Question: Ethics Reflection
Forensic psychology professionals have at least two codes that guide their research and practice: the American Psychological Association's Ethical Principles of Psychologists and Code of Ethics, which applies to all psychology specializations, and the American Psychology-Law Society, Division 41 of the APA, Specialty Guidelines for Forensic Psychologists. Ethical codes and guidelines can help the forensic psychology professional maintain professional conduct, make appropriate decisions, and resolve conflicts. Typically, ethical codes are aspirational and reflect the highest standards of professional conduct. However, issues within the practice of forensic psychology are not always categorized easily into right and wrong, and it is one endeavor to read about ethical guidelines and another endeavor entirely to consistently abide by them.
This Assignment invites you to honestly take a deep look within yourself and to identify ethical guidelines that you might find challenging to follow in your work as a forensic psychology professional. Consider your career interests in forensic psychology and whether these are focused more on research/program evaluation or on clinical/counseling work.
To prepare for this Assignment:
• Review the various ethical guidelines in the Learning Resources.
• Focus your attention on those guidelines that you may find challenging based on your personal beliefs or biases.
Explain strategies you might apply to help ensure you comply with the ethical guidelines that you might find challenging to follow.