Unit 1 DB: Ethics In Professional Psychology
In this discussion question, you will have the chance to explore ethical issues of importance for professional psychologists. Go to the APA website, and look up “Ethical Principles of Psychologists” and the Code of Conduct.
First, choose one (1) of the ethical principles and answer the following questions:
Why do you think this principle is important? What difficulties might psychologists encounter when applying this principle?
Describe a real-life situation in which this principle might be used.
In your opinion, how might consideration of sociocultural diversity tie into a psychologist’s adherence to ethical principles?
Then, consider the video in the Readings and Resources showing Stanley Milgram’s landmark study on obedience.
In your opinion, does the information gained on obedience justify the means in which it was obtained? Explain your answer.
Do you think using humans and/or animals in psychological research is ethical? Justify your answer.
One of the ethical principles of psychologists is “Principle A: Beneficence and Nonmaleficence,” which states that psychologists strive to benefit those with whom they work and take care to do no harm.
This principle is important because it guides psychologists to act in the best interest of their clients and to prioritize their safety and well-being. In practice, this principle requires psychologists to consider the potential risks and benefits of any action they take, and to take appropriate steps to minimize harm.
One difficulty that psychologists may encounter when applying this principle is determining what constitutes “harm” in a given situation. For example, some interventions may have short-term negative effects but ultimately lead to positive outcomes. In such cases, psychologists may have to weigh the potential risks and benefits and make difficult ethical decisions.
A real-life situation in which this principle might be used is when a therapist is working with a client who has a history of self-harm. The therapist would have to carefully consider the potential risks and benefits of any interventions they use, and take steps to minimize the risk of harm to the client.
Sociocultural diversity is an important consideration in a psychologist’s adherence to ethical principles because people from different cultural backgrounds may have different beliefs about what constitutes “harm” or “benefit.” For example, some cultures may consider it harmful for an individual to discuss personal or family issues with a therapist, while others may see it as a beneficial way to cope with mental health problems. It’s important for psychologist to be aware of these cultural differences and to adapt their practice accordingly, to minimize harm and increase the chances of benefit to their client
In my opinion, the information gained from Stanley Milgram’s landmark study on obedience is valuable and important in understanding how people conform to authority. However, the means by which it was obtained raises ethical questions. The study used deception and manipulation to elicit a response, and participants were subjected to psychological stress and trauma. Therefore, I believe it is questionable whether the information obtained justifies the means used to obtain it. Ethical guidelines have been established to prevent such studies to be conducted in the same way.
The use of humans and/or animals in psychological research is a complex issue that raises ethical questions. While psychological research can provide important insights into human behavior and can lead to the development of new treatments, it is important to ensure that the research is conducted in an ethical manner. The use of animals in research raises specific ethical concerns, such as ensuring the welfare of the animals used, minimizing pain and distress, and ensuring that their use is justified by the potential benefits of the research. In the case of human participants, researchers should consider the potential risks and benefits of the research, obtain informed consent, and ensure that the rights of participants are protected. Research with humans can be beneficial and important, but it’s crucial that the ethical guidelines are respected and followed.
