Week 7: Ethical Considerations Flashcards
What is the importance of regulating the practice of psychology?
- to protect the public from incompetent, unethical or harmful practitioners
- to formally recognize the body of knowledge psychologists possess
- to protect the use of the title, both for professionals and the public
What are the three types of rules that govern the practice of psychology?
- standards of practice
- ethical codes
- laws
What is the standards of practice?
- more specific guidance
- define the quality of service the public should receive
- specify appropriate professional behaviour
What are ethical codes?
- broad
- aspirational
- difficult to enforce
What are laws?
- limit who can practice psychology
- general limits and requirements of practice
What are the four principles of the CPA Code of Ethics?
Principle I: Respect for the Dignity of Persons and Peoples
Principle II: Responsible Caring
Principle III: Integrity in Relationships
Principle IV: Responsibility to Society
What is Principle I: Respect for the Dignity of Persons and Peoples?
- recognizing the innate worth of all persons
- right to non-discrimination and justice
What are the key components of Principle I?
- respect
- not infringing on the rights of others
- non-discrimination
- fair treatment of others
- informed and free consent
- protecting vulnerable individuals/groups
- privacy
- confidentiality
What is Principle II: Responsible Caring?
maximizing the benefits and minimizing harm
What are the key components of Principle II?
- general caring
- practicing competently
- considering risk/benefit balances
- maximizing benefits
- minimizing harm
- correcting or offsetting harm
- treating animals humanely
What is Principle III: Integrity in Relationships?
being accurate, honest and objective
What are the key components of Principle III?
- accuracy and honesty
- being objective and unbiased
- being straightforward and open
- avoiding incomplete disclosure or deception
- being familiar with the discipline’s rules and regulations
- avoiding conflicts of interests
What is Principle IV: Responsibility to Society?
considering the greater good of society by increasing knowledge and promoting welfare of all humans
What are the key components of Principle IV?
- contributing to the development of knowledge
- contributing to activities that will benefit society
- respecting the society in which we live
What is an ethical dilemma?
the principles of the code conflict
What happens when there is an ethical dilemma?
the principles are prioritized in order
What are the steps in ethical decision-making?
- identify the individuals/groups affected by the decision
- identify the ethical issues of any individuals and groups involved
- consider how your own biases, external pressures, interests, needs, or background might influence your decision-making
- develop alternative courses of action
- analyze the short- and long-term risks and benefits of each course of action
- choose a course of action
