Week 4 Summative: Assessment Point 1

(AP1)

Alakija Adeoluwa Adaeze

R2204D14360178

Current Perspectives in Psychology

7500 PSYSCI

9th December, 2022

 SKILLS AUDIT

Skill Action plan

Description
Area of Specific Evidence of skill How I am doing
Skill

Research Problem I am studying Project I intend to

Skills solving Management as a diligently continue
course and this has with my Project
provided me Management
I am doing well;
opportunities to work studies.
constantly
on various projects,
improving.
planning ahead for
risks and providing
solutions to issues
that may arise.
Critical I have edited several I intend to actively
thinking pieces of writing for engage in editing
presentation. I find more pieces of
that editing writing.
transcends grammar
I am doing okay;
and punctuation
constantly
corrections, often
improving.
involving
restructuring whole
pieces to convey the
message in a more
concise manner.
Discipline I know how to I intend to continue
knowledge research using the researching the
scientific methods, different
I am doing okay,
handling of technicalities
but there’s much
physiological involved in various
room for
equipment, as well as scientific
improvement.
developing equipment and
explanations from tools.
evidence.

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 Critical I completed a I intend to engage
Literature literature review for I am doing okay, in more literature
Review my final year project, but there’s room review exercises
to support my project for improvement. (especially with this
study. Master’s program).
Research I received fully I will keep myself
Ethics documented updated on the
permission from the ethics involved in
I am doing okay,
ethical committee of various fields of
but there’s room
my University, before psychological and
for improvement.
commencing on my physiological
final year research research.
project.
Good research I was in charge of I will keep myself
practice ensuring appropriate updated on the
protective gear was research practices
I am doing okay;
worn during involved in various
constantly
experimentation for fields of
improving.
group science psychological and
projects at my physiological
University. research.
Qualitative I’ve conducted I will strive to
methods several group engage in other
I am doing okay,
knowledge discussions on forms of qualitative
but there’s room
varying topics, research methods,
for improvement.
including writing and after thoroughly
editing for the stage. researching them.
Quantitative I’ve prepared I will utilize more
methods questionnaire samples surveys and
knowledge for group surveys. samples for data
I am doing okay;
These samples were collection in my
constantly
eventually used to work, as required.
improving.
gather data about the
success of an event I
managed.

Skill Description Evidence of skill How I am doing Action plan

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 of Specific
Area
Skill
I set several alarms I will be more
Persona Time I am doing okay,
and reminders through diligent with
l and management but there’s much
the day to keep me on sticking to my “to
Interper room for
tract with my daily “to do” lists.
sonal improvement.
do” list.
Willingness I will continue to
I am often eager to try
to learn engage in new
new projects and
fields of interest,
tasks, such as learning
I am doing very especially the ones
a new dance routine
well; constantly that provide
for a performance,
improving. avenues to learn
even when I feel
new skills or
uncertain of my
improve on existing
dancing skills.
ones.
Creativity/ I enjoy hand-making I will continue
originality crafts and toys in my I am doing very crafting and
free-time, often with well; constantly creating, often as I
help from YouTube improving. can.
videos.
Open- I have struggled in the I will continue on
mindedness past with depression, my journey or
and this has made me empathy, genuine
more empathetic to connection and
understanding and I am doing okay; open-mindedness
supporting individuals constantly with people that are
with mental health improving. in my space, and
issues, especially in even people not in
my community where my space.
it is often side-lined or
ostracized.
Self- I engage in an end-of- I wish to improve. I will continue my
assessment year personal retreat, personal retreats
where I am able to with more
assess my diligence.
accomplishments and
failures through the

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 year in detail.
Self- I aim to create a Well… I will spend
discipline detailed food plan, There is room for less time planning,
helping me achieve much and more time
my goal of a healthier improvement. actually executing
lifestyle. it.
Awareness of I have a highly I will continue to
support supportive group of express gratitude
friends and we drive for the support
each other to achieve systems in my life.
I am doing okay;
the things we set out
constantly grateful.
to accomplish, such as
a recently completed
event, The Celebrity
Hangout 2.0.
Team I lead a Performing I will engage in
working Community with leadership training
twelve others of I am doing okay; activities to make
varying rank, while constantly me a better leader
leading my own improving. and team player.
smaller unit with
specialized skills.

