Ethics 101
These two concepts differ in that one refers to broader societal standards of right and wrong, while the other generally involves more explicitly defined rules within a particular context or group.
Morals and ethics
This mental shortcut allows people to make decisions without carefully evaluating every piece of information.
Heuristic
This ethical principle refers to an individual's ability to make independent decisions about their own life and care, free from undue influence or coercion.
Autonomy
This section of the APA Ethics Code contains enforceable rules of conduct, unlike the General Principles, which are aspirational.
These three levels of moral philosophy examine the nature of morality, principles of right and wrong, and their application to real-world situations.
Metaethics, normative ethics, and applied ethics
This term describes using reasoning to justify a belief or decision we've already made, rather than objectively evaluating it.
Rationalization
This cognitive bias describes the tendency to seek out or favor information that supports what we already believe.
Confirmation bias
These two ethical principles emphasize promoting well-being and avoiding harm, respectively.
Beneficence and non-maleficence
This psychologist developed a six-stage theory of moral development, progressing from obedience and avoiding punishment to universal ethical principles.
Kohlberg
This phenomenon occurs when individuals fail to recognize the ethical implications of their actions, often due to cognitive biases or situational pressures.
Ethical blindness
This theory suggests that the perceived seriousness of an ethical issue depends on factors such as the magnitude of consequences, social consensus, and proximity to those affected.
Moral intensity
A psychologist is asked to administer a specialized assessment they have never been trained to use. This ethical responsibility requires them to recognize the limits of their training and expertise.
Competence
A psychologist refuses to deceive a research participant, even though doing so could produce findings that benefit thousands of people. This is an example of which ethical theory?
Deontology
Often overlooked in rational decision-making models, this stage involves recognizing that an ethical problem exists before attempting to resolve it.
Step zero
This type of language can make unethical behavior seem less serious, such as referring to layoffs as "right-sizing" or dishonesty as "creative accounting."
Euphemisms
A psychologist working in a small rural community realizes that their client is also the parent of their child's close friend. This type of professional relationship can create ethical concerns about boundaries, objectivity, and potential conflicts of interest.
Multiple relationship