Ethics: Key Principles, Dilemmas and Decision-Making Procedures

Question 1

Define

Morals

Answer 1

one’s perspective of what’s right and proper conduct

Question 2

Ethics

Answer 2

a set of principles for guiding behaviours; in the case of psychological testing and assessment, for guiding professional behaviours

Question 3

Ethical dilemma

Answer 3

Occurs when there exists a conflict, involving a clash of ethical principles, between two competing interests and/or actions

Question 4

Positive illusions

Answer 4

unrealistically favorable attitudes that people have towards themselves or to people that are close to them

Question 5

Egocentrism

Answer 5

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

Question 6

Omission biases

Answer 6

the tendency to favor an act of omission over one of commission

Question 7

APS Code of Ethics

Answer 7

Identifies key principles and professional practices which safeguard the welfare of consumers and the integrity of the profession

Question 8

APS Ethical Guidelines

Answer 8

Complement the Code by clarifying and illustrating the application of ethical principles in various circumstances

Question 9

Deontological

Answer 9

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

Question 10

Consequentionalist

Answer 10

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

Question 11

Personality-based ethics

Answer 11

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

Question 12

Utilitarianism

Answer 12

the ‘right’ action is that which maximises happiness/wellbeing for as many people as possible

Question 13

Dignity

Answer 13

treating each person as an end in themselves rather than as a means to an end

Question 14

Equitability

Answer 14

being fair and impartial in judgments and relationships

Question 15

Prudence

Answer 15

requires that we take care to ensure that the potential for damage is eliminated or minimised

Question 16

Honesty

Answer 16

behaving in a way that is straightforward and truthful

Question 17

Openness

Answer 17

acting in accord with this principle necessitates that, within the relationship, communication should be characterised by candour and free of hypocrisy

Question 18

Goodwill

Answer 18

refers to generating a reputation of being concerned for others and perhaps altruistic

Question 19

Suffering prevention

Answer 19

involves not only the prevention of suffering, but also its alleviation

Question 20

Definition

one’s perspective of what’s right and proper conduct

Answer 20

Morals

Question 21

Definition

a set of principles for guiding behaviours; in the case of psychological testing and assessment, for guiding professional behaviours

Answer 21

Ethics

Question 22

Definition

Occurs when there exists a conflict, involving a clash of ethical principles, between two competing interests and/or actions

Answer 22

Ethical dilemma

Question 23

Definition

unrealistically favorable attitudes that people have towards themselves or to people that are close to them

Answer 23

Positive illusions

Question 24

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

Answer 24

Egocentrism

Question 25

# Definition the tendency to favor an act of omission over one of commission

Answer 25

Omission biases

Question 26

# Definition Identifies key principles and professional practices which safeguard the welfare of consumers and the integrity of the profession

Answer 26

APS Code of Ethics

Question 27

# Definition Complement the Code by clarifying and illustrating the application of ethical principles in various circumstances

Answer 27

APS Ethical Guidelines

Question 28

# 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

Answer 28

Deontological

Question 29

# 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

Answer 29

Consequentionalist

Question 30

# 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

Answer 30

Personality-based ethics

Question 31

# Definition the 'right' action is that which maximises happiness/wellbeing for as many people as possible

Answer 31

Utilitarianism

Question 32

# Definition treating each person as an end in themselves rather than as a means to an end

Answer 32

Dignity

Question 33

# Definition being fair and impartial in judgments and relationships

Answer 33

Equitability

Question 34

# Definition requires that we take care to ensure that the potential for damage is eliminated or minimised

Answer 34

Prudence

Question 35

# Definition behaving in a way that is straightforward and truthful

Answer 35

Honesty

Question 36

# Definition acting in accord with this principle necessitates that, within the relationship, communication should be characterised by candour and free of hypocrisy

Answer 36

Openness

Question 37

# Definition refers to generating a reputation of being concerned for others and perhaps altruistic

Answer 37

Goodwill

Question 38

# Definition involves not only the prevention of suffering, but also its alleviation

Answer 38

Suffering prevention

Question 39

Why do we need to learn about ethics in psychology?

Answer 39

There is a clear power imbalance between the psychologist and consumer who is often vulnerable. Therefore, psychologists need to take responsibility for their actions

Question 40

Why is the APS Code of Ethics important?

Answer 40

* 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

Question 41

What is the difference between a mixed dilemma and an ethical dilemma?

Answer 41

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.**

Question 42

What are the three basic theoretical perspectives on ethics?

Answer 42

Deontological Consequentionalist Personality-based

Question 43

If an act is considered ethical because it was a product of good intention, which ethical view does it follow?

Answer 43

Deontological

Question 44

Which ethical view is utilitarianism apart of?

Answer 44

Consequentionalism

Question 45

What are some examples of universal virtuous characteristics?

Answer 45

Wisdom Creativity Curiosity Fairness Forgiveness Integrity Respectfulness Benevolence

Question 46

What are the 7 first-level principles of ethics?

Answer 46

**D**ignity **E**quitability **P**rudence **H**onesty **O**penness **G**oodwill **S**uffering prevention

Question 47

What are the three general principles to the APS Code of Ethics?

Answer 47

A. Respect for the rights and dignity of people and peoples B. Propriety C. Integrity

Question 48

What is the Commonsense, Objectivity Trap?

Answer 48

The belief that "commonsense, objective solutions" to professional ethical dilemmas are easy to come by

Question 49

What is the Values Trap?

Answer 49

A psychologist's personal values, moral standards, or religious convictions may conflict with requirements specified by professional code

Question 50

What is the Circumstantiality Trap?

Answer 50

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

Question 51

What is the *"Who Will Benefit?"* Trap?

Answer 51

The resolution of an ethical dilemma often means taking sides among two or more conflicting interests