Ethics and Professional Practice in Psychology and Counseling

Catalog description

This course will familiarize students with the standards of ethical conduct related to research and practice in psychology and counseling. PSYC 500 Ethics and Professional Practice in Psychology (3) The purpose of PSYC 500Ethics and Professional Practice in Psychologyis to introduce students to the standards of the American Psychological Association regarding acceptable practices in research, assessments, and interventions. Relevant laws and regulations in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania will be presented and discussed in class. This course is a required course for students admitted to the Master of Arts programs in Applied Clinical Psychology and Applied Psychological Research. Admission to one of those programs is a prerequisite for taking this course. This course is a prerequisite for enrollment in a clinical internship. The overall objectives are to familiarize students with the legal and professional standards associated with working with people as research participants, colleagues, or clients in mental health settings.Students will be expected to understand the Guidelines and Principles of Ethical Conduct in Psychology, the laws of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, and to be able to apply them in novel situations. Throughout the semester, students will be presented with examples of possible breeches of ethical standards, and be asked to critically evaluate the scenarios to identify the issues involved and procedures to follow to ensure compliance with accepted standards of conduct. Prior to each class, students are to write a brief paper reflecting on their understanding of the issues underlying the weekly reading assignments and critically evaluate at least one of the moral issues involved in the readings. In addition students will be expected to write an analysis of a professional situation in which two or more ethical standards appear to be in conflict, and demonstrate their critical thinking skills in coming to a resolution of the conflict.Grades will be based on two examinations, weekly commentaries on the readings, written vignette analysis, and the quality of participation in class discussion.The class will be offered once a year with an enrollment of 25 students per offering. The frequency will be adjusted if enrollments trends suggest an adjustment is necessary.