Psychology Case

Just as in any profession, a code of ethics is essential in conducting business. In the field of psychology it is even more essential that a person in the field use ethical information and make ethical decisions for their clients and in their research. According to the American Educational Research Association (2011), "educational researchers must adhere to the highest scientific and professional standards and accept responsibility for their work." If these professionals do not adhered to such code of ethics, their research and their work can be seen as inaccurate.

Those who are in the field of psychology should support the principle of being responsible when it comes to conducting their work, whether it is within a study or theory, or even with a client. According to Panicker (2003), "research should be conducted honestly and fairly maintaining integrity in conducting and reporting research." Psychologists rely on research in their field, and if they are given research that is not fair and accurate, it could hinder their treatement with their patients, and even how they themselves conduct their business.

The American Psychologist Associations' Code of Conduct is a universal standard that must be adhered to by all professionals in the field of psychology. Behnke (2006) states, "this statement is based on the very idea that the field has and continues to expand according to the research, information and inclination within and as a result the APA Ethics Code, at times, has found itself to be woefully ill equipped to address the many issues facing those in any one of the current 54 divisions."

The APA Code of Conduct or Ethics Code is based on the following principles: 1) Beneficence and Non-malfeasance, 2) Fidelity and Responsibility, 3) Integrity, 4) Justice, and 5) Respect and Dignity of the individual (APA, 2010). Ethics in personal and professional manners should not differ. What one does in their personal life, they should do so in their professional life, especially in the field of psychology. While the psychologist must follow the ethical standards as stated in the APA Ethics Code, they should also be held to those same ethical codes in their personal life, as should everyone.

Psychology is a very important field. It is a field that is based on trust and results. A psychologist must act ethical in all aspects of their field, whether it is the client/doctor confidentiality, or revealing the true results of a study that disproved their theory. If they choose to act unethical, it not only impacts the study or the client, but everyone else involved.

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