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Presentation
Presentation
This course unit aims to introduce the concepts of Ethics and Deontology and to apply ethical thinking and decision-making in psychological practice, based on the Code of Ethics of the Portuguese Psychologists Association (OPP) and international guidelines. Through active methodologies, students are expected to develop and practice skills in identifying dilemmas and formulating ethically grounded decisions, preparing future psychologists for diverse professional contexts.
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Class from course
Class from course
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Degree | Semesters | ECTS
Degree | Semesters | ECTS
Bachelor | Semestral | 4
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Year | Nature | Language
Year | Nature | Language
3 | Mandatory | Português
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Code
Code
ULP608-22187
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Prerequisites and corequisites
Prerequisites and corequisites
Not applicable
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Professional Internship
Professional Internship
Não
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Syllabus
Syllabus
PC1: Introduction to Ethics Conceptual distinction related to Ethics, Morals and Deontology Historical background Normative ethical theories Theories of Virtue Deontological Theories Consequentialist Theories PC2: Ethics in Psychology Codes of Ethics and Deontology in Psychology: Common Principles OPP Code of Ethics: From origins to current structure PC3: Generic Principles of the OPP Code of Ethics PC4: Specific Principles of the OPP Code of Ethics PC5: Emerging Topics in Applied Ethics Digital ethics: Ethics in the use of Artificial Intelligence and digital tools in Psychology Diversity, equity and inclusion in Psychology PC6: The ethical decision-making process Models of ethical decision-making Biological, cognitive and affective influences on ethical behavior
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Objectives
Objectives
LO1: To differentiate concepts and assumptions regarding Ethics, Morals, and Deontology. LO2: To describe and understand the ethical principles that shape the deontology of psychology across its various fields of practice, roles, and activities, through a careful interpretation of the Code of Ethics of the Portuguese Psychological Association (OPP); LO3: To identify ethical dilemmas in psychological practice and research. LO4: To formulate ethically grounded, balanced, and context-sensitive decisions, considering the diverse contexts of psychological practice. LO5: To enhance students' capacity for ethical self-reflection and critical awareness of their own biases, particularly in relation to digital technologies and AI. LO6: To adopt a positive ethical stance, oriented toward professional excellence and the continuous development of an ethical identity.
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Teaching methodologies
Teaching methodologies
The proposed and described teaching methodologies integrate a set of pedagogical innovation practices based on evidence and adjusted to the objectives and contents of the curricular unit, prioritizing an active, experiential, and student-centered approach, suited to the laboratory-based nature of the course.The development of ethical and deontological competencies is fostered through practical activities, such as simulations, structured debates, and the analysis of real-life and historical cases (case studies), complemented by the critical analysis and discussion of the course content.
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References
References
American Psychological Association (2017). Ethical Principles for Psychologists and Code of Conduct. Washington: APA Ordem dos Psicólogos Portugueses (2024). Código Deontológico da OPP. Lisboa: OPP. Ordem dos Psicólogos Portugueses (2025). Pareces da Comissão de Ética da OPP. Lisboa: OPP. Fisher, C. (2022). Decoding the Ethics Code: A Practical Guide for Psychologists (5th ed). London: Sage. Ricou, M. (2014). A Ética e a deontologia no exercício da Psicologia. Lisboa: Ordem dos Psicólogos Portugueses.
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Assessment
Assessment
A avaliação em período normal será contínua e contemplará os seguintes elementos: a) 1 prova escrita (60%); b) um trabalho de reflexão ética individual escrito (15%), a submeter no final do semestre, com respetiva apresentação e defesa oral em sala (25%). Os objetivos e especificações do trabalho serão publicados no Moodle. A média final ponderada dos elementos de avaliação terá de ser igual ou superior a 10 para aprovação na UC. Os elementos de avaliação decorrerão durante o período letivo, em datas a designar oportunamente e divulgadas no Moodle, de acordo com o calendário escolar em vigor. Os estudantes que não obtenham aprovação em período normal serão admitidos a exame final na época de recurso, através de uma prova individual e presencial (100%), incidindo sobre a totalidade dos conteúdos programáticos da UC. A melhoria de classificação é efetuada através da realização de exame. Os/as estudantes com estatuto especial que não consigam cumprir com os critérios da avaliação contínua, podem, se devidamente justificado, realizar a avaliação contínua, através da realização de um elemento de avaliação adicional.
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Mobility
Mobility
No
