purdue psychology research

Subjects will be recruited from the Psychology 120 subject pool using the web-based Experimetrix sign-up program.

PSY 20300 - Introduction To Research Methods In Psychology

Educational Psychology & Research Methodology

• Academic Programs
• Undergraduate
• Centers & Initiatives

Welcome to Educational Psychology & Research Methodology at Purdue!

Our master’s and Ph.D. programs prepare students to be leaders in research that addresses significant educational and psychological problems. Coursework introduces the content and research methodologies for addressing these broad challenges. The content of the coursework includes motivation, cognition, learning, development, and instruction. Students specializing in Research Methodology take additional courses in psychometric theory and statistical methods in education, depending on their interests (see Educational Measurement and Data Analytics ). Our internationally-recognized faculty members offer students strong, individualized mentoring and opportunities to develop your skills to design and conduct research. 

We equip graduates for careers that create knowledge and improve the welfare of children, families and schools. Our graduates work as professors, education specialists, learning analysts, psychometricians, program evaluators and corporate trainers in higher education, research institutions, school systems, the testing industry, government agencies and private industry.

Degrees Offered

Master’s

• Master’s of Science (MSEd) in Educational Psychology & Research Methodology  
• Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Educational Psychology & Research Methodology  

Certificate

• Quantitative Research, Assessment and Evaluation in Education  

Faculty & Staff

Our award-winning Educational Psychology & Research Methodology faculty have received grants, conducted interdisciplinary research and “wrote the books” on learning and teaching. See our faculty and their research projects at the following link:

Chang, Hua-Hua

Charles R. Hicks Professor & Professor of Statistics (Courtesy)

Downing, Brenda

Clinical Instructor

Jiang, Yingying

Visiting Clinical Assistant Professor

Levesque-Bristol, Chantal

Professor & Executive director of CIE

Maeda, Yukiko

Mantzicopoulos, Youli

Patrick, Helen

Rogat, Toni

Associate Professor and Associate Department Head

Samarapungavan, Ala

Professor and Interim Department Head

Sears, David

Sigg, Leslie

Administrative Assistant

Traynor, Anne

Associate Professor

Purdue Online Writing Lab Purdue OWL® College of Liberal Arts

Writing in Psychology Overview

Welcome to the Purdue OWL

This page is brought to you by the OWL at Purdue University. When printing this page, you must include the entire legal notice.

Copyright ©1995-2018 by The Writing Lab & The OWL at Purdue and Purdue University. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, reproduced, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed without permission. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our terms and conditions of fair use.

Psychology is based on the study of human behaviors. As a social science, experimental psychology uses empirical inquiry to help understand human behavior. According to Thrass and Sanford (2000), psychology writing has three elements: describing, explaining, and understanding concepts from a standpoint of empirical investigation.

Discipline-specific writing, such as writing done in psychology, can be similar to other types of writing you have done in the use of the writing process, writing techniques, and in locating and integrating sources. However, the field of psychology also has its own rules and expectations for writing; not everything that you have learned in about writing in the past works for the field of psychology.

Writing in psychology includes the following principles:

• Using plain language : Psychology writing is formal scientific writing that is plain and straightforward. Literary devices such as metaphors, alliteration, or anecdotes are not appropriate for writing in psychology.
• Conciseness and clarity of language : The field of psychology stresses clear, concise prose. You should be able to make connections between empirical evidence, theories, and conclusions. See our OWL handout on conciseness for more information.
• Evidence-based reasoning: Psychology bases its arguments on empirical evidence. Personal examples, narratives, or opinions are not appropriate for psychology.
• Use of APA format: Psychologists use the American Psychological Association (APA) format for publications. While most student writing follows this format, some instructors may provide you with specific formatting requirements that differ from APA format .

Types of writing

Most major writing assignments in psychology courses consists of one of the following two types.

Experimental reports: Experimental reports detail the results of experimental research projects and are most often written in experimental psychology (lab) courses. Experimental reports are write-ups of your results after you have conducted research with participants. This handout provides a description of how to write an experimental report .

Critical analyses or reviews of research : Often called "term papers," a critical analysis of research narrowly examines and draws conclusions from existing literature on a topic of interest. These are frequently written in upper-division survey courses. Our research paper handouts provide a detailed overview of how to write these types of research papers.

