Ethics is an underlying principle that governs the directives of every profession. Like any other profession, psychology is governed by ethical principles and it is constantly faced with ethical conundrums. The main focus of this study is to highlight pertinent issues regarding ethics in the psychological line of work. Using a narrative review methodology, this article looked at some examples of unethical behaviour as well as guiding principles of the psychological profession. It was concluded that psychologists uphold the ethical principles governing their profession. Hence, the article recommended that the environment for practice be constantly monitored as well as the conduct of practice by both authorizing bodies and colleagues.
Cite this paper
Mustapha, H. S. and Nketiah, B. (2021). Ethics: An Insight into Psychological Research and Practice. Open Access Library Journal, 8, e7110. doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.4236/oalib.1107110.
Tribe, R. and Morrissey, J. (2020) The Handbook of Professional Ethical and Research Practice for Psychologists, Counsellors, Psychotherapists and Psychiatrists. Routledge, London. https://doi.org/10.4324/9780429428838
Han, H. (2015) Virtue Ethics, Positive Psychology, and a New Model of Science and Engineering Ethics Education. Science and Engineering Ethics, 21, 441-460.
https://doi.org/10.1007/s11948-014-9539-7
Balali, G.I., Yar, D.D., Afua Dela, V.G. and Adjei-Kusi, P. (2020) Microbial Contamination, an Increasing Threat to the Consumption of Fresh Fruits and Vegetables in Today’s World. International Journal of Microbiology, 2020, Article ID: 3029295.
https://doi.org/10.1155/2020/3029295
Bush, S.S., Connell, M. and Denney, R.L. (2020) Ethical Practice in Forensic Psychology: A Guide for Mental Health Professionals. American Psychological Association, Washington DC. https://doi.org/10.1037/0000164-000
O’Donohue, W. (2020) Criticisms of the Ethical Principles for Psychologists and Code of Conduct. Ethics & Behavior, 30, 275-293.
https://doi.org/10.1080/10508422.2019.1679632
Kryuchkov, K.S. (2020) The Hoffman Report: Psychologists and Torture. An Ethical Precaution for Psychologists. Counselling Psychology and Psychotherapy, 28, 148-165. https://doi.org/10.17759/cpp.2020280109
Chenneville, T. and Gabbidon, K. (2020) Application of the APA Ethics Code for Psychologists Working in Integrated Care Settings: Potential Conflicts and Resolutions. Ethics & Behavior, 30, 264-274.
https://doi.org/10.1080/10508422.2019.1683739
Middlemist, R.D., Knowles, E.S. and Matter, C.F. (1976) Personal Space Invasions in the Lavatory: Suggestive Evidence for Arousal. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 33, 541. https://doi.org/10.1037/0022-3514.33.5.541
Koocher, G.P. (1977) Bathroom Behaviour and Human Dignity. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 35, 120-121.
https://doi.org/10.1037/0022-3514.35.2.120
Middlemist, R.D., Knowles, E.S. and Matter, C.F. (1977) What to Do and What to Report: A Reply to Koocher. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 35, 122-124. https://doi.org/10.1037/0022-3514.35.2.122