If professionals are left to act in whichever way they deem fit, there is bound to be a lot of mistakes and behavior disparity. Consequently, each profession has come up with guidelines which prescribe the correct code of conduct not only to ensure uniformity in actions but also to avoid inappropriate behavior.
For psychologists, these guidelines are contained in the psychologists’ ethical code of conduct (Weseley & McEntarffer, 2010). The ethical code of conduct is composed of general principles and ethical standards. The general principles require psychologists to be aware of their limitations and offer only those services they are qualified to provide.
On the same note, they are required to exhibit integrity by being fair, honest and respectful to others. Moreover, psychologists should maintain professionalism and be ready to take responsibility for their actions. Additionally, psychologists are advised to consult others whenever they are not sure (Gravetter & Forzano, 2011). It is important to note that people’s rights, dignity, and diversity are vital and should be respected.
Furthermore, psychologists are required to have in mind other people’s welfare in their actions and be socially responsible. According to the ethical standards, conflicts between ethics and any other requirement the same should be solved by the general principles and ethical standards of the ethics code. Moreover, any ethical violation by another psychologist should be brought to the attention of the person immediately.
However, the ethical committee should be informed if the problem is not solved and the violation is likely to cause harm either to individuals or an organization. All psychologists should cooperate with the ethical committee and should not report criminal complaints or discriminate either complainants or respondents.
On the same note, psychologists should act within their areas of competence based on education, training, supervised experience, and professional experience when offering services or delegating duties (Weseley & McEntarffer, 2010). Nevertheless, in case of emergency, a psychologist can provide services with he or she is not adequately competent to offer provided care is taken to uphold competence.
Psychologists are expected to refrain from any form of harassment either sexual or otherwise. Similarly, they are supposed to avoid discrimination as well as exploitative or multiple relationships because this might affect their objectivity. Furthermore, psychologists are not supposed to reveal confidential information or provide information that may enable a third party to identify a client without permission from the client.
When advertising or making other public statements, psychologists are required not to make any false or fraudulent information about their professionalism. Similarly, they should not pay in exchange for their publicity (Gravetter & Forzano, 2011). They should also ensure that any presentation they make is within the boundaries of their competence.
Psychologists should maintain correct and detailed records of their clients, and they should not refuse to give them in case of emergency solely due to non-payment. Additionally, they should reach an agreement of a non-exploitative mode of payment with their clients earlier in their relationship. When conducting research, psychologists are supposed to apply due diligence, professional and scientific knowledge.
Good care should be exercised in research that involves animals (Gravetter & Forzano, 2011). It is important to note that any action that requires the consent of other people should be carried out only if the consent is received. On the same note, psychologists should know that being unaware or misunderstanding of the code of conduct is not an excuse for violating the ethical code of conduct.
References
Gravetter, F. J. & Forzano, L. B. (2011). Research Methods for the Behavioral Sciences. Stanford: Cengage Learning.
Weseley, A. J. & McEntarffer, R. (2010). Barron’s AP Psychology, 4th Ed. Hauppauge: Barron’s Educational Series.