• About the OUR
• Definitions
• Request a Consultation
• Request a Presentation
• Faculty & Staff Home
• Research Mentors
• What Other Faculty Are Saying
• CURE—Purdue Home
• Get Started in CUREs
• Previous Participant Information
• CURE Resources
• Get Started
• Successful Mentoring
• Mentoring Resources
• Find a Student Researcher
• Add Research to Your Course
• Mentoring FAQs
• Council on Undergraduate Research
• Research Roundtable
• Summer Research Program Information
• Consultation Request
• Students Home
• Search Opportunities
• Online Course Series
• OUR Scholars
• What Current Undergraduate Researchers Are Saying
• Undergrad Research Pitch Competition
• Get Published
• Market Your Research Experience
• Schedule an Appointment
• Undergraduate Research Society of Purdue
• OUR Ambassadors
• Conferences Home
• Fall Expo Information
• Fall Expo Deadlines
• Judge Registration and Information
• Photo Gallery
• Fall Expo Archives
• Spring Conference Information
• Conference Deadlines
• Conference Archives
• Celebrate Purdue's Thinkers, Creators, and Experimenters
• Celebrate FAQs
• Celebrate Archives
• Summer Symposium Information
• Past Abstracts
• Additional Purdue Conferences
• Scholarships & Grants
• OUR Scholarship
• Non-OUR Grants

Undergraduate Research

Why conduct undergraduate research.

Discover first-hand how research contributes to the advancement of human knowledge. Experience a change of pace from formal classroom activities and gain skills applicable to both research and non-research careers. Studies show that students who engage in research are more likely to graduate, more likely to go on to graduate school, and have more successful careers after graduation.

OUR Events Subscribe to the OUR Newsletter Schedule an Appointment

Register for an Online Undergrad Research Course

• Why Work at Purdue
• How to Apply
• Life in Lafayette-West Lafayette
• Architect, Planning and Design
• Athletics, Recreation & Wellness
• Business and Finance
• Business Development/Sales
• Communication/Marketing/Public Relations
• Custodial and Skilled Trades
• Dining & Culinary
• Engineering
• Environment and Sustainability
• Facilities Management and Physical Plant
• Farming, Fishing and Forestry
• Grounds and Landscape Services
• Health and Medical Services
• Human Resources and Legal
• Information Technology
• Office Administration
• Planning, Design, and Construction
• Postdoctoral Researcher
• Project Management
• Public Safety, Security and Emergency Services
• Research and Laboratory
• Secretarial/Clerical
• Student Affairs, Student Services, & Res Life
• Veterinary Medicine

The iCAN Lab at Purdue University (PI: Sarah Karalunas) is seeking a full-time research assistant to support data collection for grant-funded studies focused on children, families, and adults with ADHD. The research assistant will help with day-to-day lab operations including recruitment and scheduling; management of clinical, EEG, eye-tracking, and cognitive data; and both online and in-person data collection which can include any combination of clinical, intelligence, and neurophysiological assessments. They also will assist the lab manager with staff and volunteer training. Opportunities for mentored, independent research are available, if desired. This position is ideal for a recent college graduate interested in applying to graduate school. You must submit a cover letter to be considered.

• Bachelor’s degree in Psychology, Neuroscience, Human Development or related field
• 3 months to 1 year of experience in a research lab
• Experience working with children and families
• Familiarity with EEG/ERP, eye-tracking, or cognitive data 
• Experience with online data collection in REDCap, Qualtrics, or similar platform
• Experience with data management in SPSS, Excel
• Commitment to supporting an inclusive laboratory environment
• Exceptional communication, interpersonal skills, and professionalism as a collegial team member
• Ability to work as part of a team and train others
• Strong organizational and time management skills with emphasis on accuracy and attention to detail
• Ability to efficiently multi task and meet deadlines
• Ability to anticipate needs and solve problems
• Ability to have flexible hours that include some week-day evenings and some Saturdays (schedule negotiable)
• Ability to work in-person on Purdue’s main campus in West Lafayette, IN

Additional Information: 

