APA Ethics Code Over and Standards 1 & 2

Question 1

Section A: Introduction and Applicability

Answer 1

-The Ethics Code applies to psychologists’ activities in their scientific, educational, or professional roles.
-APA Ethics Committee may take action against members not just for unethical conduct complaints, but also for felony convictions, expulsion/suspension from state associations, or loss of licensure.
-Fisher (2017) highlights that felony conviction need not be related to psychology practice.

Question 2

Section B: Preamble

Answer 2

The primary goals of the Ethics Code are to ensure the welfare and protection of individuals and groups with whom psychologists work.
Additionally, it aims to educate members, students, and the public about ethical standards in psychology.

Question 3

Section C: General Principles

Answer 3

The five General Principles serve as aspirational guidelines to inspire psychologists toward the highest ethical ideals.
Unlike the enforceable Ethical Standards, the General Principles should not be the basis for imposing sanctions.

Question 4

Section D: Ethical Standards

Answer 4

The Ethical Standards are enforceable rules of conduct that are mandatory for psychologists.
They are divided into ten categories, including Resolving Ethical Issues, Competence, Privacy and Confidentiality, and Therapy, among others.

Question 5

Principle A (Beneficence and Nonmaleficence)
General Principles

Answer 5

Psychologists strive to benefit those they work with while avoiding causing harm.
This principle emphasizes the ethical responsibility to promote well-being and prevent harm in professional practice.

Question 6

Principle B (Fidelity and Responsibility)
General Principles

Answer 6

Psychologists establish trust with clients and uphold professional and scientific responsibilities to society.
They are encouraged to contribute a portion of their professional time for little or no compensation, reflecting a commitment to societal welfare.

Question 7

General Principles
Principle C

Ethics

Answer 7

(Integrity)
Psychologists promote accuracy, honesty, and truthfulness in all aspects of their work.
This principle underscores the importance of maintaining integrity in the science, teaching, and practice of psychology.

Question 8

General Principles
Principle D

Ethics

Answer 8

(Justice)
Psychologists recognize the importance of fairness and justice, ensuring equal access and quality of services for all individuals.
They advocate for equitable treatment and access to psychological services and resources.

Question 9

Principle E (Respect for People’s Rights and Dignity)
General Principles

Answer 9

Psychologists respect the dignity and worth of all individuals and uphold their rights to privacy, confidentiality, and self-determination.
This principle highlights the importance of recognizing and valuing diversity, including cultural, individual, and role differences, in professional practice.

Question 10

Section C: General Principles
Name 5 Principles

Answer 10

Principle A (Beneficence and Nonmaleficence): Strive to benefit and do no harm.
Principle B (Fidelity and Responsibility): Establish trust, be aware of professional responsibilities, contribute time without compensation.
Principle C (Integrity): Promote accuracy, honesty, truthfulness.
Principle D (Justice): Fairness and justice for all.
Principle E (Respect for People’s Rights and Dignity): Respect dignity, rights, and differences of individuals.

Question 11

Resolving Ethical Issues: Standard 1

Answer 11

1.01 Misuse of Psychologists’ Work
1.02 Conflicts Between Ethics and Law, Regulations, or Other Governing Legal Authority
1.03 Conflicts Between Ethics and Organizational Demands
1.04 Informal Resolution of Ethical Violations
1.05 Reporting Ethical Violations
1.06 Cooperating with Ethics Committees
1.07 Improper Complaints
1.08 Unfair Discrimination Against Complainants and Respondents

Question 12

Standard 1.01: Misuse of Psychologists’ Work

Answer 12

If psychologists discover that their work has been misused or misrepresented, they take reasonable steps to correct or minimize the misuse or misrepresentation.

Question 13

Standard 1.02: Conflicts Between Ethics and Law, Regulations, or Other Governing Legal Authority

Answer 13

When psychologists’ ethical responsibilities conflict with laws, regulations, or other legal authorities, they clarify the nature of the conflict, express their commitment to the Ethics Code, and take reasonable steps to resolve the conflict in line with the General Principles and Ethical Standards of the Ethics Code.
Importantly, this standard may not be used to justify or defend violations of human rights.

