Ethical Considerations

Ethical considerations can become complex, particularly within the many careers in which psychology graduates find themselves. This week, you received just an introduction to the area of professional ethics. Your Discussion gives you an opportunity to consider what ethical principles are in psychology and what they might mean to you as a professional.

To prepare for this Discussion:

• Read the information on ethics presented in the APA websites listed in this week’s Learning Resources.
• Review the General Principles of the APA Ethical Standards from the resource titled “Ethical Principles of Psychologists and Code of Conduct” found in the Learning Resources
• Select one of the principles and think about how it applies to your program or area of specialization.
• Take the time to really envision what your success looks and feels like; really sit back and put yourself in that position and create the “you” that successfully finishes this program and how you might put what you learn into action for positive social change.

With these thoughts in mind:

Post by Day 3 a brief description of the principle you selected from the General Principles of the APA Ethical Standards you read about in “Ethical Principles of Psychologists and Code of Conduct.” Explain it in your own words. Explain in what way the principle could be applicable in your area of specialization and why.

Be sure to support your postings and responses with specific references to this week’s Learning Resources.

Read a selection of your colleagues’ postings.

Respond by Day 5 to two of your colleagues and continue the Discussion through Day 7. Choose one of the ethical principles discussed by your colleagues and respond with your thoughts about how positive social change relates to this ethical principle. Describe one act of positive social change that you can foresee resulting from your psychology specialization/program.

Return to this Discussion periodically to read the responses to your initial posting and reply as you wish. Note what you have learned and/or any insights you have gained as a result of the comments your colleagues made.