• Purdue University will not sponsor employment authorization for this position   
• A background check will be required for employment in this position 
• FLSA: Exempt (Not Eligible for Overtime) 
• Retirement Eligibility:  Defined Contribution Waiting Period 
• Purdue University is an EEO/AA employer fully committed to achieving a diverse workforce. All individuals, including minorities, women, individuals with disabilities, and veterans are encouraged to apply 
• Benefit Statement: Purdue University offers a substantial Benefit Package including medical, dental, and vision insurance as well as a generous paid time off package for sick and vacation days 
• Careers Home
• View All Jobs

© Copyright 2024, Purdue University - An equal access/equal opportunity university

• Admissions Overview
• Undergraduate Admissions
• Graduate Degree Programs
• International Student Admissions
• Academics Overview
• Undergraduate Majors & Minors
• Graduate School
• Purdue Online Learning
• Tour Purdue’s Campus
• Research and Innovation Overview
• Research & Partnerships
• Corporate & Global Partnerships
• Purdue Research Foundation
• About Purdue
• Office of the President
• Commitment to Free Speech
• Student Life at Purdue
• Purdue Activity & Wellness
• Campus Inclusion
• Prospective Students
• Current Students
• Faculty and Staff
• Purdue Northwest
• Purdue Fort Wayne
• Purdue Global
• Purdue Online

Pronouns: he/him

Hometown: South Bend, IN

Andrew Eleff

HHS Student Ambassador

Career Goal

Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

Something Cool/Unique About Me

I love board games, national parks, and all things Purdue sports!

Advice For Students

Don’t be afraid to jump headfirst into something you’ve never done before! Some of my best experiences and moments in college so far have happened because I stepped outside my comfort zone. Live every day to the fullest, give 100%, and dive right in!

List of Clubs and Organizations

• Phi Delta Theta
• Purdue Student Nurses Association
• Boiler Gold Rush
• PSON Student Ambassadors
• Nursing Peer Mentors
• HHS Student Ambassadors

The Search for Meaning

Why Our Brains Are Built to Search

• Find a Therapist

Verified by Psychology Today

• Psychiatrists
• Treatment Centers
• Support Groups

Professionals

Therapists Sign Up | Login

Psychology Today: Health, Help, Happiness + Find a Therapist

Today’s essentials today’s essential reads.

Perfectionism

The bad advice of "always be useful".

Leon Garber LMHC on May 25, 2024 in Perfectionism

Being useful isn't always good and can, sometimes, backfire. Perfectionists often struggle to deeply connect with others due to their preoccupations with their standards.

• Relationships

How to Make Sense of a Relationship Betrayal

Susan Krauss Whitbourne PhD, ABPP on May 25, 2024 in Fulfillment at Any Age

Being lied to or exploited by someone close to you can be an unnerving experience. New research unpacks the emotions of the betrayer, showing who you can and cannot trust.

AI Finds Astonishing Male/Female Differences in Human Brain

Leonard Sax M.D., Ph.D. on May 24, 2024 in Sax on Sex

Stanford neuroscientists document large male/female differences in brain connectivity.

• Personality

Have You Been a Target or Victim of Mate Poaching?

Martin Graff Ph.D. on May 24, 2024 in Love, Digitally

Is mate poaching just opportunistic behavior, or does personality play a role? Here's what the research says.

What Can We Do to Improve Concert Goers’s Experience?

Lu Wang Ph.D. on May 25, 2024 in Music Is Number in Space

Can new technology help classical music appeal to a broad contemporary audience?

Artificial Intelligence

The shift from analog to digital to cognitive.

John Nosta on May 25, 2024 in The Digital Self

As AI and LLMs usher in The Cognitive Age, humanity faces an existential question: will our own cognition become obsolete, or will we evolve alongside our digital partners?

Why We Like Cryptic Word Puzzles

Marcel Danesi Ph.D. on May 25, 2024 in Brain Workout

The clues used for creating cryptic crosswords constitute in themselves a genre of word puzzles. Solving these invariably produces a sense of pleasure that is exceptional.

The Wisdom of Resentment: From Toxic to Tonic

Jessica Del Pozo, Ph.D. on May 25, 2024 in Being Awake Better

Resentment is often labeled as a toxic feeling. However, trusting the inherent wisdom of our emotions can guide us toward healing and growth.

7 Ways to Manage Crisis Calls From a Struggling Adult Child

Jeffrey Bernstein Ph.D. on May 25, 2024 in Liking the Child You Love

When your phone buzzes with the familiar number of your adult child in distress, navigating the conversation can feel like walking a tightrope. Here's how to keep your balance.

