Ethical Standard5.Advertising&Other Public Statements

Question 1

What do psychologists avoid providing false public statements about?

Answer 1

Standard 5.01 Avoidance of False or Deceptive Statements

(a) Public statements include but are not limited to paid or unpaid advertising, product endorsements, grant applications, licensing applications, other credentialing applications, brochures, printed matter, directory listings, personal resumes or curricula vitae, or comments for use in media such as print or electronic transmission, statements in legal proceedings, lectures and public oral presentations, and published materials.

Psychologists do not knowingly make public statements that are false, deceptive, or fraudulent concerning their research, practice, or other work activities or those of persons or organizations with which they are affiliated.

Question 2

Psychologists do not make false, deceptive, or fraudulent statements concerning…

Answer 2

5. 01 (b)
   (1) their training, experience, or competence
   (2) their academic degrees
   (3) their credentials
   (4) their institutional or association affiliations
   (5) their services
   (6) the scientific or clinical basis for, or results or degree of success of, their services
   (7) their fees
   (8) their publications or research findings

Question 3

Psychologist may only claim degrees as credentials for their health services only if those degrees…

Answer 3

5. 01 (c)
   (1) were earned from a regionally accredited educational institution
   (2) were the basis for psychology licensure by the state in which they practice

Question 4

Are psychologists responsible for public statements that are created by others if they hired others to promote their professional practice, products, or activities?

Answer 4

5.02 (a) Statements by Others

YES, psychologists need to correct any misprints or inaccurate information by others and take responsibility

Question 5

Can psychologists compensate employees of press, radio, television, or other communication media in return for publicity in a news item?

Answer 5

5.02 (b)
NO, psychologists are prohibited from compensating employees from the press, television, radio, etc. in return for publicity. It would be unethical to promise a newspaper reporter a reduced therapy fee for her daughter in exchange for an article about his upcoming workshop.

Question 6

A paid advertisement relating to a psychologists’ activities must be_______

Answer 6

5.02 (c)

identified or clearly recognizable as such.

Question 7

Are psychologists responsible for making sure announcements, catalogs, brochures, or advertisements describing workshops, seminars or other non-degree granting educational programs are accurately described?

Answer 7

5.03 Descriptions of Workshops and Non-Degree-Granting Educational Programs
YES, Psychologists ensure accurately describe audience for which the program is intended, the educational objectives, the presenters, and the fees involved.

Ex: If psychologists advertises that workshop is a “hands-on” she/he should not spend entire time lecturing.

Question 8

What do psychologists need to consider when providing public advice or comment via print, internet, or other electronic transmission?

Answer 8

5.04 Media Presentations
Psychologists take precautions to ensure statements
(1) are based on their professional knowledge, training, or experience in accord with appropriate psychological literature and practice
(2) are otherwise consistent with this Ethics Code
(3) Do not indicate that a professional relationship has been established with the recipient
(See also 2.04 Bases for scientific and Professional Judgments)

Question 9

Can psychologists solicit testimonials from current therapy clients/patients or other persons?

Answer 9

5.05 Testimonials
NO, psychologists do not solicit testimonials because of clients/patients or other persons particular circumstances are vulnerable to undue influence.

Question 10

Do psychologists engage in direct or through agents, in uninvited in-person solicitation of business from actual or potential therapy clients/patients or other persons?

Answer 10

5.06 In-Person Solicitation
NO, psychologists do not engage, directly or through agents, in uninvited in-person solicitation of business from actual or potential therapy clients/patients or other persons who because of their particular circumstances are vulnerable to undue influence.

However, this prohibition, does not preclude (1) attempting to implement appropriate collateral contacts for the purpose of benefiting an already engaged therapy client/patient or (2) providing disaster or community outreach services.
**IT would not be unethical to give out business cards to someone who asks for it or send brochures to individuals or organizations. Invited in-person solicitations and mail solicitations may be acceptable.