Ethic Principles of Psychologists and Code of Conduct Flashcards
What are the four sections in the current version of the Ethics Code?
Applicability, Preamble, General Principles, and Ethical Standards
Which sections of the code are considered aspirational and nonenforceable?
Preamble and General Principles
Which section of the code is mandatory and enforceable?
Ethical Standards
What is the main difference between the Preamble and General Principles and Ethical Standards?
The Preamble and General Principles are nonenforceable, which means that they provide general guidelines for ethical decision-making but will not serve as the basis for disciplinary action against a psychologist.
In contrast, the Ethical Standards are mandatory, enforceable provisions, and it is usually one or more Ethical Standards that are cited in a charge of ethical misconduct by the Ethics Committee.
What does the Introduction of the Ethics Code discuss?
The Introduction discusses the intent, organization, procedural considerations, and scope of application of the Ethics Code.
Describe the Preamble and General Principles section of the Ethics Code.
The Preamble and General Principles are aspirational goals to guide psychologists toward the highest ideals of psychology. Although they are not themselves enforceable rules, they should be considered by psychologists in arriving at an ethical course of action.
Describe the Ethical Standards section of the Ethics Code.
The Ethical Standards test forth enforceable rules for conduct as psychologists. Most of the Ethical Standards are written broadly, on order to apply to psychologists in varied roles, although the application of an Ethical Standard may vary depending on the context. The Ethical Standards are not exhaustive. The fact that a given conduct is not specifically addressed by an Ethical Standard does not mean that it is necessarily either ethical or unethical.
What types of psychologist’s activities does the Ethics Code apply to?
It applies only to psychologists’ activities that are part of their scientific, educational, or professional roles as psychologists.
Areas covered include but are not limited to the clinical, counselling, and school practice of psychology; research; teaching; supervision of trainees; public service; policy development; social intervention; development of assessment instruments; conducting assessments; educational counselling; organizational consulting; forensic activities; program design and evaluation; and administration.
Where are the procedures for filing, investigating, and resolving complaints of unethical conduct described?
In the current Rules and Procedures of the APA Ethics Committee.
What types of sanctions might the APA impose on its members for violations of the standards of the Ethics Code?
- termination of APA membership
- notify other bodies and individuals of its actions
-may also lead to the imposition of sanctions on psychologists or students whether or not they are APA members by bodies other than APA - may act. against a member after his or her conviction of a felony
-expulsion or suspension from an affiliated state psychological association - suspension or loss of licensure.
Is the Ethics Code intended to be a basis of civil liability? Explain.
No. Whether a psychologist has violated the Ethics Code standards does not by itself determine whether the psychologist is legally liable in a court action, whether a contract is enforceable, or whether other legal consequences occur.
When are the four circumstances in which modifiers such as “reasonably, appropriate, or potentially” included in the standards?
When they would
(1) allow professional judgment on the part of psychologists, (2) eliminate injustice or inequality that would occur without the modifier, (3) ensure applicability across the broad range of activities conducted by psychologists, or (4) guard against a set of rigid rules that might be quickly outdated.
What does the term “reasonable” mean in the Ethics Code?
It means the prevailing professional judgment of psychologists engaged in similar activities in similar circumstances, given the knowledge the psychologist had or should have had at the time.
If the Ethics Code establishes a higher standard of conduct than is required by law, what must psychologists do?
They must meet the higher ethical standard.
What must psychologists do if their ethical responsibilities conflict with law, regulations, or other governing legal authority?
They must make their commitment to this Ethics Code and take steps to resolve the conflict in a responsible manner in keeping with basic principles of human rights.
