Psychology Ethics

 

     The required textbook, "Practical Ethics for Psychologists" by Knapp will be used as an independent study for students to fulfill the ethical portion of this course.  At the 400 level of college education, it is reasonable to expect that students can study material independently and demonstrate comprehension of that information during an assessment.  Thus, there will not be any classroom instruction or study guide provided for this material.

    If you are having difficulty with this material, you are invited to discuss concepts with your peers as other future psychologists or you may make an appointment to meet with the class TA. 

 

            APA book weblink:  https://www.apa.org/pubs/books/4312019.aspx

  • *** This book is available at the University B & N Bookstore and I strongly suggest that you purchase the book in order to pass the weekly quizzes. 
     The Ethics online discussions will be worth 15% of the final course grade!
 
 
 

Online Discussions 

There will be weekly assigned readings and activities for each chapter (see table of contents below). The purpose of these discussions is to think critically about these questions and apply the knowledge to potentially 'real life' scenarios a psychologist might encounter.

    After completing the readings and homework for each module, you will be required to post to the relevant discussion board question. Please note that there are NO RIGHT OR WRONG ANSWERS to these discussion board posts; they are designed to give you the opportunity to reflect more deeply, and to develop your own opinions and positions regarding key contemporary issues in the field of social development. Although you will answer each question individually, you will be able to see the answers given by the other students (after your post). You will also be able to respond to other's answers (elaborate, agree/disagree, etc.) 

GRADING CRITERIA

Discussion board posts will be evaluated on the following criteria: critical analysis of the issue AND reflection of your opinion based on your experiences and the readings. Basic requirements include: 

 

1)   Minimum length of at least 300 words in length PER discussion question for each module. Contributions below this length will receive 0 points automatically.

2)   There will be 15 weekly discussions given over the course of the semester (see class calendar). Discussions are worth 10 points each (150 points maximum). 

3)   You will have 48 hrs to write your own post after the discussion topic is posted. 

4)   You are also required to respond to at least one other student's posting, either agreeing with the comments or expressing an alternate opinion in 1-2 paragraphs (try to respond to postings which haven’t already been responded to, or which have fewer responses).

5) Responses are worth 5 points for each discussion topic (75 points maximum). 

6) You will have 3 days to respond to other students’ answers after the discussion topic is posted. Responses after the due date will receive 0 points automatically.

7) Please make sure to cite the readings in your posts and provide page numbers where relevant. 

NOTE* When posting your answer and your responses to other students’ answers, be sure to use correct grammar, punctuation and syntax. All posts should be checked for spelling and grammatical errors before posting them. Remember that you are communicating with others and correct English usage is critical because you are expecting others to understand what you are saying. It would be helpful to type out your answer/response, spell and grammar check, and then proofread once more before posting. Improper grammar, punctuation, and/or syntax will reduce your grade.

ALSO* Please do not respond to a classmate by only saying, “I agree with your post, great job!” You need to elaborate as to “why” you agree or disagree and try to support your response/feedback with references as well. The discussions are designed to help you clarify your thinking and compare your opinions to those of others. Any opinion, backed by solid research, lends itself to a stronger position         

FINALLY* Also be aware that derogatory comments, bad language, and rudeness will not be tolerated. Disagreement is fine and open discussion is encouraged, as long as it is done with respect and tact. Postings which are derogatory in nature will be immediately removed and your grade will be significantly reduced.

Discussion Schedule - Monday Class

Discussion Schedule - Wednesday Class

      

   Table of Contents: 

  1. The Legal Floor and Positive Ethics
  2. Foundations of Ethical Behavior
  3. Ethical Decision Making
  4. Competence
  5. Informed Consent, Empowered Collaboration, or Shared Decision Making
  6. Multiple Relationships and Professional Boundaries
  7. Confidentiality, Privileged Communications, and Record Keeping
  8. Life-Endangering Patients
  9. Forensic Psychology
  10. Assessment
  11. Special Topics in Psychotherapy
  12. Business Issues
  13. Psychologists as Educators
  14. Consultation and Clinical Supervision
  15. Research and Scholarship

Course Grade Calculation

 

20%  Literature Review Textbook Assignments

20%  Final Literature Review Document

15%  Journal article presentation

15% Ethics Online Discussion

15% Team journal presentation

10%  Service Learning Report

10%  Graduate Portfolio