Professional Ethics: APA Code of Conduct
Merriam-Webster defines ethics as “the discipline dealing with what is good and bad and with moral duty and obligation.” (Merriam-Webster, n.d). The term ethics, from a psychology stand point refers more to professional ethics. Professional ethics is described as “the principals of conduct governing and individual or a group.” (Merriam-Webster, n.d). For example, psychologists use a strict set of guidelines when it comes to research participation, these guidelines are in place to prevent the harm and/or exploitation of research subjects. The American Psychological Association’s Ethical Principles of Psychologists and Code of Conduct, are quite through and extensive. Subsequently known as the Ethics Code, these standards are in place to ensure the ethics and morality of the psychological profession and related fields. Protecting not only the reputation of the field and practicing professionals, but also patients, clients and organizational welfare and interests. The principles and standards presented in The Ethics Code presents an applicable guide of principles and ethics that should be used in maintaining correlated relationships and more
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The primary function of this section is to describe and define the general purpose and application of the document. This section is also used to summarize the various sections contained in the Ethics Code. APA Membership, filing complaints, and language are also briefly highlighted in the Introduction and Applicability section. The Preamble follows the Introduction an Applicability section, and is used to describe the functions and goals of Psychologists as individuals and as a community. The preambles touches briefly on the various roles of psychologists, and explains the need and use of the Ethics Code in the