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Code of Ethics
Brittany Myers
Psychology; Post University
PSY421: Psychology Capstone
Miranda Phillips
February 6, 2022
, 2
Code of Ethics
The "Ethical principles of psychologists code of conduct" contains general principles of
behavior. There are five general principles that psychologists should aim to meet; Principle A:
Beneficent and Nonmaleficent, Principle B: Fidelity and Responsibility, Principle C: Integrity,
Principle D: Justice, and Principle E: Respect for People's Rights and Dignity ("Ethical
principles of," n.d.). These general principles are not laws but ideal standards that psychologists
aspire to uphold. Moreover, the "Ethical principles of psychologists code of conduct" contains
explicit ethical standards of conduct that psychologists are expected to follow that can be
enforced. These ethical standards cover the following areas: resolving ethical issues,
competence, human relations, privacy and confidentiality, advertising and other public
statements, record keeping and fees, education and training, research and publication,
assessment, and therapy ("Ethical principles of," n.d.). This paper will focus on three areas,
research, psychological assessment, and therapy. The paper will then focus on a discussion of an
ethical issue.
Several recurring themes are seen in the ethical standards of human and animal research,
psychological assessment, and clinical work. The most straightforward recurring theme is
informed consent. In research, when informed consent is obtained as required by Standard 3.10,
Informed Consent, researchers must provide participants with all necessary information
regarding the study, including, but not limited to, the purpose, procedure, risks and benefits, the
right to decline and withdraw, and contact information to ask questions ("Ethical principles of,"
n.d.). Moreover, informed consent must be obtained when researchers record participants, both
audio and video ("Ethical principles of," n.d.). Like for research, in psychological assessments,
informed consent is obtained as required by Standard 3.10; however, unlike in research, there are
Code of Ethics
Brittany Myers
Psychology; Post University
PSY421: Psychology Capstone
Miranda Phillips
February 6, 2022
, 2
Code of Ethics
The "Ethical principles of psychologists code of conduct" contains general principles of
behavior. There are five general principles that psychologists should aim to meet; Principle A:
Beneficent and Nonmaleficent, Principle B: Fidelity and Responsibility, Principle C: Integrity,
Principle D: Justice, and Principle E: Respect for People's Rights and Dignity ("Ethical
principles of," n.d.). These general principles are not laws but ideal standards that psychologists
aspire to uphold. Moreover, the "Ethical principles of psychologists code of conduct" contains
explicit ethical standards of conduct that psychologists are expected to follow that can be
enforced. These ethical standards cover the following areas: resolving ethical issues,
competence, human relations, privacy and confidentiality, advertising and other public
statements, record keeping and fees, education and training, research and publication,
assessment, and therapy ("Ethical principles of," n.d.). This paper will focus on three areas,
research, psychological assessment, and therapy. The paper will then focus on a discussion of an
ethical issue.
Several recurring themes are seen in the ethical standards of human and animal research,
psychological assessment, and clinical work. The most straightforward recurring theme is
informed consent. In research, when informed consent is obtained as required by Standard 3.10,
Informed Consent, researchers must provide participants with all necessary information
regarding the study, including, but not limited to, the purpose, procedure, risks and benefits, the
right to decline and withdraw, and contact information to ask questions ("Ethical principles of,"
n.d.). Moreover, informed consent must be obtained when researchers record participants, both
audio and video ("Ethical principles of," n.d.). Like for research, in psychological assessments,
informed consent is obtained as required by Standard 3.10; however, unlike in research, there are
