APA Ethics Code Lecture Notes

Introduction

• Focus on the APA Ethics Code.
• Covers history, introduction, applicability, preamble, general principles, and the first eight standards.
• Emphasis on research context and examples.

History of APA

• Largest U.S. professional organization for psychologists (121,000+ members).
• Founded at Clark University; first president was G. Stanley Hall.
• Merged with other organizations in 1900s, expanded governance.
• Clinical psychology became dominant; led to formation of independent science-focused organizations.
• Aim: Communicate and apply psychological knowledge for societal benefit.

APA Ethics Code Overview

• First written in 1953, last revised in 2010.
• Contains an introduction, preamble, five principles, and ten ethical standards.
• Violations can lead to sanctions or loss of membership/license.
• Standards guide ethical decision-making in science, research, and practice.

Introduction & Applicability

• Discusses intent, organization, procedural considerations, and scope.
• Ethics code only applies to professional roles, not personal conduct.
• Not a basis for civil liability.

Preamble & General Principles

• Aspirational goals; not enforceable.
• Guide psychologists towards high ethical ideals.
• Ethical standards are broad for applicability across roles.

Standard 1: Resolving Ethical Issues

• Importance of resolving ethical dilemmas early.
• Sub-foci include correcting misuse, commitment to ethics code, conflict with law.
• Hoffman Report: implications for human rights violations.
• Informal resolution preferred; report to relevant bodies if unresolved.

Standard 2: Competence

• "Stay in your own lane" principle.
• Research, teaching, and practice within training boundaries.
• Need for additional training in specialized areas if required.
• Maintain competence; delegate work with appropriate supervision.
• Specific standards: 2.01, 2.03, 2.04, 2.05, 2.06.

Standard 3: Human Relations

• Avoid unfair discrimination and harassment.
• Strive to avoid harm; manage multiple relationships carefully.
• Clarification of client roles and informed consent.
• Confidentiality maintenance and recording permissions.

Standard 4: Privacy & Confidentiality

• Importance of confidentiality in research.
• Discuss limitations and consent for recording.
• Four exceptions to disclose without consent (harm prevention, consultation, service provision, payment).

Standard 6: Record Keeping & Fees

• Proper storage and dissemination of records.
• Discuss fees and limitations upfront.
• Avoid misrepresentation of fees.

Education & Training

• Delivery of psychological training in education settings.
• Ensure accurate program descriptions and feedback mechanisms.

Research and Publication

• Institutional approval and informed consent requirements.
• Dispensing with informed consent only under specific conditions.
• Ethical incentives and use of deception.
• Humane care and use of animals.
• Authorship based on contribution, not position of power.
• Upholding confidentiality and integrity in publication.

Conclusion

• Not exhaustive; therapy and assessment standards not covered here.
• Emphasizes overlapping content with principles and other standards.
• Encourages further exploration of APA Ethics Code.