Question 14

Standard 1.03: Conflicts Between Ethics and Organizational Demands

Answer 14

If psychologists encounter conflicts between the demands of the organizations they are affiliated with and the Ethics Code, they clarify the conflict, affirm their commitment to the Ethics Code, and take reasonable steps to resolve the conflict consistent with the General Principles and Ethical Standards of the Ethics Code.
Similar to Standard 1.02, this standard cannot be used to justify violating human rights.

Question 15

Standard 1.04: Informal Resolution of Ethical Violations

Answer 15

When psychologists suspect an ethical violation by another psychologist, they attempt to resolve the issue informally by bringing it to the attention of the individual, provided an informal resolution seems appropriate and does not violate confidentiality rights.
This standard emphasizes the importance of addressing ethical concerns within the profession.

Question 16

Standard 1.05: Reporting Ethical Violations

Answer 16

If an apparent ethical violation has substantially harmed or is likely to harm a person or organization and cannot be resolved informally, psychologists take further action appropriate to the situation.
This may involve referral to ethics committees, licensing boards, or institutional authorities, ensuring ethical standards are upheld.

Question 17

Standard 1.06: Cooperating with Ethics Committees

Answer 17

Psychologists cooperate in ethics investigations and proceedings conducted by the APA or affiliated state psychological associations they belong to.
Failure to cooperate constitutes an ethics violation, underlining the importance of transparency and accountability within the profession.

Question 18

Standard 1.07: Improper Complaints

Answer 18

Psychologists refrain from filing or encouraging the filing of ethics complaints made with reckless disregard for facts that would disprove the allegation.
This standard aims to prevent the misuse of ethics complaints for personal or professional gain.

Question 19

Standard 1.08: Unfair Discrimination Against Complainants and Respondents

Answer 19

Psychologists do not discriminate against individuals solely based on their involvement in ethics complaints when making decisions related to employment, advancement, or academic opportunities.
However, outcomes of ethics proceedings or other relevant information may be considered in decision-making processes.

Question 20

Competence: Standard 2 (Competence)

Answer 20

2.01 Boundaries of Competence
2.02 Providing Services in Emergencies
2.03 Maintaining Competence
2.04 Bases for Scientific and Professional Judgments
2.05 Delegation of Work to Others
2.06 Personal Problems and Conflicts

Question 21

2.01 Boundaries of Competence:

Answer 21

Psychologists provide services, teach, and conduct research only within the boundaries of their competence, based on their education, training, supervised experience, consultation, study, or professional experience.
They obtain necessary training, experience, consultation, or supervision for understanding factors essential for effective implementation of their services.
Psychologists undertake relevant education, training, supervised experience, consultation, or study when planning to work with new populations, areas, techniques, or technologies.
They may provide services to individuals lacking appropriate mental health services if they make a reasonable effort to obtain the necessary competence.
Psychologists take reasonable steps to ensure competence in emerging areas where standards for preparatory training do not yet exist.
When assuming forensic roles, psychologists become familiar with judicial or administrative rules governing their roles.

Question 22

2.02 Providing Services in Emergencies:

Answer 22

In emergencies, psychologists may provide services to individuals lacking other mental health services and for which they lack training.
Services are discontinued when the emergency ends or appropriate services become available.

Question 23

2.03 Maintaining Competence:

Answer 23

Psychologists continuously work to develop and maintain their competence.

Question 24

2.04 Bases for Scientific and Professional Judgments:

Answer 24

Psychologists base their work on established scientific and professional knowledge of the discipline.

Question 25

2.05 Delegation of Work to Others:

Answer 25

Psychologists delegate work responsibly, ensuring tasks are performed competently and avoiding exploitation or loss of objectivity.

Question 26

2.06 Personal Problems and Conflicts:

Answer 26

Psychologists refrain from initiating activities if their personal problems may affect their competence.
They take appropriate measures if personal problems interfere with work-related duties, such as seeking professional consultation or limiting, suspending, or terminating work-related duties.