious to see what the test results bring up and want to have the experiment run on them it is acceptable. But I do not agree with the testing of unassuming patients in order for the researcher to make an educated guess at what the person’s sexual orientation might be.
I do think that a person’s unconscious can be trained in ways to change their visual abilities in this regard. If an individual is shown the pictures enough times with the right stimulus I believe that person could be trained to see and recognize whatever the researchers would like them to point out in the still image.
Katy Keiffer
The beauty of life are the exceptions to rules. :) I agree this may not be a universal truth that could indeed be misleading to certain parties involved. But what would you say in regards to the possible change in outcome that could result from knowing about such a test? If the mind can be trained to see certain things, don't you think our mind is aware of us testing it? Therefore, it's not in a natural relaxed environment where it can make natural decisions like seeing the naked man/woman versus being aware of its presence somewhere and what such an awareness could mean.
DeleteIt may be beneficial for subjects to be unaware and perhaps do a poll after the test as to the sexual preference in order to compare the results and the personal answer.
People are crazy. Showing them pictures would not determine if they are gay. Maybe they are bisexual and find both naked men and women stimulating? Maybe the person being tested has an issue with being easily aroused by anything remotely sexual. I do not believe it would be accurate and I do not see the point of it. Let's pretend that this was happening right now for the purpose of testing military men and women to see if they are gay. Or maybe to test MBA players. All "good" reasons to test a persons sexuality fall under what we call discrimination.
ReplyDeleteMorgan Hicks
I can see this experiment could be used to evaluate someone’s sexual preferences and that if the evidence is reliable could be very useful. The experiment would need to have been tested extensively for it to be believable in any circumstance but it could be used if it was shown to be true. I do see ethical issues here though. If someone is using his test to find out if someone is gay or straight just to know and possibly use it against him or her it is violating this someone's right to privacy. I do see that if this test could be proven to be true it could provide rock hard evidence supporting the claim that one is born gay which would be very helpful in the shaping of policy towards homosexuality but anything further than researching where homosexuality comes from would be unethical and wrong.
ReplyDeleteAlan Dennis
This experiment raises an ethical issue in my opinion. Let's be honest, despite whatever personal opinions you hold, it’s to this day a struggle for gays to be accepted completely and unconditionally in today's society. We see every day how the rejection of homosexuality causes turmoil and hurt in many people’s lives. If an individual who believes they are straight volunteers for this test and comes out being told they are actually gay, it could turn their whole life upside down. It could ruin a perfectly happy marriage or throw an individual into a depressed state over not being sure of the life they have led. On the flip side, if a gay person is told, "Surprise, this test actually says you are straight!" it could cause equally destructive damage in their life such as doubting their whole identity and life choices up to that point. I think that as Katy said, the issue of an individual’s sexual preference should be reached through conscious and thoughtful decision making.
ReplyDeleteAnna Talkington
This test certainly is controversial. I do not think that it would be effective in determining a person’s sexual preference. Personally, I think that this test could be detrimental to a person’s character and self. In other words, if the subjects were told that this test determined their sexual preference, and a straight person was told that they are gay or a gay person was told that they are straight, it could ruin them. I think that they would have emotional and mental issues because of it. The sexual preference of someone is a big deal. If I, a person who has been dating the same guy for four years, was told that I was gay after I did this experiment, I would not believe it at all. However, some people would, therefore ruining their current or prospective relationship.
ReplyDeleteA scientific problem would be that it cannot be proven accurate because it does not have any viable evidence. The test feeds off of the unconscious mind, which is a mystery in itself. An ethical issue is that it “determines” one’s sexual preference. In my perspective, I see that as being unethical. To those who believe that homosexuality is a choice, this experiment could be considered inaccurate and immoral due to the “determining” aspect of it. To those who believe that homosexuality is innate, this experiment could be seen as a way of having someone other than you tell you who you are.
I think that a person’s unconscious can be trained. By viewing the same kind of picture or object a number of times, it would become etched in that person’s mind. If the person is expecting a particular picture or thinking of it at that time, it could alter the results of the test. I do not think that this test could be proven as being useful. Overall, I think that the question of oneself should be left with that person.