BPS code of ethics and conduct

• 1)    Respect

  Psychologists value the dignity and worth of all persons, with particular regard to people’s rights including those of privacy and self-determination.
• 1. Consent: Obtain consent by ensuring participants are aware of the nature of the research. Restrict research based upon observations of public behaviour to those situations in which persons being studied would reasonably expect to be observed by strangers
• 1. Deception: Avoid intentional deception of clients unless it is necessary to preserve the integrity of research. Researchers must consider any further safeguards required for the preservation of client welfare. The nature of the deception must be disclosed to clients at the
• 1. ·       Withdrawal: Ensure from the first contact that clients are aware of their right to withdraw at any time. When withdrawing ensure that any data by which they might be personally identified, be destroyed.

   

  ·       Inform participants their right to withdraw at any time is not affected by the receipt or offer of any financial compensation or other inducements for participation.
• 2) Competence

  Psychologists value the continuing development and maintenance of high standards of competence in their professional work, and the importance of preserving their ability to function optimally within the recognised limits of their knowledge, skill, training, education, and experience.
• 3) Responsibility

  Psychologists value their responsibilities to clients, to the general public, and to the profession and science of Psychology, including the avoidance of harm and the prevention of misuse or abuse of their contributions to society.
• 3) ·       Harm: Avoid harming clients. Eliminate potential risks to psychological well-being, physical health, personal values, or dignity. Ask research participants about factors that might reasonably lead to risk of harm, and inform research participants of any action they should take to minimise such risks.

   

  ·       Refrain from using financial compensation or other inducements for research participants to risk harm beyond that which they face in their normal lifestyles.
• 3. ·       Debrief: Debrief research participants at the end of the research, in order to inform them of the outcomes and nature of the research, to identify any unforeseen harm, discomfort, or misconceptions, and in order to arrange for assistance as needed.

   

  ·       Take particular care when discussing outcomes with research participants, as seemingly evaluative statements may carry unintended weight.
• 4) Integrity

  Psychologists value honesty, accuracy, clarity, and fairness in their interactions with all persons, and seek to promote integrity in all facets of their scientific and professional endeavors.

   

   Be honest and accurate in conveying professional conclusions, opinions, and research findings, and in acknowledging the potential limitations.

   

  Avoid forming relationships that may impair professional objectivity or otherwise lead to exploitation of, or conflicts of interest with, a client.