APA Ethical Principles

Definition

The APA Ethical Principles are a set of guidelines established by the American Psychological Association to ensure that research and practice in psychology are conducted ethically and responsibly. These principles emphasize respect for people's rights and dignity, integrity in research and practice, and the importance of ethical decision-making. They serve as a framework for psychologists to navigate ethical dilemmas, especially in sensitive areas like documentary cinematography.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The APA Ethical Principles consist of five key principles: Beneficence, Non-maleficence, Integrity, Justice, and Respect for People's Rights and Dignity.
2. Documentary cinematographers must ensure informed consent from their subjects to protect their rights and dignity, aligning with the APA principles.
3. Confidentiality is critical in documentary work to safeguard sensitive information about individuals being filmed or interviewed.
4. Ethical decision-making is essential for cinematographers when dealing with vulnerable populations or sensitive topics to avoid exploitation.
5. The principles help guide not just psychologists but also filmmakers in maintaining ethical standards while telling real stories through their work.

Review Questions

• How do the APA Ethical Principles guide documentary filmmakers in ensuring ethical treatment of their subjects?
  • The APA Ethical Principles guide documentary filmmakers by emphasizing the importance of informed consent and respect for participants' rights. Filmmakers must obtain clear consent from individuals being documented, ensuring they understand how their stories will be used. This approach helps protect the dignity and autonomy of subjects while fostering trust between filmmakers and participants.
• Discuss the importance of confidentiality in documentary cinematography in relation to APA Ethical Principles.
  • Confidentiality is crucial in documentary cinematography as it aligns with the APA Ethical Principles that stress respect for people's rights. Filmmakers have a responsibility to safeguard the identities and personal information of subjects, especially when dealing with sensitive issues. By maintaining confidentiality, filmmakers ensure that subjects feel safe sharing their experiences, which is vital for authentic storytelling.
• Evaluate how the principle of beneficence applies to documentary cinematography and its impact on societal perceptions.
  • Beneficence in documentary cinematography involves creating content that promotes well-being and contributes positively to societal understanding. By portraying subjects with empathy and respect, filmmakers can challenge stereotypes and raise awareness about critical issues. This principle encourages filmmakers to consider the potential impact of their work on audiences and the individuals represented, fostering a culture of responsible storytelling that benefits society as a whole.

Related terms

Informed Consent: A process through which participants are fully informed about the nature, risks, and benefits of a study or project before agreeing to participate.

Confidentiality: The obligation to protect the privacy of participants by keeping their personal information secure and not disclosing it without their consent.

Beneficence: The ethical principle of promoting the well-being of individuals and society, ensuring that research and practices do no harm.