Week 10 Flashcards
Why do psychologists need a Code of Conduct?
To safeguard:
the welfare of those who use psychological services
the integrity of the profession
Who administers/manages the Code of Conduct for psychologists in Australia?
Psychology Board of Australia
Australian Psychological Society
What are the three main principles behind the Code of Ethics?
Respect for the rights and dignity of people and peoples
Propriety
Integrity
Respect for rights and dignity of people and peoples
Psychologists regard people as intrinsically valuable and respect their rights, including the right to autonomy and justice
Psychologists engage in conduct which promotes equity and the protection of people’s human, moral and legal rights
Psychologists respect the dignity of all people and people’s.
What are the Ethical Standards of Respect?
Justice *
Respect
Informed Consent *
Privacy
Confidentiality *
Release of Information to Clients
Collection of Client Information from associated parties
Describe Justice as an ethical standard?
Related to discrimination and bias in psychological assessment:
Psychologists are aware of the limitations of using English language assessment tools for the psychological assessment of culturally and linguistically diverse clients
When psychologists are obtaining informed consent for a psychological assessment and explaining the limits of confidentiality, psychologists are aware that some clients from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds may not be familiar with these concepts. Where necessary, psychologists seek the advice of a relevant cultural consultant.
When assessing clients who are immigrants or refugees, psychologists take responsibility for overcoming any language or cultural bias in the assessment instruments used. Psychologists are also mindful of the possibility that the client’s previous experiences may affect their readiness to be assessed.
When psychologists conduct assessments of cognitive functioning for culturally and linguistically diverse clients, psychologists review the suitability of available assessment tools and adapt their assessment processes to reflect accurately each client’s capabilities.
Describe Informed Consent
When receiving a request for a psychological assessment, psychologists clarify the purpose of the request and select appropriate methods that are consistent with the purpose of the psychological assessment.
Psychologists explain clearly to their client:
a) the purpose of the psychological assessment
b) what is involved in the assessment process
c) to whom any client information will be disclosed, particularly the distribution of any reports
d) how reports will be stored and the duration of storage
Describe Confidentiality
Psychological assessment information is used only for the purposes for which it was first collected, and for which consent was obtained from the client being assessed. If assessment results are to be used for a secondary purpose, psychologists obtain consent from the client prior to commencing the assessment.
Describe Propriety
Psychologists ensure that they are competent to deliver the psychological services they provide
They provide psychological services to benefit and not to harm
Psychologists seek to protect the interests of the people and the peoples with whom they work
The welfare of clients and the public and the standing of the profession take precedence over psychologists self-interest
What are the Ethical Standards of Propriety?
Competence *
Record Keeping
Professional Responsibility
Provision of psychological services at the request of a third party
Provision of psychological services to multiple clients
Delegation of professional tasks
Use of interpreters
Collaborating with others for the benefit of clients
Accepting clients of other professionals
Suspension of psychological services
Termination of psychological services
Conflicting demands
Psychological assessment*
Research
Describe Competence as an Ethical Standard.
Competent conducting of psychological assessments includes, but is not limited to:
- determining the need to undertake psychological assessment
- clarifying whether previous assessment data exist and if so, whether existing assessment data can be considered current, or a new assessment is required
- choosing appropriate and psychometrically sound assessment procedures and where necessary, making adaptations to allow for cultural differences
- accurately scoring and interpreting the results
- considering the assessment data in the context of all available information about the client, rather than interpreting assessment data in isolation
- drawing conclusions from the assessment of the client that are based on data obtained from a range of sources
- effectively communicating the results by oral or written feedback to the individual client, and/or by a written report to the commissioning party (e.g. to the medical practitioner, insurance company, human resources agency etc.)
- Making sound recommendations and decision on the basis of results ensuring each component of the assessment is appropriately weighted
Describe Psychological Assessment as an Ethical Standard
Psychologists used established scientific procedures and observe relevant psychometric standards when they develop and standardise psychological tests and other assessment techniques
Psychologists specify the purposes and uses of their assessment techniques and clearly indicate the limits of the assessment techniques applicability
Psychologists ensure that they choose, administer and interpret assessment procedures appropriately and accurately
Psychologists use valid procedures and research findings when scoring and interpreting psychological assessment data
Psychologists report assessment results appropriately and accurately in language that the recipient can understand
Psychologists do not compromise the effective use of psychological methods or techniques, nor render them open to misuse by publishing or otherwise disclosing their contents to persons unauthorised or unqualified to receive such information
Describe Integrity as an Ethical Standard.
Psychologists recognise that their knowledge of the discipline of psychology, their professional standing, and the information they gather place them in a position of power and trust
Psychologists use their power appropriately and honour this position of trust
Psychologists keep faith with the nature and intentions of their professional relationships
Psychologists act with probity and honesty in their conduct
What are the Ethical Standards of Integrity?
Reputable behaviour
Communication
Conflicts of interest
Non-exploitation
Authorship
Financial arrangements
Ethics investigations and concerns
