Professional Ethics in Applied and Experimental Psychology
General data
Course ID: | 2500-EN_O_44 |
Erasmus code / ISCED: |
14.4
|
Course title: | Professional Ethics in Applied and Experimental Psychology |
Name in Polish: | Professional Ethics in Applied and Experimental Psychology |
Organizational unit: | Faculty of Psychology |
Course groups: |
obligatory class for 4th and 5th year |
ECTS credit allocation (and other scores): |
(not available)
|
Language: | English |
Type of course: | obligatory courses |
Short description: |
This course is an introduction to the foundational professional principles of the field intended to expose the student to the ethical issues, principles, guidelines, and dilemmas that are pertinent to the experimental and applied fields of Psychology. |
Full description: |
In this course, students will also become knowledgeable about the historic roots of modern professional ethical principles and guideline within applied and experimental psychology practice, as well as the social forces that have and continue to shape ethical challenges within the field today. By engaging in an examination and discourse of such ethical issues the student will become better prepared to anticipate and address ethical dilemmas as a professional. Students will learn the need for and value of constant self-appraisal of personal beliefs and values as a cornerstone of ethical decision making. In addition, students will develop practical problem solving strategies necessary for maintaining ethical standards, fostering quality client services, and ensuring the protection of research participants while adhering to the highest professional ethical principles and guidelines set forth by the American and Polish Psychological Associations and other relevant professional organizations. |
Learning outcomes: |
Upon completion of this course the student will have developed a fundamental understanding of the historic foundations of professional ethics, an appreciation of the value of studying professional ethics in regard to best serving the public, the professional, and the profession. In addition, the student will develop the practical skill of applying decision making models, gain needed self-awareness, and become adept at recognizing potential ethical violations. Finally, the student will gain insight into the ethical challenges faced by the practicing professional in the ever and rapidly changing modern world. |
Assessment methods and assessment criteria: |
Students will be assessed through a combination of class participation, examinations, reaction papers, a group project and two exams. Each method is designed to test the student's ability to identify and apply professional ethical principles and guidelines within the context of real issues and dilemmas that may be confronted by the practitioner. And Now, A Word About Grades Grades and grading represent an imperfect measure of knowledge and ability. We are never as dumb or as smart as we too often allow ourselves to believe. Grades are useful only in terms of the degree to which they can instruct the student about strengths and weaknesses as well as the degree to which they serve to motivate the student to increase effort and explore potential. Grades though important should not be the primary reason or reward of scholarship. It should be remembered that a grade of “C” is a fine grade and indicates the student has met all the basic requirements of a given course. Everything above that point indicates some level of achievement or understanding that exceeds the average expectations of the course. While it is likely that everyone taking this course has the potential to earn the highest grades, the difference between grades is more often reflective of differing experience and communicative skills rather than only intellect. Thus the difference may rest in effort and attention to detail. In a writing sensitive course such as this, such effort and attention can be rewarded and enhanced by paying close attention to the writing tips and guidelines included in this syllabus. That is what is commonly referred to as a hint. Exams Students will be required to successfully complete two examinations. One will occur at the midpoint of the course and the second will be scheduled for the last day of class. Exams will be a combination of multiple choice questions as well as short answer/essay questions. The purpose will be to reinforce learning and gauge the students grasp of fundamental concepts as well as his/her ability to apply ethical decision making. All testable material will come from information covered in lectures, films and/or any assigned reading provided by the instructor. It should be noted that I recognize there is no such thing as a perfect exam and that there are occasionally reasons beyond a student’s control that may affect his/her ability to perform at an optimum. Mistakes should not be fatal. With that in mind I do not design exams to be “tricky” but you will need to prepare. For this course, the best preparation is to attend classes, pay attention, think, discuss, offer insight, and ask questions! In addition to the need for preparation on your part, it is my policy to take some time during the lecture prior to an exam to provide guidelines to help in your preparation and reduce stress. Finally, upon completion of grading. Exams will be reviewed in class and any grading errors that may be detected are always correctable. Class Participation The nature and material of this course routinely invites and fosters class participation and discussion. In addition, the concepts and principles studied often defy linear thinking and can challenge personal beliefs and values. Consequently, this can often lead to lively lectures/discussion and that is welcome. Indeed, students are encouraged to add insights, opinions, and questions. It should, however, be noted that participation is not assessed simply upon speaking, sharing and questioning. I recognize that some students can be more restrained than others and that should not hinder a participation grade. Thus, participation is also assessed upon your “presence” and I do not mean simply being in a seat but rather being present in the moment; being attentive, respectful of others, alert, and contributing to a positive group experience. As a result, sleeping in class, arriving late and leaving early, being disruptive, inattentive, working on other material, or otherwise being rude can adversely affect this part of the grading criteria. Writing Assignments There will be three writing assignments; two reaction papers and one group effort. Instructions for each assignment are provided in this syllabus. All written assignments are expected to be completed and submitted at the beginning of class on the scheduled date. Plagiarism and/or fabrication like cheating can result in referral to Judicial Affairs and can result in immediate dismissal from this University. All papers must adhere to current professional guidelines and must be submitted on the time and date given in this syllabus. All late papers will have one letter grade deducted for each day late. Papers placed in the Instructor’s mailbox or under his door will similarly be considered late and will have grades deducted dependent upon when the Instructor actually finds the paper. The only excuses considered for a late paper will be a verifiable medical excuse specifically stating the students’ inability to attend class OR a verifiable death in the family. “Verifiable” means written proof. Weddings, graduations, family reunions, celebrations, tiger tamings, revolutions, ship launchings, missed busses, grounded aircraft, derailed trains, cars with flat tires, unreliable friends or roommates, unrequited love, or printers that do not print, and discs that do not work are NOT verifiable excuses. The same conditions govern all examination as well as papers and group projects. |
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