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Decoding the Ethics Code
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Decoding the Ethics Code
A Practical Guide for Psychologists

Fourth Edition


568 pages | SAGE Publications, Inc
Revised to reflect the current status of scientific and professional theory, practices, and debate across all facets of ethical decision making, this latest edition of Celia B. Fisher’s acclaimed book demystifies the American Psychological Association’s (APA) Ethical Principles of Psychologists and Code of Conduct. The Fourth Edition explains and puts into practical perspective the format, choice of wording, aspirational principles, and enforceability of the code. Providing in-depth discussions of the foundation and application of each ethical standard to the broad spectrum of scientific, teaching, and professional roles of psychologists, this unique guide helps practitioners effectively use ethical principles and standards to morally conduct their work activities, avoid ethical violations, and, most importantly, preserve and protect the fundamental rights and welfare of those whom they serve.
 
Part I: Introduction and Background
 
Chapter 1: A Code of Ethics for Psychology: How Did We Get Here?
Beginnings

 
The 2010 Amendments: The Controversy Over Psychologists’ Involvement in Inhumane Military Interrogations

 
Format and Distinctive Features of the APA Ethics Code

 
 
Chapter 2: The Introduction and Applicability Section, Preamble, and General Principles: What Do They Mean?
Understanding the Introduction and Applicability Section and the Preamble

 
What Is the Relevance of Specific Language Used in the Ethics Code?

 
How Is the Ethics Code Related to APA Ethics Enforcement?

 
How Is the Ethics Code Related to Sanctions by Other Bodies?

 
How Is the APA Ethics Code Related to Law?

 
General Principles

 
 
Chapter 3: The APA Ethics Code and Ethical Decision Making
Ethical Commitment and Virtues

 
Ethical Awareness and Moral Principles

 
Ethical Awareness and Ethical Theories

 
Ethical Absolutism, Ethical Relativism, and Ethical Contextualism

 
Ethical Competence

 
Steps in Ethical Decision Making

 
Doing Good Well

 
 
Part II. Enforceable Standards
 
Chapter 4: Standards for Resolving Ethical Issues
1. Resolving Ethical Issues

 
 
Chapter 5: Standards on Competence
2. Competence

 
 
Chapter 6: Standards on Human Relations
3. Human Relations

 
 
Chapter 7: Standards on Privacy and Confidentiality
4. Privacy and Confidentiality

 
 
Chapter 8: Standards on Advertising and Other Public Statements
5. Advertising and Other Public Statements

 
 
Chapter 9: Standards on Record Keeping and Fees
6. Record Keeping and Fees

 
 
Chapter 10: Standards on Education and Training
7. Education and Training

 
 
Chapter 11: Standards on Research and Publication
8. Research And Publication

 
 
Chapter 12: Standards on Assessment
9. Assessment

 
 
Chapter 13: Standards on Therapy
10. Therapy

 
 
Appendix A: Case Studies for Ethical Decision Making

Supplements

Instructor Teaching Site

 

Calling all instructors!
It’s easy to log on to SAGE’s password-protected Instructor Teaching Site at http://study.sagepub.com/fisher4e  for complete and protected access to all text-specific Instructor Resources for Fisher, Decoding the Ethics Code 4e. Simply provide your institutional information for verification and within 72 hours you’ll be able to use your login information for any SAGE title!

  • A Microsoft® Word® test bank is available containing multiple choice, true/false, short answer, and essay questions for each chapter. The test bank provides you with a diverse range of pre-written options as well as the opportunity for editing any question and/or inserting your own personalized questions to effectively assess students’ progress and understanding.
  • Editable, chapter-specific Microsoft® PowerPoint® slides offer you complete flexibility in easily creating a multimedia presentation for your course. Highlight essential content and features.

“This book is to be praised for emphasizing a working decision-making model as opposed to the ‘What should you do if…?’ hypothetical approach that can create a false sense of security. It is gratifying to hear students approach ethical questions in this way. . .”

Dr. Tom J. Brian
The University of Tulsa

“I have continued to use the Fisher text because I find it clear, succinct, current, and accessible. Student reviews have been consistently positive about the text over the years.”

Richard P. Halgin
The University of Massachusetts Amherst

“I think [the Hot Topics and Need to Know sections] are very attractive components of the text, especially given the organizational structure of walking step by step through the code.”

Jeff Ashby
Georgia State University

“The Hot Topics and Need to Know boxes are excellent additions. They bring in the most relevant practice changes in the field.” 

Dr. Ida Dickie
Spalding University

Sample Materials & Chapters

Chapter 5

Chapter 13


Celia B. Fisher

Celia B. Fisher, PhD, Director of the Fordham University Center for Ethics Education and Professor of Psychology, holds the Marie Ward Doty University Chair in Ethics and directs the NIDA funded HIV/Drug Abuse Prevention Research Ethics Institute. Dr. Fisher served as a member of the American Psychological Association’s (APA’s) Ethic Committee and later Chaired the APA Ethics Code Task Force responsible for the 2002 revision of the APA Ethical Principles of Psychologists and Code of Conduct that, with the addition of language on human rights amended in 2010 and 2017, is today’s current code. She has also Chaired the Ethics Code Revision... More About Author

For instructors

Also available as a South Asia Edition.