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Related Experiment Videos

Explicit ambiguity: the 1992 ethics code as an oxymoron.

D N Bersoff1

  • 1Villanova Law School, Garey Hall, Villanova, Pennsylvania 19085, USA.

Professional Psychology, Research and Practice
|November 1, 1994
PubMed
Summary

The 1992 American Psychological Association ethics code is praised for its scope but criticized for vagueness and protecting psychologists over the public. Revision should prioritize core moral principles over excessive detail.

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Area of Science:

  • Psychology
  • Ethics

Background:

  • The 1992 American Psychological Association (APA) ethics code aimed to update professional standards.
  • Commentary on the code revealed both positive reception and significant criticisms.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review major themes in reactions to the 1992 APA ethics code.
  • To present the author's perspective on the code's strengths and weaknesses.
  • To offer recommendations for future revisions of the ethics code.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of commentator reactions to the 1992 APA ethics code.
  • Author's critical analysis of the code's content and structure.
  • Synthesis of common criticisms and proposed improvements.

Main Results:

Keywords:
American Psychological AssociationBioethics and Professional Ethics

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  • Commentators acknowledged improvements in breadth and issue coverage compared to previous codes.
  • Key criticisms included lack of clarity, excessive qualifying language, and perceived prioritization of the profession over public welfare.
  • The author found the code excessively long, detailed, and legalistic.

Conclusions:

  • The 1992 APA ethics code represents a mixed improvement, with significant areas needing refinement.
  • Future revisions should focus on fundamental ethical principles rather than intricate legalistic language.
  • A more concise and principle-based code would better serve both psychologists and the public.