Code of Conduct - Assignment Example

Ethics can be defined as the accepted code of conduct with relation to a particular profession. Ethics can also be defined as the laws of morality relating to a particular job.
The American psychological association has set down its ethical code of conduct while drawing relevance to psychologists who involve animals in their research. These ethical are in relation to proper acquisition, care, use and disposal in a professional and ethical way while observing the different legal laws set down (American Psychological Organisation (2003). 

The main advantages of using animals as specimens in research include: the similarity between animals and humans makes them easy to get and use since their organic structure resembles human organic. The main disadvantage is that animal researchers may mislead researchers since their organic structure is not exactly like humans.
Ethical issues that have been the cause of concern while dealing with the use of animals for research include the use of ethics in the animal acquisition, animal care, animal usage, and disposal. This must be in line with all significant laws set down. Minimization of pain in whatever way possible when using animals for research by use of anesthesia or quick deaths in the animal specimens (American Psychological Organisation, 2003). 

A behavioral psychologist must do several things to ensure proper ethical and physical care of animals for research purposes. They should follow the set-down legislation on animal acquisition for research. They should make sure that all individuals under his supervision who are using animals have instruction in research methods and care. He further uses maximum efforts to minimize pain and discomfort to animals. Psychologists supervise all processes involving animals in considering their emotions and physical health (American Psychological Organisation, 2003).