Ethics in psychology primarily concerns which of the following?

Ethics in psychology is fundamentally about establishing guidelines and principles that govern the conduct of psychologists in their professional roles. This encompasses a broad spectrum of responsibilities, including the treatment of clients, the conduct of research, and the dissemination of information. The focus on standards of professional conduct ensures that psychologists maintain integrity, respect for individuals, competence, and ethical responsibility in all aspects of their work.

These standards help protect the welfare and rights of those involved in psychological services, whether they are clients in therapy or participants in research studies. Ethical guidelines dictate how psychologists should approach their work, including maintaining confidentiality, obtaining informed consent, and ensuring that their practices do not harm individuals or communities.

While research methodologies, therapeutic techniques, and statistical analysis are important aspects of the field, they are governed by the ethical standards that prioritize the well-being of individuals served by psychology. Therefore, focusing on standards of professional conduct provides a comprehensive framework to ensure ethical practice across all areas of psychology, making it the central concern of ethics in the discipline.