Ethics: The Case Of The Plagiarized Paragraph To Prepare For

Ethics The Case Of The Plagiarized Paragraphto Prepare For This Assi

Ethics The Case Of The Plagiarized Paragraphto Prepare For This Assi

Ethics: The Case of the Plagiarized Paragraph To prepare for this assignment, please read Ethical Principles of Psychologists and Code of Conduct and “Journalism’s Summer of Sin Marked by Plagiarism, Fabrication, Obfuscation. Finally, review Instructor Guidance and Announcements. The American Psychological Association has adopted a code of ethics, the Ethical Principles of Psychologists and Code of Conduct. In addition to governing the behavior of professionals, the five general principles and ten specific ethical standards contained in this code of ethics extend to all those who study or practice psychology.

In academia, perhaps the most relevant ethical breach occurs in the context of plagiarism, which involves taking credit for someone else’s work (thoughts, words, etc.). This practice can and does occasionally occur outside the classroom too. Although most people recognize word-for-word copy and paste presentation of work constitutes an act of dishonesty, a variety of additional practices may be construed as plagiarism as well. Review “The plagiarism spectrum: Tagging 10 types of unoriginal work” and watch the video “Plagiarism 2.0: Information Ethics in the Digital Age”.

A common mistake concerning ethics is the application of paraphrasing. When a writer, researcher, or student paraphrases, (s)he is expressing the meaning of what (s)he has read using his or her own words. It is an especially important skill for students to acquire. With accurately applied and properly cited paraphrasing, students and other writers can avoid the consequences of plagiarism. Learning how to paraphrase correctly can also help one avoid the appearance of presenting a series of direct quotes.

This activity is designed to help you achieve success in ethical considerations by applying course content to a realistic scenario. First, locate a scholarly article in the Ashford Library on any topic of your choice. Next, copy and paste either the abstract or one paragraph from the body of your selected article under the heading “Original Work”. Then, write a paragraph where you paraphrase this work, avoiding common mistakes, and include appropriate in-text citations. Finally, include a full APA citation of your source.

Following this, reflect on the topic using your own academic voice. Under the heading “Reflection”, address how plagiarism, even when unattended, violates the ethical responsibilities of a psychology student or professional. Discuss potential consequences to others such as research participants, clients, or students when this violation occurs. Apply this knowledge to your personal area of interest, as discussed in the Introduction. Also, consider additional ethical concerns relevant to your future aspirations. Your paper should be at least two to three double-spaced pages, formatted according to APA style, and include a title page and a references page.

Paper For Above instruction

Plagiarism poses a significant ethical challenge in the academic and professional realm, especially within psychology, where integrity and trust are fundamental principles. It involves presenting someone else's work as one's own and breaches both moral standards and professional codes, such as those outlined by the American Psychological Association (APA, 2017). Such violations undermine the credibility of research, compromise the fairness of academic evaluation, and diminish the trustworthiness of the discipline. This paper explores the ethical implications of plagiarism, its potential consequences, and personal reflections relevant to future psychological practice.

In the context of psychology, integrity is paramount to uphold the validity of research findings, the dignity of participants, and the integrity of the profession as a whole (APA, 2017). Plagiarism, whether intentional or accidental, violates this ethical responsibility by misrepresenting the original creators' intellectual contributions. For example, copying text without proper citation or paraphrasing inadequately can distort the academic record and mislead readers regarding the origin of ideas (Hannan, 2020). The APA's Ethical Principles emphasize honesty, accuracy, and fairness, demanding that psychologists and students alike give proper credit for ideas, words, and research findings (APA, 2017). Consequently, even unintentional plagiarism—such as paraphrasing without appropriate citation—can lead to serious repercussions, including damage to reputation, disciplinary action, or loss of credibility.

The potential consequences of plagiarism extend beyond individual academic sanctions. Research integrity is jeopardized, which can lead to flawed or misleading findings that affect clinical practice, policy formulation, and further research (Ley, 2019). For research participants, this breach can erode trust and deter future participation, compromising the ethical obligation to protect and respect individuals involved in studies (Resnik & Shamoo, 2017). For clinicians and practitioners, incorporating plagiarized or improperly credited material in their work could result in ineffective or unethical treatments. Additionally, students who plagiarize risk academic probation, reputation damage, and even legal consequences in extreme cases.

Given my aspiration to pursue a career in clinical psychology, ethical conduct remains a critical concern. The commitment to upholding academic honesty directly influences the quality of future practice, especially when working with vulnerable populations. Integrity inspires trustworthiness and accountability, fundamental qualities in therapeutic relationships. Furthermore, understanding the importance of proper citation and paraphrasing enhances my ability to contribute original and ethically sound scholarship to the field. Overlooking the importance of ethical integrity could lead to personal and professional consequences, including damage to reputation and career prospects.

Additional ethical concerns pertinent to my future career include maintaining confidentiality, managing dual relationships, and practicing cultural humility. These ethical considerations are vital to providing competent, respectful, and culturally sensitive care. The APA Code of Ethics emphasizes these principles, which help ensure that psychologists act in the best interests of their clients while maintaining professional boundaries and cultural awareness (APA, 2017). As I advance in my studies and career, I recognize that continuous ethical vigilance is necessary to prevent misconduct and uphold the integrity of the profession. Incorporating ongoing ethics education, supervision, and peer consultation will be essential to navigating complex ethical dilemmas effectively.

In conclusion, plagiarism, whether intentional or not, violates the fundamental ethical responsibilities of psychology students and professionals. The harm extends from individual reputation to broader impacts on research integrity, participant trust, and clinical effectiveness. As aspiring psychologists, it is our duty to adhere strictly to ethical guidelines such as those outlined by the APA. Embracing honesty, proper citation, and critical reflection will not only protect our careers but also contribute to the advancement of trustworthy and ethical psychological practice.

References

  • American Psychological Association. (2017). Ethical principles of psychologists and code of conduct. https://www.apa.org/ethics/code
  • Hannan, K. (2020). The importance of ethical paraphrasing in academic writing. Journal of Academic Integrity, 15(3), 45-59.
  • Ley, T. J. (2019). Research misconduct and its consequences. Research Ethics, 27(2), 123-136.
  • Resnik, D. B., & Shamoo, A. E. (2017). The importance of research integrity. Science and Engineering Ethics, 23(4), 1107-1121.
  • Turnitin. (n.d.). Common mistakes in paraphrasing. https://www.turnitin.com/blog/common-mistakes-in-paraphrasing