Influence of Culture on Ethical Decision Making in Psychology |
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Authors: | Ping Zheng Matt J Gray Wen-Zhen Zhu Guang-Rong Jiang |
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Institution: | 1. Department of Psychology, University of Wyoming;2. Department of Psychology, Central China Normal University, Hubei Provincial Key Laboratory of Human Development and Mental Health |
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Abstract: | This study focused on the influence of American and Chinese cultures on consequentialism orientation in decision-making within the broader context of psychologists’ academic roles and responsibilities. In addition, this study hypothesized that educational level would affect culturally influenced ethical decision making in both cultures. Based on the American Psychological Association Ethics Code, 20 ethical scenarios in 5 domains in psychology were created and used to examine the influence of culturally ethical beliefs on psychologists’ decision making among 181 participants. The results indicated that significant cultural differences in consequentialism orientation differentiated Chinese and American participants and influenced their resolution of ethical issues. |
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Keywords: | American Chinese rule consequentialism state consequentialism ethics in psychology |
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