Research and Therapeutic Practice
Question One
The American Psychological Association (APA) is the foundation upon which ethical professional behavior of psychologist. It regulates the conducts of research and therapeutic practice conducted by psychologists to ensure they adhere to ethical principles such as confidentiality, autonomy, beneficence, and maleficence (APA, 2019). Notably, Section 8 of the code focuses on research and publications, while Section 10 addresses the ethical code of conduct during treatment.
Even if there are similarities between Section 8 and 10 of the code, there are several differences between the two sections. First, Section 8 details procedures to be followed while conducting research, and entails ethical approval from Ethical review boards, and detailed protocols (APA, 2019). However, Section 10 does not require approval from the ethical review board nor a detailed protocol. Instead, psychologists are required to inform clients about the approved technique or the developing treatment (APA, 2019). Secondly, during therapeutic sessions, the psychologist prepares the client for any eventuality, for instance, termination of the contract with the employer to ensure continuity of care (APA, 2019). Furthermore, counseling is done before the termination of services. Such provision is not in Section 8, and the right to withdraw is mainly focusing on the participants, with no requirement for the researcher to counsel participant before the withdrawal of services (APA, 2019).
Question Two
As part of career progression, I would like to practice as a Child psychologist counselor. Thus, section 8, 9, 10 of the APA code will apply directly to my practice. Notably, the provision sets standards for assessment of clients, offering therapeutic services, and conducting research (APA, 2019).
Question Three
Lastly, Section 8.03 applies specifically to psychological research; and it details procedures for obtaining images or voice recording for participants. However, it provides weaver for the requirement of the informed consent to, for instance, during naturalistic observation and in study designs that includes deception (APA, 2019). However, during the therapeutic process, recording and taking an image is prohibited and unethical (APCP, 2019). Hence such a provision for a waiver cannot apply in the therapeutic process.
References
APCP. (2019). APCP – Association of Professional Counsellors & Psychotherapists in Ireland | Code of Professional Conduct. Retrieved from https://www.apcp.ie/code-of-conduct/
APA. (2019). Ethical Principles of Psychologists and Code of Conduct. Retrieved from https://www.apa.org/ethics/code/