Decoding the Ethics Code, Ch. 8 & 9

CHAPTER 48

Standards on

Advertising and

Other Public Statements

5. Advertising and Other Public Statements

5.01 Avoidance of False or Deceptive Statements

(a) Public statements include but are not limited to paid or unpaid advertising, product endorsements,

grant applications, licensing applications, other credentialing applications, brochures,

printed matter, directory listings, personal resumes or curricula vitae, or comments for use in

media such as print or electronic transmission, statements in legal proceedings, lectures and

public oral presentations, and published materials. Psychologists do not knowingly make public

statements that are false, deceptive, or fraudulent concerning their research, practice, or other

work activities or those of persons or organizations with which they are affiliated.

Psychologists aspire to promote accuracy, honesty, and truthfulness in the science,

teaching, and practice of psychology and do not engage in subterfuge or

intentional misrepresentation of fact (Principle C: Integrity). Standard 5.01a of the

APA Ethics Code (APA, 2010c) prohibits false, deceptive, or fraudulent public statements

regarding work activities or the activities of persons or organizations with

which psychologists are affiliated.

The terms avoidance and knowingly exclude as violations statements that psychologists

would reasonably be expected to believe are true but that they may later

learn are false.