Prompted Post #5: Defining Ethics

In every field or organization, it is important to establish a set of guidelines for the behavior expected of the employees. These guidelines are most often know as a code of ethics. Ethics describe the behavior that is expected as well as the mindset that every person involved should have. It is a way of molding its employees so everyone follows the same principles for the same reason, and acts accordingly in their job.

In Psychology, the ethical code is called the "Five General Principles of Ethics for Psychologists." They were created by the American Psychological Association (APA). The ethical code is non-enforceable so it won't limit psychologists, but it was created to “guide and inspire psychologists toward the very highest ethical ideals of the profession” (p. 3).  They were created so that psychologists could strive to reach ethical standards.

The Five Principles of Ethics:

1) Principle A: Beneficence and Non maleficence, "strive to benefit those with whom they work and take care to do no harm." In other words, try not to hurt the people they work with.

2) Principle B: Fidelity and Responsibility, encourages psychologists to do what is needed, to follow all direction and protocol, and to make responsible judgements and actions when necessary.

3) Principle C: Integrity, "promote accuracy, honesty, and truthfulness." and to take responsibility when responsible.

4) Principle D: Justice,  encourages Psychologists to be fair in all of their judgements, decisions and actions.

5) Principle E: Respect for People’s Rights and Dignity, which entitles not forcing them to partake in anything they don't agree too, to not violate any of their rights, and no not harm them in any manner.


These codes correspond to my own ethics in many ways. I try to follow similar principles in my daily life. Three ways that I apply and practice these ethics in college are:

1. I follow Principle A when I help my friends with their homework and studying. I want to benefit those people around me so I try to help them out the best that I can. While striving to benefit my friends, I also strive to not harm them. I do this by always supporting them and being as friendly as possible.

2. I follow Principle B of responsibility the most out of them all. Being in college takes a ton of responsibility. I need to always make sure I am keeping up on my homework, going to class, studying enough for exams, going to work, getting enough sleep, and not spending too much money. I have a ton of responsibility I must attend to and must make judgements on what is more important at a given time.

3. The 3rd principle I follow is Principle C, Integrity. I do this by always being honest and truthful to those around me, especially those people in authority. I have the honestly to take my own exams, to not cheat, to do my own homework and to not steal at work. I use integrity quite a lot because it is an important trait for a person to have.

By following these ethical principles in college, I believe that they will prepare me for using these ethical principles in the future, as a psychologist.

Sources: 
 American Psychological Association. (2010). American Psychological Association ethical principles of psychologists and code of conduct. 12 February 2014.

 Mayer, John D. "The American Psychological Association's Guidelines on Media Presentations." Psychology Today. Sussex Directories, Inc., 2010. Web. 12 Feb. 2014.