Professional issues in psychology
First semester * Clayton * Prerequisites: Completion of an approved major sequence in psychology
This subject is a compulsory unit in the Graduate Diploma in Educational Psychology. It explores various ways (individual, organisational, community) that a psychologist can practise and the professional issues involved with each. It examines the fields in which psychologists are employed in Australia, their relationships with professional workers in other disciplines, and with clients. It also investigates the psychological assumptions underlying professional practice, and the legal and ethical requirements and constraints on the practice of psychology and of other life-oriented disciplines. Students will be required to participate in regular lecture-discussions, to read widely, to complete written assignments and to undertake research work outside class time.
Assessment
Written assignments and an examination
Prescribed texts
Keith-Spiegel P and Koocher G Ethics in psychology Lawrence Erlbaum, 1985
Recommended texts
Carroll M and others Ethics in the practice of psychology Prentice-Hall, 1985
Francis R D and Cameron C Handbook of professional psychology Australian Academic, 1991
Nixon M C (ed.) Issues in psychological practice Longman Cheshire, 1984