Psychology Ethics in Introductory Psychology Textbooks

Abstract

Previous research revealed that introductory psychology textbooks included limited information about psychology ethics. This study reviewed 48 current introductory psychology textbooks for research and other APA ethics content. These textbooks included slightly more total ethics content and were more thorough in their review of research ethics than textbooks of the past. However, psychology ethics related to teaching and clinical practice received minimal coverage and the limited integration of psychology ethics is a concern. Instructors are encouraged to seek supplementary resources to effectively integrate a greater breadth of psychology ethics into their course. Likewise, authors might consider a more comprehensive incorporation in future textbooks.