Description Action plan

Skill Area of Specific Evidence of skill How I am doing
Skill
Academic I will continue
writing in I completed to study and
different literature reviews practice
Communication I am doing okay, but
formats while in the various forms
and there’s room for
University, both of academic
Dissemination improvement.
using the APA writing,
referencing style. especially
essays.

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 Presentation I will continue
I presented and
skills to engage in
defended my final
public-
year project in I am doing okay;
speaking and
University, before constantly
group
a panel of improving.
presentation
professors and
opportunities,
experts.
as they arise.
Participatio I made several I will try to be
n and presentations while more active on
engagement in the University, the
in class on well-researched community
I am doing okay, but
topics. My favorite forum of my
there’s room for
was a presentation Master’s
improvement.
on different types program.
of contraceptives in
Reproductive
Physiology class.

Description Action plan

Skill Area of Specific Evidence of skill How I am doing
Skill
Generic and Library I have documented I am doing okay; I will continue
transferable skills the minutes of several constantly improving. to document
skills meetings within my important
Performance information at
Community. meetings and

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 take notes at
events, then
arrange them
into easily
referenced
information.
Bibliography I will continue
skills to research and
I was required to
practice my
write a well-prepared
referencing
reference list for my I am doing okay;
skills,
final year project, as constantly improving.
especially
well as the literature
using the APA
reviews I wrote.
style of
referencing.
IT skills I will continue
I started a course in to pursue a
coding, and higher skillset
completed a course in in graphic
graphic design. I am I am doing okay; design. I will
also very proficient constantly improving. finally learn to
with the use of accept that
several Microsoft coding may
tools and Canva. just not be for
me.

Description Action plan

Skill Area of Specific Evidence of skill How I am doing
Skill
Other Skill Report I have written a I am doing fine, but I will continue
Area writing report breaking there is room for to practice my
(complete as down the total improvement. documentation
needed) expenditures from and report
an project I

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 managed. writing skills.

Critical Essay 1

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 Ethical Issues in Forensic Psychology

Alakija Adeoluwa Adaeze

R2204D14360178

Current Perspectives in Psychology

7500 PSYSCI

9th December, 2022

The topic of ethics in forensic psychology is ongoing and constantly evolving. Defined by the

American Board of Professional Psychology (ABPP) (2008) as “The application of the science

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and profession of psychology to questions and issues relating to law and the legal system”,

forensic psychology is based off forensic research and its features (Maheswari and

Balasubramaniam, 2019, p. 47). Forensic psychology serves as a connection between psychology

and the law (Rocchio, 2020, pp. 124-134). This however means that several ethical dilemmas

will arise as a result of the intricacies of the law and its application to psychological functions of

the human mind. This essay will explore some of those ethical issues and attempt to suggest

possible management practices or solutions.

Forensic scientists in general are often faced with ethical issues in the courtroom, “including bias

on the part of forensic scientists, use of scientific jargons, use of confusing or deceptive

testimonies… and advocacy” (Yadav, 2017, pp. 1-6). Forensic psychologists are usually faced

with a similar dilemma. Rocchio (2020, pp. 124-134) states that, “many of the ethical issues

inherent in a forensic evaluation involving complex trauma and dissociation are common to

forensic psychological practice." Forensic psychologists must present well-researched and well-

documented information and conclusions, providing all available and necessary evidence without

misrepresentation or bias (Yadav, 2017, pp. 1-6).

A second major ethical issue arising from forensic psychology is the exaggeration of

professional credentials and qualifications by forensic psychologists, usually in an attempt to

impress jurisdictional bodies. These unethical misrepresentations are not often detected, due to

inefficient methods of validation and insufficient resources (Yadav, 2017, pp. 1-6). Psychologists

must avoid misrepresenting their credentials, while striving to maintain competence in their area

of specialty by keeping themselves updated with important information. A forensic psychologist

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must be reasonably familiar with the rules associated with their roles, both legally and

professionally (Yadav, 2017, pp. 1-6).

