Psychologist Competence – Case
Study + APA Ethics Code
Competence has many meanings in
the Ethics Code. It can refer to being qualified to do the job based on
knowledge, training, or degree, or it may refer to the scientific judgments as
in sexual abuse or child custody cases. Competency in the Ethics Code also
refers to personal issues, such as a professional’s personal problems
interfering with his or her ability to work in the field. Based on your reading
in Chapter 5 and two scientific journal articles along with the Ethics Code,
review a case study from Chapter 5 where the competency of the professional is
in question.
Using the case study you picked
from the book, identify the issues and potential conflicts. Look at areas like
personal problems and conflict of interest, along with any of the standard
competencies.
Case Study:
A teaching psychologist who was
undergoing outpatient treatment for a life-threatening medical disorder found
it increasingly difficult to prepare lectures, grade papers, and mentor
students effectively. The psychologist consulted with the chair of the
department, who agreed to assign an experienced graduate teaching assistant for
the lectures. The psychologist also asked a colleague to serve as a consultant
on the two dissertations he was currently mentoring.
