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services and use only those techniques for which they are qualiied by Our code also directs members to protect the identity of their clients, to
education, training, or experience” (AASP, n.d.). Thus, one must know verify and maintain the private identities of clients, and to have them sign
that the construction and use of online assessments for screening agreements indicating their understanding of the limitations of computer-
or monitoring of performance-related factors of interest be limited to based technology (see Standards 18, d, e, and f).
those types of tests which: (a) would be psychometrically sound and/or
Given both the considerable potential beneits and real risks associated
appropriate to use with prospective clients and one’s current clients;
with the inclusion of online assessment within our professional work, and
(b) within our scope of competence to administer and interpret; and (c)
the guidance provided by our Ethics Code, we forward the following tips for
use forms of technology for we have training or experience integrating
consideration:
into our practical and scientiic work.
a. Be clear on the purposes of implementing online assessment
More speciically, Standard 2c of the AASP Ethics code states:
methodology;
AASP members who engage in assessment, therapy, teaching, research, b. Consider alternative means of learning about the phenomena of
organizational consulting, or other professional activities maintain a interest versus the use of online methods;
reasonable level of awareness of current scientiic and professional
c. Maintain current competence in the crafting and application
information in their ields of activity, and undertake ongoing efforts to
of online assessments, and if not so, seek consultation and/or
maintain competence in the skills they use. (AASP, n.d.)
employ others who are competent to do so;
Relatedly, Standard 26 (a) of our Code recommends that users of technology
d. Be diligent in protecting the conidentiality of any data collected
be competent to do so. This standard states:
and retained though online assessment activities; and
AASP members should only incorporate the various forms of technology
e. Seek consultation before entering into this realm of practice.
in their professional and scientiic work in which they have appropriate
technical and practical, and when such technology does not subject
REFERENCES
another party to harm or discomfort. (AASP, n.d.)
Association for Applied Sport Psychology. (n.d.). Ethics code: AASP ethical principles
Further, when deciding to integrate any type of technology within our and standards. Retrieved from http://appliedsportpsych.org/about/ethics/
ethicscode.
professional work, including assessment, we are encouraged in 26 (b) to
“.clearly delineate to the client the types of technology that will be utilized Carlson, J. F., & Harvey, V. S. (2004). Using computer-related technology for assessment
and the parameters for using such technology in each relationship” (AASP, activities: Ethical and professional practice issues for school psychologists.
n.d.)
Computers in Human Behavior, 20, 645-659.
As the reader may also sense, the conidentiality of online communication
Cunningham, L. E., Lloyd, H. J., Farro, A. J. (2011, August 4-7). Ethical considerations
cannot be guaranteed. AASP ethics code Standard 18 (a) speaks to this for technology-based assessments. Paper presented at the annual
convention of the American Psychological Association, Washington, D.C.
essential agreement with those we serve:
AASP members have a primary obligation to uphold and take reasonable Pope, K. (1992). Seven clinical, ethical, and legal pitfalls in using psychological tests.
Minnesota Psychologist.
precautions to respect the conidentiality rights of those with whom they
work or consult, recognizing that conidentiality may be established by
law, institutional rules, and/or professional or scientiic relationships.
(AASP, n.d.)
AASP Newsletter // Winter 2015 // Online Assessment in Sport and Exercise Psychology: Ethical Issues and Best Practice Recommendations
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