Before we address this Discussion Question a brief discussion may help “place” this assignment. Prior to becoming a practicing therapist and researcher, I had little knowledge of or even concern about what truly encompasses “ethical practice.” However, the influence of my instructors and intern supervisors soon caused me to understand and acknowledge the importance of, as well as the subtleties, that relate to issues of ethical practice and principles.
For myself, I identified two perspectives regarding ethical practice. One of those perspectives concerned issues related to “covert” unethical behaviors and attitudes. These covert concerns are not readily known to anyone but the therapist, dealing with minor decisions effecting the research as well as the therapeutic process. Note that it is imperative to think of ethics in terms of all psychological processes (such as research methods) and NOT to limit your thinking that ethics refers only to counseling.
Let me give you an example from the research process that is subtle and, for most psychologists, rather simplistic. When doing a statistical test and knowing the tradeoffs relative to analysis decisions, the researcher chooses a less stringent test (.05 as opposed to .01). The likelihood of getting significant results at the .05 level is more likely. However, in this case, the design of the study (its unique features) really would require the more significant level of .01. However, eager to ‘report significant findings’ the psychologist knowingly chooses to analyze the data at the .05 level. As I stated, this is subtle, but a real world example of an ethical dilemma the psychologist could face.
The second perspective is more obvious – one I term “overt unethical practices.” These are clearly explained to you in this module through the various readings. Before you attempt to create work toward this second discussion question, take the time to read both the Grenyer and Lewis article, as well as the APA Ethical Principles of Psychologists and Code of Conduct. These will help broaden your perspectives regarding what we mean by “ethics” in our profession.
Specifics to Discussion Question 2:
There are four sub-assignments asked of you:
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