Forensic psychologists are governed by a code of ethics which prevent them from legally

harming a client (Yadav, 2017, pp. 1-6). However, a physiologist might unintentionally harm a

client, as in the case of psychological review of a criminal for execution. The result of this

evaluation might result in the criminal being harmed, if they are found mentally competent and

of a sound mind (Shapiro, 2016, pp. 1-14). Psychologists must avoid all practices that might

violate the rights of others, but a circumstance like the above might pose an ethical dilemma for

the physiologist due to its nature.

In conclusion, psychologists are called to a profession of respect for the dignity and worth of all

people. The ethical issues that arise in forensic psychology are in a constant process of

management and elimination by the conformation of forensic psychologists to the APA Ethics

Code. Mental health practitioners must strive to stay updated in the legal field as it relates to their

practice, by research and training.

WORD COUNT: 476

REFERENCES

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American Board of Professional Psychology (2008). Retrieved from https://abpp.org/application-

information/learn-about-specialty-boards/forensic/

Maheswari, T. U., & Balasubramaniam, A. (2019). Forensic psychology (criminal

psychology). International Journal of Forensic Odontology, 4(2), 47.

https://www.ijofo.org/article.asp?issn=2542-

5013;year=2019;volume=4;issue=2;spage=47;epage=47;aulast=Uma

Rocchio, L. M. (2020). Ethical and professional considerations in the forensic assessment of

complex trauma and dissociation. Psychological injury and law, 13(2), 124-134.

https://doi.org/10.1007/s12207-020-09384-9

Shapiro DL (2016). Ethical issues in forensic psychology and psychiatry. Ethics Med Public

Heal 1–14. doi:10.1016/j.jemep.2016.01.015

Yadav, P. K. (2017). Ethical issues across different fields of forensic science. Egyptian journal

of forensic sciences, 7(1), 1-6. https://doi.org/10.1186/s41935-017-0010-1

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 Critical Essay 2

Ethical Issues in Digital Psychology

Alakija Adeoluwa Adaeze

R2204D14360178

Current Perspectives in Psychology

7500 PSYSCI

9th December, 2022

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Digital psychology falls under the ever-expanding umbrella of telehealth. Telehealth can be

explained as “the use of communication devices and other assistive technology to deliver

professional health services to clients in remote locations” (Evan et al., 2016). The field of

psychology has marked a noticeable increase in the use of these technologies, enabling

professionals to communicate with clients via features such as emails, text, telepsychology and

applications. Cloud-based storage, electronic medical records and assessments are also within

these range of digital services, creating an avenue for effective and efficient delivery of

psychological services (Lustgarten et al., 2020). However, there have been several concerns

relating to the vulnerability of some of these digital features; ethical issues involving

confidentiality breaches and informed consent (Evan et al., 2016). This essay will explore some

of those ethical issues, and suggest possible management techniques or solutions.

The field of mental health and psychology is based on privacy and client confidentiality

(Lustgarten et al., 2020). Digital services such as email and text messages are often utilized to

schedule appointments, deliver treatment and for easy communication between the client and the

psychologist. These third-party services however are prone to hacking, leading to exposure of

client data and affecting confidentiality. Email in particular is often the major access point for

spyware and malware. External corporations and government agencies may also have access to

information contained within text messages for advertisement or surveillance purposes, without

proper informed consent (Lustgarten et al., 2020).

Several solutions have been proposed to this issue, including the use of in-transit encryption

services by psychologists when communicating via email with their clients. Clients should also

be well-informed about the potential benefits and risks involved in email communication for

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confidentiality of sensitive data, and external parties that may also have access to it via breaches

(Lustgarten et al., 2020). This provides clients with a clearer picture of their options for digital

psychology. For text messages, psychologists may prefer the option of phones that provide end-

to-end encryption of text messages as a default feature for communicating with clients

(Lustgarten et al., 2020).

Another ethical issue is the concern involved in mobile applications or apps. There is an

estimated 165,000–325,000 health and wellness apps available, with over 10,000 designed for

mental health alone (Carlo et al., 2019). These apps serve a range of functions, from reminding

clients about appointments or activities they need to complete, to helping clients prepare for

future sessions by recording symptoms (Lustgarten et al., 2020). Breaches of data privacy via

apps have been reported severally. Information such as username and password, contact

information, age, gender, location, International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI), and phone

number are shared with developers, and some of this data is sold to third parties without

customer consent (Lustgarten et al., 2020). Encouraging individuals to read privacy and

confidentiality policies of applications thoroughly before giving consent might provide a better

form of security.

