What are the most significant similarities and differences between ethical decision-making processes prescribed in the APA ethics code and those based in a Christian worldview?

Discussion Responses

Original Discussion Question 1

What are the most significant similarities and differences between ethical decision-making processes prescribed in the APA ethics code and those based in a Christian worldview? Explain. How might your research be influenced by these processes? Explain.

1. Hello Everyone,

I think that this is a very interesting discussion post because I think it is very easy to see that there are both similarities and differences between the Christian Worldview and the APA code of ethics. I believe the biggest difference is the Christian Worldview sets out to give us an understating of doing the right thing. Where on the other hand the APA Ethics Code provides guidelines for psychologist on how to do the right thing within their roles. I believe where they are similar is when the APA Ethics Code (2010) goes into discussing how psychologist should not involve themselves in the committing any harmful acts against another human being. There always needs to be a basic understanding of treat other how you would like to be treated and I think this is something that needs to be taken into account by all human being nots just psychologist in this filed. I feel that my research will most be impacted by the decision-making process in which I need to make sure I have an understanding of the APA Ethics Code to understand what is in my lane and what’s not. This will allow for me to know what kinds of questions I should ask and also who I can and cannot work with.

Reference

American Psychological Association. (2010). Ethical principles of psychologists and code of conduct: Including 2010 amendments. Washington, DC: Author.

2. In most cases, individuals try to base their decisions on what they may feel is right based off code of ethics and what society believes is right. However, individuals may also base their decisions off of their own beliefs and what their morals believe is wrong or right. Although both view can be the same, they can also have differences. The APA code of ethics refers to rules that has a obligation to do good too there’s by not causing harm, upholding professional standards, being honest and accurate, being fair to all groups of people, and maintaining the confidentiality of others (Chenneville & Gabbidon, 2020). The Christian worldview of ethics is addressing the question of “what is right?” That is very similar to the APA code of ethics. Doing right by others, causing no harm, being honest, and being fair to all people are all the same with decision-making between the two. My research will be influenced by the decision-making process because I will be asking questions that may be sensitive so I must be aware of that and remain professional and keep the information confident and only use what is needed to keep the research honest.

Reference

Chenneville, T., & Gabbidon, K. (2020). Application of the APA ethics code for psychologists working in integrated care settings: Potential conflicts and resolutions. ETHICS & BEHAVIOR, 30(4), 264–274. https://doi-org.lopes.idm.oclc.org/10.1080/10508422.2019.1683739

Original Discussion 2

Are Christian ethics compatible with purely scientific ethics? Why or why not? Support your answers with scholarly evidence.

3. Purely scientific ethics based on fact and adherence to standards sounds simple, and yet opinion and worldview is a part of who we are as humans. Christian ethics can be comparable with scientific ethics in that science is used to serve humankind and humankind must treat each other responsibly (Belousek, 2015). If science searches for answers in the universe, Christian ethics defines our place in the universe and therefore can be compatible. Christian worldview encompasses the principle that man is created in God’s image and therefore can look at the universe and see order through the lens of Christianity (Slick, n.d.). In addition, if man is created in God’s image, then all people have equal rights to be honored and respected so all scientific ethics must consider each human as equal (Slick, n.d.) if scientific process is to be ethically acceptable. Finding ways to interconnect ethical views can be a key to unlocking powerful scientific discovery, while separating worldview from scientific discovery could limit the possibilities of discovery.

Belousek, D. (2015). Science, values, and power: toward a christian-critical perspective on responsible science. Journal of Dialogue and Culture. 4(1) 75-78. https://docs.lib.purdue.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1089&context=claritas

Slick, M. (n.d.). What are some Christian worldview essentials?

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