Assignment: Ethical Guidelines
In this assignment, you will identify the similarities and differences between the two sets of ethical guidelines that pertain to forensic psychology professionals-Ethical Principles of Psychologists (APA Ethics Code) and Specialty Guidelines for Forensic Psychology. You will understand the expectations for ethical behavior in the field and will be able to identify breaches of the guiding principles of ethical conduct.
Tasks: In a minimum of 300 words, respond to the following:
• Compare and contrast the APA's Ethical Principles of Psychologists (APA Ethics Code) and Specialty Guidelines for Forensic Psychology.
• Provide examples of what would constitute a breach of each of the five general principles specified in the APA Ethics Code.
• PLEASE READ: PROFESSOR'S NOTES::
• Compare and contrast the APA's Ethical Principles of Psychologists (APA Ethics Code) and Specialty Guidelines for Forensic Psychology.
The APA's Ethical Principles of Psychologists set forth enforceable rules of conduct for psychologists. The Ethics Code applies only to psychologists' activities that are part of their scientific, educational, or professional roles as psychologists. Areas covered include but are not limited to the clinical, counseling and school practice of psychology; research; teaching; supervision of trainees; public service; policy development; social intervention; development of assessment instruments; conducting assessments; educational counseling; organizational consulting; forensic activities; program design and evaluation; and administration. The Ethics Code applies to these activities across a variety of contexts, such as in person, postal, telephone, internet and other electronic transmissions (American Psychological Association, 2010).
The goals of the Specialty Guidelines for Forensic Psychology are to improve the quality of forensic psychological services; enhance the practice and facilitate the systematic development of forensic psychology; encourage a high level of quality in professional practice; and encourage forensic practitioners to acknowledge and respect the rights of those they serve. The Guidelines are intended for use by psychologists when engaged in the practice of forensic psychology, and may also provide guidance on professional conduct to the legal system and other organizations and professions (American Psychological Association, 2016).
• Provide examples of what would constitute a breach of each of the five general principles specified in the APA Ethics Code. The following are examples of what would constitute a breach of each of the five general principles specified in the APA Ethics Code:
• Principle A: Beneficence and Nonmaleficence-a forensic psychologist takes action that does not benefit the client, but in fact does harm to their situation
• Principle B: Fidelity and Responsibility-a forensic psychologist breaks the trust of his or her client by breaching their confidentiality
• Principle C: Integrity-a forensic psychologist uses deception and never reveals it to their client
• Principle D: Justice-a forensic psychologist denies access to services unfairly
• Principle E: Respect for People's Rights and Dignity-a forensic psychologist denigrates a homosexual client with the use of homophobic slurs
• References:
• American Psychological Association (2010). Ethical principles of psychologists and code of conduct (including 2010 amendments). Retrieved March 31, 2016, fromhttp://www.apa.org/ethics/code/
• American Psychological Association (2016). Specialty guidelines for forensic psychology. Retrieved March 31, 2016, from: http://www.apa.org/practice/guidelines/forensic- psychology.aspx