The importance of understanding your personal ethical perspective.
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The Importance of Understanding Your Personal Ethical Perspective
Your personal ethical perspective is your unique set of beliefs about what is right and wrong. It is shaped by your experiences, values, and culture. It is important to understand your personal ethical perspective because it influences all of your decisions, both personal and professional.
When you understand your personal ethical perspective, you are better able to:
- Make decisions that are consistent with your values.
- Identify and address ethical dilemmas.
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- Build trust with others.
- Be accountable for your actions.
Relationship Between Personal and Professional Ethics in Psychology
Your personal and professional ethics are intertwined. Your personal ethics will inevitably influence your professional behavior. However, there are also professional ethical standards that you must adhere to in your work.
The American Psychological Association (APA) has developed a set of ethical principles and guidelines for psychologists. These ethical principles and guidelines are based on the values of respect, responsibility, and beneficence.
Psychologists have a responsibility to uphold the APA's ethical principles and guidelines in all aspects of their work, including research, practice, teaching, and supervision.
My Own Ethical Awareness
My own ethical awareness is based on the values of respect, responsibility, and beneficence. I believe that all people should be treated with respect, regardless of their race, ethnicity, religion, gender, sexual orientation, or other characteristics. I also believe that psychologists have a responsibility to conduct ethical research and to provide ethical practice.
I am aware of the APA's ethical principles and guidelines, and I strive to adhere to them in all of my work. However, I also recognize that there may be times when my personal and professional ethics come into conflict. In these situations, I will consult with colleagues and supervisors to reach a decision that is consistent with both my personal values and the APA's ethical principles and guidelines.
Aspirational and Enforceable Standards
Aspirational standards are ideals that we strive to achieve. Enforceable standards are rules that we must follow.
The APA's ethical principles and guidelines are a combination of aspirational and enforceable standards. The principles are aspirational, while the guidelines are enforceable.
For example, the APA's ethical principle of respect states that psychologists should respect the dignity and welfare of all people. This is an aspirational standard. Psychologists may not always be able to achieve this ideal, but they should strive to do so in all of their work.
The APA's ethical guideline on informed consent states that psychologists must obtain informed consent from participants before conducting research. This is an enforceable standard. Psychologists who fail to obtain informed consent may be subject to disciplinary action by the APA.
Risks of Following Your Personal Views and Values in Ethical Decisions
There are a number of risks associated with exclusively following your personal views and values in making ethical decisions in professional research or practice.
One risk is that you may make decisions that are not consistent with the APA's ethical principles and guidelines. This could lead to disciplinary action by the APA.
Another risk is that you may make decisions that are biased or discriminatory. For example, if you have strong personal beliefs about a particular issue, you may be more likely to interpret your research findings in a way that supports your beliefs.
Finally, by exclusively following your personal views and values, you may miss out on the opportunity to learn from others and to develop a more nuanced understanding of ethical issues.
Conclusion
It is important to understand your personal ethical perspective and to be aware of the APA's ethical principles and guidelines. By carefully considering both your personal and professional ethics, you can make informed and ethical decisions in your professional research and practice.
Here are some tips for making ethical decisions in professional research or practice:
- Be aware of your own personal ethical perspective and biases.
- Be familiar with the APA's ethical principles and guidelines.
- Consult with colleagues and supervisors when faced with ethical dilemmas.
- Consider the potential consequences of your decisions for all stakeholders involved.
- Be willing to change your mind if you become aware of new information or perspectives.