Ethics: Key Principles, Dilemmas and Decision-Making Procedures Flashcards
Define
Morals
one’s perspective of what’s right and proper conduct
Ethics
a set of principles for guiding behaviours; in the case of psychological testing and assessment, for guiding professional behaviours
Ethical dilemma
Occurs when there exists a conflict, involving a clash of ethical principles, between two competing interests and/or actions
Positive illusions
unrealistically favorable attitudes that people have towards themselves or to people that are close to them
Egocentrism
the inability to differentiate between self and other. More specifically, it is the inability to untangle subjective schemas from objective reality and an inability to accurately assume or understand any perspective other than one’s own
Omission biases
the tendency to favor an act of omission over one of commission
APS Code of Ethics
Identifies key principles and professional practices which safeguard the welfare of consumers and the integrity of the profession
APS Ethical Guidelines
Complement the Code by clarifying and illustrating the application of ethical principles in various circumstances
Deontological
the branch of ethics that focuses on the concepts of duty and moral obligation. Suggests that some human actions are intrinsically ‘right’ or ‘wrong’, irrespective of the outcome
Consequentionalist
the branch of ethics that focuses on the consequences or outcomes of actions, not the underlying intention. The “good” or “right” action is that which promotes the greatest good consequences for the greatest number
Personality-based ethics
the branch of ethics that emphasises virtues as the measurement of morality. Rather than reduce ethics to right and wrongs, this view prefers to cultivate the virtuous individual
Utilitarianism
the ‘right’ action is that which maximises happiness/wellbeing for as many people as possible
Dignity
treating each person as an end in themselves rather than as a means to an end
Equitability
being fair and impartial in judgments and relationships
Prudence
requires that we take care to ensure that the potential for damage is eliminated or minimised
Honesty
behaving in a way that is straightforward and truthful
Openness
acting in accord with this principle necessitates that, within the relationship, communication should be characterised by candour and free of hypocrisy
Goodwill
refers to generating a reputation of being concerned for others and perhaps altruistic
Suffering prevention
involves not only the prevention of suffering, but also its alleviation
Definition
one’s perspective of what’s right and proper conduct
Morals
Definition
a set of principles for guiding behaviours; in the case of psychological testing and assessment, for guiding professional behaviours
Ethics
Definition
Occurs when there exists a conflict, involving a clash of ethical principles, between two competing interests and/or actions
Ethical dilemma
Definition
unrealistically favorable attitudes that people have towards themselves or to people that are close to them
Positive illusions
Definition
the inability to differentiate between self and other. More specifically, it is the inability to untangle subjective schemas from objective reality and an inability to accurately assume or understand any perspective other than one’s own
Egocentrism
Definition
the tendency to favor an act of omission over one of commission
Omission biases
Definition
Identifies key principles and professional practices which safeguard the welfare of consumers and the integrity of the profession
APS Code of Ethics
Definition
Complement the Code by clarifying and illustrating the application of ethical principles in various circumstances
APS Ethical Guidelines
Definition
the branch of ethics that focuses on the concepts of duty and moral obligation. Suggests that some human actions are intrinsically ‘right’ or ‘wrong’, irrespective of the outcome
Deontological
Definition
the branch of ethics that focuses on the consequences or outcomes of actions, not the underlying intention. The “good” or “right” action is that which promotes the greatest good consequences for the greatest number
Consequentionalist
Definition
the branch of ethics that emphasises virtues as the measurement of morality. Rather than reduce ethics to right and wrongs, this view prefers to cultivate the virtuous individual
Personality-based ethics
Definition
the ‘right’ action is that which maximises happiness/wellbeing for as many people as possible
Utilitarianism
Definition
treating each person as an end in themselves rather than as a means to an end
Dignity
Definition
being fair and impartial in judgments and relationships
Equitability
Definition
requires that we take care to ensure that the potential for damage is eliminated or minimised
Prudence
Definition
behaving in a way that is straightforward and truthful
Honesty
Definition
acting in accord with this principle necessitates that, within the relationship, communication should be characterised by candour and free of hypocrisy
Openness
Definition
refers to generating a reputation of being concerned for others and perhaps altruistic
Goodwill
Definition
involves not only the prevention of suffering, but also its alleviation
Suffering prevention
Why do we need to learn about ethics in psychology?
There is a clear power imbalance between the psychologist and consumer who is often vulnerable. Therefore, psychologists need to take responsibility for their actions
Why is the APS Code of Ethics important?
- Sets specific standards and promotes ethical principles
- Educates psychologists about ethical practices
- Holds psychologists accountable for their actions
- Informs the consumer of psychologists’ responsibilities
- Safeguards consumers and the reputation of the profession
- Provides guidance in decision-making when dilemmas arise
What is the difference between a mixed dilemma and an ethical dilemma?
A dilemma occurs when then there exists a conflict between two competing interests and/or actions.
When the conflict involves a clash of ethical principles, the dilemma is ethical.
When the conflict involves a clash of an ehtical principle and some non-ethical consideration (e.g. the law, employer’s demands), the dilemma is mixed.
What are the three basic theoretical perspectives on ethics?
Deontological
Consequentionalist
Personality-based
If an act is considered ethical because it was a product of good intention, which ethical view does it follow?
Deontological
Which ethical view is utilitarianism apart of?
Consequentionalism
What are some examples of universal virtuous characteristics?
Wisdom
Creativity
Curiosity
Fairness
Forgiveness
Integrity
Respectfulness
Benevolence
What are the 7 first-level principles of ethics?
Dignity
Equitability
Prudence
Honesty
Openness
Goodwill
Suffering prevention
What are the three general principles to the APS Code of Ethics?
A. Respect for the rights and dignity of people and peoples
B. Propriety
C. Integrity
What is the Commonsense, Objectivity Trap?
The belief that “commonsense, objective solutions” to professional ethical dilemmas are easy to come by
What is the Values Trap?
A psychologist’s personal values, moral standards, or religious convictions may conflict with requirements specified by professional code
What is the Circumstantiality Trap?
Belief that there are no absolute ‘rights’ or ‘wrongs’, but rather that etical behaviour depends on the circumstances. But behaviour is often right or wrong according to professional ethical standards regardless of the circumstances under which it occurred
What is the “Who Will Benefit?” Trap?
The resolution of an ethical dilemma often means taking sides among two or more conflicting interests
