ethics Flashcards
What historical event led to the development of the Nuremberg Code (1947)?
The Nazi medical experiments during World War II.
What is a key principle of the Nuremberg Code?
“The voluntary consent of the human subject is absolutely essential.”
What does the Helsinki Declaration (1964) emphasize for medical professionals?
“A physician shall act in the patient’s best interest when providing medical care.”
According to the Helsinki Declaration (1964), what is required for research involving vulnerable groups?
Research with a vulnerable group is only justified if it cannot be carried out with a non-vulnerable group.
What unethical practice occurred in the U.S. Tuskegee syphilis study [1932-1972]?
400 African American men were never told they had syphilis and were not treated.
What are the three ethical principles in the Belmont Report (1979)?
- Respect for persons
- Beneficence
- Justice
What does the ethical principle of “Respect for persons” mean?
People have autonomy or must be protected if they don’t have autonomy.
What does the ethical principle of “Beneficence” entail?
Research should do no harm to participants and should benefit both participants and society.
What does the ethical principle of “Justice” mean?
The burden of participation should not be limited to certain groups, and benefits should be available to all.
What is the role of the BPS Code of Ethics?
It provides regularly reviewed documents to guide ethical practices in psychology.
What are the four ethical principles for psychologists in the BPS Code of Ethics?
- Respect for dignity
- Competence
- Responsibility
- Integrity
What does the “Respect for the dignity of persons and peoples” principle include?
Values like privacy, consent, and self-determination.
What does “Competence in providing services” mean in the BPS Code?
Psychologists must have appropriate skills and should be willing to refer clients when necessary.
What does “Responsibility for what is in their power, control, or management” mean?
Psychologists must be accountable, respect welfare, and consider competing duties.
What does “Integrity” entail for psychologists?
Psychologists must be honest, truthful, accurate, and avoid conflicts of interest.
What are some legal obligations psychologists must follow?
- HCPC Registration
- Indemnity insurance
- DBS checks
- Equality Act compliance
- Data protection (GDPR)
What does the Equality Act require psychologists to do?
Prevent discrimination based on protected characteristics such as age, gender, race, religion, and sexual orientation.
What does data protection (e.g., GDPR) require psychologists to do?
Ensure fairness, transparency, accuracy, data minimization, and confidentiality in handling personal data.
What does the Health and Safety at Work Act require from psychologists?
Ensuring a safe working environment for themselves and others.
What other legal obligations do psychologists have under the BPS Code?
- Freedom of Information Act
- Mental Capacity Act
- Mental Health Act
What does informed consent require from participants?
Full information, voluntary participation, and the ability to make a decision based on understanding, reasoning, and communication.
What abilities are required for a person to have the capacity to give informed consent?
- Understand relevant information
- Appreciate the situation and its consequences
- Reason with the information and weigh consequences logically
- Communicate their decision
What does “voluntary participation” in informed consent mean?
Participants must agree to participate without any form of coercion or undue pressure.
What does the BPS Code of Ethics suggest when confronted with a challenging ethical issue?
Psychologists should consider it good practice to record their decision-making processes.
