Code of Ethics

Question 1

What is the focus of the Belmont Report?

Answer 1

protection of human research subjects (Ethical Principles and Guidelines for the Protection of Human Subjects of Research)

Question 2

What are the key elements of the Belmont Report? (3)

Answer 2

• respect for persons
• beneficence
• justice

Question 3

respect for persons (Belmont Report)

Answer 3

people have autonomy OR are protected if they lack autonomy

Question 4

beneficence (Belmont Report)

Answer 4

• research shouldn’t harm participants
• research should benefit participants and society

Question 5

justice (Belmont Report)

Answer 5

participation burden shouldn’t be limited to certain groups & benefits should be available to all

Question 6

What are the codes of practice we look at in psychology?

Answer 6

British Psychological Society (BPS)
American Psychological Association (APA)

Question 7

What are the elements of the BPS code of practice?

Answer 7

General Guidance Document –>
- Code of Ethics and Conduct
- Practice Guidelines (specifically for practitioners)
- Code of Human Research Ethics

Question 8

What are the BPS ethical principles? (4)

Answer 8

1. respect for people’s dignity
2. competence in providing services to a professional standard
3. responsibility for what’s in your control, power, and management
4. integrity (including reflexivity)

Question 9

Give some examples of legal obligations for psychologists according to the Practice Guidelines.

Answer 9

HCPC registration, competence, indemnity insurance, DBS Check, Equality Act, data protection (GDPR or equivalent) etc.

Question 10

What are the APA general principles? (5)

Answer 10

A. Beneficence and Nonmaleficence
B. Fidelity and Responsibility
C. Integrity
D. Justice
E. Respect for People’s Rights and Dignity

Question 11

A. Beneficence and Nonmaleficence

Answer 11

benefit those you work with and do no harm

Question 12

B. Fidelity and Responsibility

Answer 12

• establish trust
• be aware of your professional and scientific duties

Question 13

C. Integrity

Answer 13

promote accuracy and honesty

Question 14

D. Justice

Answer 14

fairness and equal opportunity

Question 15

E. Respect for People’s Rights and Dignity

Answer 15

• respect people’s rights and dignity
• be aware of special safeguards to protect vulnerable people/populations

Question 16

What elements determine whether someone is capable of giving informed consent? (4) “The ability to…”

Answer 16

• understand relevant information
• appreciate the situation and consequences
• reason with information and logically weigh up consequences
• communicate their decision