Ethical Principles and Understanding - Coursework Example

I believe and have observed that Fidelity and Responsibility, Integrity and Respect for people’s rights and dignity as some ethical standards that I possess in my actions as a psychology student, and a human and may contribute to the development of a professional in the field of psychology. This paper will further define the aforementioned concepts by reflecting on their application in the professional life of a psychologist.

The three major guiding principles for ethical behavior in the field of psychology are Fidelity and Responsibility, Integrity, and Respect for people’s rights and dignity. The term Fidelity and Responsibility guide the way of professional psychologists toward building trusting relationships with the people they deal with. Psychologists, as a result, are expected to understand the standards of their scientific or practical work, must know their roles and responsibilities, understand the boundaries of professional behavior and conduct, and must be aware of the conflict of interest that exists in their profession to be properly managed for the best interest of people they interact with in the professional capacity.

The term integrity refers to the need of upholding accuracy, honesty, and truthfulness in the practical and theoretical contributions made by psychologists (American Psychological Association, 2003). In simpler words, it refers to the avoidance of misrepresentation, deception, and unlawful use of facts in carrying out activities as a psychology professional (Behnke, 88). The exceptions where misrepresentations are allowed should still be considered under the ethical lens concerning the cost-benefit analysis of the misrepresentation and must not fall beyond the responsibility or role of the psychologist harming the reputation of the profession or the organization thereof.

Lastly, the principle guiding to have Respect for people’s rights and dignity disallows activities and behaviors that harm the dignity of individuals or may violate their rights to confidentiality and individualistic information that may harm the individual’s self-respect or image in the society. Hence, proper safeguards must be arranged to avoid the violation of individual rights and harm to the people associated with the professional in any manner. In addition, the principle guides professionals to outlaw biases and discrimination in their professional relationships keeping equality and individual rights the same for all.

The case of Elizabeth Loftus in investigating and addressing the case of Jane Doe breaches ethical principles at many points. Firstly, Loftus does not take consent from Doe to affirm the evasion of her identity. Moreover, the specific details of her age, gender, and the like were disclosed in a hidden or explicit manner along with the details on her physical details like burns on her fingers and hands leading to unnecessary details about the patient that may make it easier to discover the true identity of the hypothetical character mentioned in the article (Brick).

In my professional life, I would keep the right of my patients, students, and other people in view before making a decision, addressing their issue to others related or unrelated to the case, and ensuring their identity and confidentiality is safe. I would further state the facts in the most obvious clear and scientifically tested manner to ensure the accuracy of my statements and provisions. Furthermore, I would treat every individual as a human, a person, a patient, and a colleague rather than focusing on specific individualistic details like age, gender, ethnicity, etc. which may lead to discriminatory behavior or practices.

As a psychology student and professional in the field of psychology, later on, I avoid and will avoid shams by effectively paraphrasing the statements or ideas I take and citing the source in one of the referencing formats available (Walker, 46). The idea of sham relates to a deliberate attempt of misguiding the reader or reviewer. I believe in the honesty and accuracy of the information provided and referring back to the original author to give credit for the efforts they made.