Ethical Principles in Psychology: Case Study Guidance

Q1. Principle 1: Respect for the rights and dignity of the person

Case Study:

Sonia is a 34-year-old woman living in sheltered accommodation. You overhear a co-worker discussing that Sonia is HIV positive. You are about to instruct a cooking class with Sonia and other clients. What needs to happen before you meet Sonia in the cooking class?

Background

Topic: Ethics in Psychology – Respect for Rights and Dignity

This question explores how to handle sensitive information and maintain client confidentiality and dignity in a professional setting.

Key Terms and Concepts:

• Confidentiality: The ethical duty to protect private information about clients.

• Respect for Dignity: Treating all individuals with respect, regardless of their health status or background.

• Ethical Dilemma: A situation where there is a conflict between two or more ethical principles.

Step-by-Step Guidance

1. Identify the ethical issue: Consider why overhearing Sonia's HIV status presents a dilemma regarding confidentiality and respect.

2. Reflect on your professional responsibilities: Think about your obligations to maintain Sonia's privacy and dignity.

3. Consider the impact of your actions: How might your behavior or attitude toward Sonia change if you act on this information?

4. Review relevant ethical guidelines: What do professional codes of conduct say about handling confidential information?

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Q2. Principle 2: Competence

Case Study:

You are a community care worker linking with schools about peer abuse. After discussing a TV show on online abuse with teachers, the principal asks you to hold an information session for teachers. Do you agree to facilitate the group, and what are the consequences of agreeing or not agreeing?

Background

Topic: Professional Competence and Boundaries

This question examines your ability to assess your competence and the implications of accepting or declining professional responsibilities.

Key Terms and Concepts:

• Competence: Having the necessary skills, knowledge, and training to perform a task effectively and ethically.

• Professional Boundaries: Understanding the limits of your role and expertise.

• Consequences: The potential outcomes of your decision for yourself, the teachers, and the students.

Step-by-Step Guidance

1. Assess your own competence: Do you have the necessary expertise to lead a session on online bullying?

2. Consider the needs of the teachers: Would your session provide valuable information and support?

3. Evaluate the consequences: What might happen if you agree or decline? Think about the impact on your professional reputation and the school community.

4. Reflect on ethical guidelines: What do professional standards say about taking on new responsibilities?

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Q3. Principle 3: Responsibility

Case Study:

You work in a facility for people with physical needs. Louise, a co-worker, is concerned that Michael is discussing a client's care outside the service. Ethan's brother requests that you take over Ethan's care, but Louise asks you not to agree. How do you respond to Louise?

Background

Topic: Professional Responsibility and Team Dynamics

This question focuses on your responsibility to clients, maintaining professional boundaries, and managing workplace relationships.

Key Terms and Concepts:

• Responsibility: The duty to act in the best interests of clients and maintain ethical standards.

• Confidentiality: Protecting client information from unauthorized disclosure.

• Teamwork: Collaborating effectively with colleagues while prioritizing client welfare.

Step-by-Step Guidance

1. Clarify the ethical issue: What are the main concerns regarding client care and confidentiality?

2. Consider your responsibilities: What is your duty to Ethan, Louise, and the team?

3. Evaluate the situation: How might agreeing or not agreeing to the switch affect Ethan's care and team dynamics?

4. Consult relevant policies: What do workplace guidelines say about client assignment and confidentiality?

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Q4. Principle 4: Integrity

Case Study:

You are asked to select families for a study on the effectiveness of a domestic abuse refuge. After referring a family with ongoing issues, your co-worker asks you to choose a different family to avoid skewing the results. What do you do?

Background

Topic: Integrity and Research Ethics

This question addresses the importance of honesty, transparency, and ethical conduct in research and reporting.

Key Terms and Concepts:

• Integrity: Adhering to moral and ethical principles, especially honesty in research.

• Research Ethics: Ensuring that research is conducted fairly and accurately represents the population studied.

• Bias: Any influence that distorts the results of a study.

Step-by-Step Guidance

1. Identify the ethical issue: Why is it problematic to select only families with positive outcomes?

2. Consider your responsibilities: What is your duty to the families, the research, and the community?

3. Reflect on research integrity: How does selecting or excluding certain families affect the validity of the study?

4. Review ethical guidelines: What do professional standards say about participant selection in research?

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