NCJ Number
101655
Journal
Law and Human Behavior Volume: 10 Issue: 1-2 Dated: (June 1986) Pages: 63-78
Date Published
1986
Length
16 pages
Annotation
A discussion of whether psychologists should take the role of advocate or impartial educator when giving expert testimony concludes that using a Darwinian approach and letting each individual decide on the most suitable strategy is the best solution for the time being.
Abstract
The ethical issue of what role the experimental psychologist should assume gives rise to several specific dilemmas. These dilemmas include the appropriateness of making generalizations about the real world from the results of psychological studies, the appropriateness of omitting adverse information when giving expert testimony, and the use of special purpose studies. Problems arise whether one plays the role of an advocate or an educator. The ethical principles adopted by the psychology profession provide little guidance on these issues. They do not specify whether the needs of the client or the needs of the public are paramount. A Darwinian approach would therefore be the most appropriate. Each individual would decide on the strategy to use, and the experts who proved to be the fittest would survive and would be asked to provide testimony in future cases. Description of the author's special studies in a trademark infringement case, figure, 30 references.