Ensuring Ethical Practices in Psychological Testing

Written By: Jerome Fitts

One may think there is an attack on health care workers, as well as government-controlled health clinics. It that happens to be the case, then, yes, I am. At this point, the word ethic is an exotic phrase that should require qualification for those of us who use the word as a measuring stick to take insurance money, fundraising profit, and above all to maniuplate patients. Below are some points that should be addressed prior to entering those clinics.

Do you believe testing can be conducted in a fair and unbiased manner?

Yes. It also depends on the therapist’s ethics and, of course, the patient’s cooperation. According to the law and APA ethical standards, the patients or participants would have to be informed of what is involved in the testing and issued a written consent form (Cherry, K, 2024) . Above all, if there are no perimeters or differential treatment based on creed, colour, or geographical background, then the testing would be concluded professionally.

The latter validates the type of testing and permission to conduct the testing in a non-biased manner. Informed consent must be tailored to your practice, the types of patients you serve, and the services you provide (Practice Directorate. 2024).

Once this is done, the same treatment should apply to all individuals. This pertains to taking the test at the same time, based on equal processes and evaluation, and based on treating the individual as an equal human. Is this done? If the researchers have a moral compass based on equality and honest testing. More importantly, in today’s multicultural and diversity-entitled society, there has to be an ignored predictive bias (Aguinis, H., & Culpepper, S. A., 2024). It is a matter of trust versus skill.

Why or why not?

In some practices, especially dealing with autism and cancer, there seems to be a lack of patience from the practitioner to the patient in 2025. The family doctor theory is long gone, when there was automatic trust based on tenure. For example: “My family doctor ran some tests and the conclusion was x,y, and z. We do not need a second opinion, and he/she recommends this or that.” These days, it would be irresponsible for any individual (if they are competent enough) to do their research based on test results, as well as get a second opinion.

What are the factors that need to be considered to ensure psychological testing is used legally and ethically?

As previously stated, the APA Ethical Code mandates a written informed consent form. If the practitioner abides by these codes, it should ensure the safety of the patient or participant.

One way to make sure the clients understand their rights and also protect the clinics, there have a visible and comprehensible notice display of all parties’ rights before entering the facility.

References:

MSEd, K. C. (2024, May 6). APA Code of Ethics: Principles, purpose, and guidelines. Verywell Mind. https://www.verywellmind.com/apa-ethical-code-guidelines-4687465

Practice Directorate. (2024, July 29). Informed consent guidance and templates for psychologists.

Aguinis, H., & Culpepper, S. A. (2024). Improving our understanding of predictive bias in testing. Journal of Applied Psychology, 109(3), 402–414.