ethics

Question 1

What historical event led to the development of the Nuremberg Code (1947)?

Answer 1

The Nazi medical experiments during World War II.

Question 2

What is a key principle of the Nuremberg Code?

Answer 2

“The voluntary consent of the human subject is absolutely essential.”

Question 3

What does the Helsinki Declaration (1964) emphasize for medical professionals?

Answer 3

“A physician shall act in the patient’s best interest when providing medical care.”

Question 4

According to the Helsinki Declaration (1964), what is required for research involving vulnerable groups?

Answer 4

Research with a vulnerable group is only justified if it cannot be carried out with a non-vulnerable group.

Question 5

What unethical practice occurred in the U.S. Tuskegee syphilis study [1932-1972]?

Answer 5

400 African American men were never told they had syphilis and were not treated.

Question 6

What are the three ethical principles in the Belmont Report (1979)?

Answer 6

• Respect for persons
• Beneficence
• Justice

Question 7

What does the ethical principle of “Respect for persons” mean?

Answer 7

People have autonomy or must be protected if they don’t have autonomy.

Question 8

What does the ethical principle of “Beneficence” entail?

Answer 8

Research should do no harm to participants and should benefit both participants and society.

Question 9

What does the ethical principle of “Justice” mean?

Answer 9

The burden of participation should not be limited to certain groups, and benefits should be available to all.

Question 10

What is the role of the BPS Code of Ethics?

Answer 10

It provides regularly reviewed documents to guide ethical practices in psychology.

Question 11

What are the four ethical principles for psychologists in the BPS Code of Ethics?

Answer 11

1. Respect for dignity
2. Competence
3. Responsibility
4. Integrity

Question 12

What does the “Respect for the dignity of persons and peoples” principle include?

Answer 12

Values like privacy, consent, and self-determination.

Question 13

What does “Competence in providing services” mean in the BPS Code?

Answer 13

Psychologists must have appropriate skills and should be willing to refer clients when necessary.

Question 14

What does “Responsibility for what is in their power, control, or management” mean?

Answer 14

Psychologists must be accountable, respect welfare, and consider competing duties.

Question 15

What does “Integrity” entail for psychologists?

Answer 15

Psychologists must be honest, truthful, accurate, and avoid conflicts of interest.

Question 16

What are some legal obligations psychologists must follow?

Answer 16

• HCPC Registration
• Indemnity insurance
• DBS checks
• Equality Act compliance
• Data protection (GDPR)

Question 17

What does the Equality Act require psychologists to do?

Answer 17

Prevent discrimination based on protected characteristics such as age, gender, race, religion, and sexual orientation.

Question 18

What does data protection (e.g., GDPR) require psychologists to do?

Answer 18

Ensure fairness, transparency, accuracy, data minimization, and confidentiality in handling personal data.

Question 19

What does the Health and Safety at Work Act require from psychologists?

Answer 19

Ensuring a safe working environment for themselves and others.

Question 20

What other legal obligations do psychologists have under the BPS Code?

Answer 20

• Freedom of Information Act
• Mental Capacity Act
• Mental Health Act

Question 21

What does informed consent require from participants?

Answer 21

Full information, voluntary participation, and the ability to make a decision based on understanding, reasoning, and communication.

Question 22

What abilities are required for a person to have the capacity to give informed consent?

Answer 22

• Understand relevant information
• Appreciate the situation and its consequences
• Reason with the information and weigh consequences logically
• Communicate their decision

Question 23

What does “voluntary participation” in informed consent mean?

Answer 23

Participants must agree to participate without any form of coercion or undue pressure.

Question 24

What does the BPS Code of Ethics suggest when confronted with a challenging ethical issue?

Answer 24

Psychologists should consider it good practice to record their decision-making processes.