Master's Theses

Department

Psychology

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Abstract

This study deals with the question of how homogeneous psychologists are on ethical issues. To answer this question, the author developed a 5-part questionnaire containing statements to which the subjects agreed or disagreed. These sections were the ethical code of the American Psychological Association, psychology and the law, research, testing, and clinical practices. The questionnaire was sent to 400 members of the APA representing 4 divisions within psychology, Experimental, Developmental, Social Psychology, and Clinical. The questions were then analyzed by non-metric multidimensional scaling (MDSCAL). Each of the 4 divisions were analyzed two ways, one across questions and one across individuals. The across individuals MDSCAL results were compared using x [squared] which gave a measure of within differences. The across questions MDSCAL results were plotted, and by visual inspection clusters of points were located. The results showed that all the divisions were homogeneous within themselves relative to each other, except for the Developmental division. When the divisions were compared with each other, the four divisions differed most on how they felt about the Law, and APA codes. All four divisions would coerce and deceive subjects, but the Experimentalist and Clinicians would not place coerced subjects in danger. Two differences were found among the divisions in terms of views on testing and clinical procedure.

Keywords

Psychology

Advisor

Daniel Kaeck

Date of Award

Spring 1978

Document Type

Thesis - campus only access

Rights

© The Author(s)

Comments

For questions contact ScholarsRepository@fhsu.edu

Download

Off Campus FHSU Users Click Here

Share

COinS