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Ethics in Psychology

Overview​

Ethics play a crucial role in the field of psychology, both in research and clinical practice. As a student pursuing a degree in psychology, understanding and applying ethical principles is essential for conducting responsible and meaningful work in the field. In this guide, we'll explore the fundamental concepts of ethics in psychology, discuss their significance, and provide practical examples to illustrate their application.

Key Ethical Principles​

Respect for Persons​

Respect for persons is one of the core ethical principles in psychology. It encompasses several sub-principles:

  • Autonomy: The right of individuals to make informed decisions about their own lives and well-being.
  • Non-maleficence: Do no harm to others.
  • Beneficence: Act in ways that promote the well-being of others.
  • Justice: Ensure fair distribution of benefits and burdens.

Imagine you're conducting research on memory recall techniques. To ensure respect for persons, you would:

  1. Clearly explain the study's purpose, risks, and potential benefits.
  2. Obtain voluntary consent from participants.
  3. Provide options for participants to withdraw at any time.
  4. Maintain confidentiality and anonymity of participants.

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Case Study: The Ashley Treatment​

In 2006, a young woman named Ashley X underwent a controversial medical treatment involving significant physical interventions. The case raised serious ethical concerns regarding informed consent, autonomy, and the rights of individuals with disabilities. It serves as an example of how ethics in psychology can impact real-life decisions and outcomes.

Read more about the Ashley Treatment controversy ``

Ethical Guidelines and Codes of Conduct​

Psychologists adhere to various guidelines and codes of conduct to ensure ethical practice. Some notable ones include:

  • American Psychological Association (APA) Ethics Code
  • British Psychological Society (BPS) Code of Human Research Ethics
  • World Medical Association Declaration of Helsinki

These documents provide comprehensive frameworks for ethical decision-making in research and practice.

Example: APA Ethics Code​

The APA Ethics Code emphasizes several key principles:

  1. Respect for people's rights and dignity
  2. Concern for welfare of those involved in research
  3. Responsibility to society

Let's explore these principles through a hypothetical scenario:

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Case Study: The Rosenhan Experiment​

In 1973, David Rosenhan conducted an experiment to test diagnostic reliability in psychiatric hospitals. He and seven colleagues feigned symptoms of schizophrenia and were admitted to different psychiatric facilities. All were diagnosed with schizophrenia and received antipsychotic medication. This study highlighted issues with diagnosis and the importance of considering alternative explanations for behavior.

Read more about the Rosenhan Experiment ``

Research Methods​

Ethical considerations are particularly important in research design:

  • Obtaining informed consent
  • Ensuring participant safety
  • Addressing potential biases

Example: Online Surveys​

When designing online surveys, researchers must consider:

  • Anonymity vs. pseudonymity
  • Data protection measures
  • Potential for social desirability bias

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