Ethical considerations in psychology

Full Answer Section

• Key Findings: It emphasizes the five general principles of the APA ethics code: Beneficence and Nonmaleficence, Fidelity and Responsibility, Integrity, Justice, and Respect for People's Rights and Dignity. It also details specific ethical standards related to various professional activities.  
• Ethical Considerations: Covers a wide range of issues, including informed consent, confidentiality, dual relationships, competence, and boundaries. It highlights the importance of ethical decision-making models and consultation.
• Strengths: Comprehensive, covers a broad range of ethical issues.
• Limitations: Because it is so broad, it cannot go into extreme depth on every specific ethical issue.
• Contribution: It serves as a foundational text for understanding ethical principles and standards in psychology.

2. Article: Fisher, C. B. (2017). Decoding the ethics code: A practical guide for psychologists (4th ed.). Sage Publications.  

• Main Focus: This book provides a practical guide to interpreting and applying the APA Ethics Code.  
• Methodology: It uses real-world case examples and scenarios to illustrate how ethical principles apply in practice.
• Key Findings: Emphasizes the importance of proactive ethical decision-making, consultation, and documentation. It also addresses specific ethical challenges related to research, therapy, and other professional activities.
• Ethical Considerations: Covers informed consent, confidentiality, multiple relationships, competence, record keeping, and other key areas. It provides specific guidance on how to navigate ethical dilemmas.  
• Strengths: Practical and accessible, uses real-world examples.
• Limitations: Primarily focused on the APA Ethics Code.
• Contribution: Helps psychologists translate ethical principles into concrete actions.

3. Article: Sue, D. W., & Sue, D. (2016). Counseling the culturally diverse: Theory and practice (7th ed.). John Wiley & Sons.  

• Main Focus: This book addresses ethical considerations related to providing culturally competent mental health services.
• Methodology: It draws on research from various disciplines, including psychology, anthropology, and sociology, to explore the impact of culture on mental health and service delivery.
• Key Findings: Highlights the importance of cultural awareness, knowledge, and skills in ethical practice. It emphasizes the need to avoid cultural biases and stereotypes and to provide culturally appropriate interventions.
• Ethical Considerations: Covers issues such as cultural competence, microaggressions, cultural adaptations of interventions, and ethical considerations in research with diverse populations.
• Strengths: Addresses a crucial aspect of ethical practice.
• Limitations: Broad scope, may not provide specific guidance for all cultural groups.
• Contribution: Raises awareness of the importance of cultural competence in ethical psychological practice.

4. Article: Sieber, J. E. (2019). Planning ethically responsible research: A guide for students and researchers. Sage Publications.

• Main Focus: This book gives a comprehensive overview of research ethics.
• Methodology: Provides guidance on ethical considerations at each stage of the research process, from study design to data analysis and dissemination.
• Key Findings: Emphasizes the importance of protecting the rights and welfare of research participants. Covers informed consent, privacy, confidentiality, data security, and responsible conduct of research.
• Ethical Considerations: Addresses specific ethical challenges related to different research methodologies, such as qualitative research, online research, and research with vulnerable populations.
• Strengths: Very thorough and covers all stages of research.
• Limitations: Can be dense and theoretical.
• Contribution: Provides a valuable resource for researchers seeking to conduct ethically sound studies.

Sample Answer

. Article: Koocher, G. P., & Keith-Spiegel, P. (2016). Ethics in psychology and the mental health professions: Standards and cases (4th ed.). Oxford University Press. (While a book, it is foundational and comprehensive, functioning as a collection of studies and ethical discussions)  

• Main Focus: This book provides a comprehensive overview of ethical principles and standards in psychology, covering research, therapy, assessment, teaching, and forensic practice.  
• Methodology: It uses a combination of ethical codes (APA, etc.), case studies, and legal precedents to illustrate ethical dilemmas and offer guidance.