In conclusion, the field of psychology is constantly evolving to adapt to technological

advancements. Keeping well-informed on the effects of different technologies on client

confidentiality, as well as soliciting feedback from relevant sources, will help minimize ethical

dilemmas that may arise in digital psychology.

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WORD COUNT: 527
REFERENCES

Carlo, A. D., Hosseini Ghomi, R., Renn, B. N., & Areán, P. A. (2019). By the numbers: ratings

and utilization of behavioral health mobile applications. NPJ digital medicine, 2(1), 1-8.

10.1038/s41746-019-0129-6

Evan, H. D., Heather, M. W., Jamie, L. P., & Christopher, M. F. (2016). Chapter 13-Legal,

Regulatory, and Ethical Issues in Telehealth Technology, Editor (s): James K. Luiselli,

Aaron J. Fischer. Computer-Assisted and Web-Based Innovations in Psychology, Special

Education, and Health, Academic Press, 339-363. https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-12-

802075-3.00013-9

Lustgarten, S. D., Garrison, Y. L., Sinnard, M. T., & Flynn, A. W. (2020). Digital privacy in

mental healthcare: current issues and recommendations for technology use. Current

opinion in psychology, 36, 25-31. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.copsyc.2020.03.012

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 Reflective Report

Alakija Adeoluwa Adaeze

R2204D14360178

Current Perspectives in Psychology

7500 PSYSCI

9th December, 2022

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When I first opened the assessment point. I had one reaction: terror. I had never done a skills

audit, all the information I had previously studied about the various fields of psychology had

suddenly vanished from my mind and a reflective report? Oh dear. I calmed down after some

moments, mentally assessing the assignment requirements before clicking on my laptop to begin.

The skills audit task brought several elements of my life to my remembrance. From skills I did

not even consider important, to skills I had consciously fine-tined over time; everything came

pouring out. Engaging in the skills audit by introspection and self-assessment allowed me view

my abilities in a different light, including how I will apply them to my psychological studies.

The first critical essay was on the topic of ethical issues in forensic psychology. I found it

particularly interesting because forensic psychology is a field I recently discovered via personal

research and found intriguing. Researching on the essay topic allowed me discover the

importance of forensic psychology and the role it plays in the law. Mental evaluations of varying

degrees of complexity have helped decipher technicalities in certain cases. I found myself

reflecting on law cases that I have come across over the years, especially ones where the mental

health of the accused is in question. I wonder how many individuals have been wrongly

imprisoned, due to the inability of the justice system to recognize the importance of mental

health as a key motivator for crime. From my perspective, it seems the solutions to most of the

ethical issues in forensic psychology lie in the hands of individual psychologists. Forensic

psychologists are often faced with the dilemma of upholding their code of ethics, while ensuring

the information provided does not intentionally harm others, but is still free of bias and

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thoroughly evidence-based. I was again reminded of how complex the human system is and how

hard it can be to constantly achieve this.

The second critical essay was based on ethical issues in digital psychology. This study allowed

me discover the various methods by which the field of psychology interfaces with the world of

technology, providing mental health services via various means. These means include text, email

and mobile applications, to perform services such as appointment reminders, speedy

communication between client and psychologist and recording symptoms via notes for future

appointments. These services however pose an ethical threat, especially when there is third-party

involvement without informed consent of the user. Researching on this topic also allowed me

discover solutions to manage the ethical issues arising from digital psychology, as well as ponder

on my own usage of digital psychology tools.

I was reminded of my previous battles with depression, and how greatly I would have benefitted

from easy access to psychological help via technology. Looking back, I doubt I would have been

so keen to engage these digital tools if I was made aware of the risk posed by third-party

involvement. The knowledge that my confidentiality might be compromised without my consent

would have been very unsettling for me, to say the least.

In conclusion, this assessment exercise has expanded my mind greatly. It has enhanced my

research and documentation skills, as well as required me to work on my time-management skills

(I very nearly missed my submission deadline!). It has also slightly changed the way I look at

psychologists from near superhuman individuals who understand all the things that make humans

tick, to still slightly superhuman individuals who are keen on constantly evolving in their ways

of understanding and impacting the human mind, as a whole.

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WORD COUNT: 600

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