Ethics and Professional Standards

• Overview
• Disciplinary Standards
• UMUC Code of Ethics
• Case Studies
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Disciplinary Standards

Professional standards may differ by discipline, and also by sphere of activity within a discipline. For example, within the field of sociology, there are specific standards for ethical research and ethical practice. Other standards may govern academic behavior. The websites of influential societies and professional organizations within your discipline are the best source of information on current standards.

Gerontology

• National Association of Professional Gerontologists  The association's code of ethics lists five general principles to guide professional gerontologists in their work.

• National Association of Professional Geriatric Care Managers  Guidelines for client service and business-related activities of geriatric caregivers. The guidelines also function as a social contract with the public explaining the obligations that members have to society.

• The Gerontological Society of America Ethics Statement This six-point statement is designed to guide members in their dealings with research subjects, colleagues, students, and the public.

Anthropology

• Code of Ethics of the American Anthropological Association The association's code of ethics focuses on several areas, including doing no harm; being open and honest; using informed consent and permissions; keeping ethical obligations; providing accessible results; protecting records; and maintaining respectful relationships.

• The National Association for the Practice of Anthropology The association's guidelines consist of several areas of emphasis, including respecting the nature of anthropology as an area that crosses several disciplines and the need for careful attribution.

• Ethical Guidelines for Good Research Practice (Association of Social Anthropologists of the UK and the Commonwealth)
  The association's guidelines for research practice include the relationship between anthropologists and individuals in the field, as well as the interaction among governments, sponsors, and people in the countries in which anthropologists work.

Psychology

• Ethical Principles of Psychologists and Code of Conduct The American Psychological Association's guidelines list five general principles and 10 ethical standards that govern psychologists in their scientific, educational, or professional roles, including counseling, research, assessments, administration, and teaching.

Sociology

• ASA Code of Ethics The American Sociological Association's code features five principles and 20 ethical standards. The principles include professional competence; integrity; professional and scientific responsibility; respect for rights, dignity, and diversity; and social responsibility.

• International Sociological Association Code of Ethics The association's code focuses on four areas: sociology as a field of study and practice; research procedures; publication and communication of data; and use of research results.

• Association for Applied and Clinical Sociology Code of Ethics The organization's code of ethics contains several areas of emphasis: competence; responsibility; confidentiality; moral and legal standards; social concerns, policies, and programs; work and services; the welfare of research subjects, clients, and students; and relationships with other professionals and institutions.

• "What is Ethics in Research & Why is it Important?" (National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences). A statement of ethical principles endorsed by various professional associations, government agencies, and universities in regard to the ethical conduct of research.