What I Learned From Missing the Solar Eclipse

Nadja Halilbegovich on May 25, 2024 in From Surviving to Thriving

My disappointment taught me the value of radical acceptance and that our inner narratives define our experience.

Autistic Youth Deserve Freedom from Abuse

Jennifer Gerlach LCSW on May 25, 2024 in Beyond Mental Health

Autistic youth are more than twice as likely to experience abuse than their neurotypical counterparts. How can systems better serve these families?

Mindfulness

5 ways to find focus in the age of distractions.

Anita Owusu MSW, RSW on May 25, 2024 in Your Inner World

Master the art of presence and single-tasking to combat overwhelm, reclaim focus, and rediscover the joy of being fully present in every moment.

5 Factors in Finding Passion in Your Career

Ran D. Anbar M.D. on May 25, 2024 in Understanding Hypnosis

Keys to finding one’s passion include patience, willingness to explore many new experiences, and engaging in activities that allow you to joyfully express your life values.

Recommended Standard Care for People With Suicide Risk

David A. Jobes Ph.D., ABPP on May 25, 2024 in The Psychology of Life

Survey research of hospitals shows a failure to use common sense evidence-based approaches for suicidal risk while proven psychological approaches for suicidality are rarely used.

Can You Use Your Phone While Feeding Your Baby?

Corinne Masur Psy.D. on May 25, 2024 in Parenting Matters

Looking at your phone while you are with your baby, your young child, or even your teenager deprives them of the time you'd spend together in the present.

Visualize Your Perfect Day to Make It Come True

Susanna Newsonen on May 25, 2024 in The Path to Passionate Happiness

What could you do tomorrow or this weekend to bring your perfect day into your reality?

Ethics and Morality

Discover your evil side.

Rafa Euba on May 25, 2024 in You Are Not Meant To Be Happy

Ordinary people may behave cruelly in exceptional circumstances

A Field Guide to Life's Big Lessons, Indian Style

Rahul Bhandari on May 25, 2024 in Turning Adversity into Advantage

Dive into Indian wisdom with quirky phrases that offer life lessons in action, communication, and self-acceptance!

Addressing Common Errors New EFT Relational Therapists Make

Jason N. Linder, PsyD on May 24, 2024 in Relationship and Trauma Insights

Feeling stuck with a case as an emotionally focused therapist? Here are five lessons from a supervisor's perspective to help you work smarter, not harder.

How Sunlight Heals Us

It’s Not Just Vitamin D

Weight Loss Drugs Make People Feel Good—and Bad

Alexandra Brewis and Emily Mendenhall Ph.D. on May 24, 2024 in Diagnosis: Human

Weight loss drugs are transforming many people physically. But how we feel about them is an important side effect.

Toxic Motivation: Recognize and Recover From the Cycle

Jake Breeden on May 24, 2024 in Detoxing Management

Toxic workplace tactics like threats and sacrifice may boost short-term productivity, but at a severe human cost.

How to Work Together as a Team

Robert Taibbi L.C.S.W. on May 24, 2024 in Fixing Families

We hear a lot of talk about the need to work together as a team as partners and parents, but what does that mean? Here are some key principles and ways to get there.

Early-Life Trauma, Adult Relationships, and Sexual Behavior

Robert Weiss Ph.D., LCSW, CSAT on May 24, 2024 in Love and Sex in the Digital Age

Many people fail to see the connection between childhood trauma and adult-life thoughts and actions. Thus, they may think of themselves as crazy.

Is It Ever Okay to Treat a Couple and an Individual in It?

David J. Ley Ph.D. on May 24, 2024 in Women Who Stray

The question of whether a therapist can or should provide conjoint individual and couples therapy is a hotly debated issue with no clear guidelines or answers.

Selfies and the Self

Andrea Mathews LPC, NCC on May 24, 2024 in Traversing the Inner Terrain

Is the selfie a way to authenticate the self?

When You Sense Someone’s Upset With You, Try This

Jeff Wetzler Ed.D. on May 24, 2024 in Unexpected Breakthroughs

Personal Perspective: What can you do when you’re pretty sure someone is upset with you, but they won’t tell you what's really going on?

Misogyny Disguised as Attraction Should Be Labeled HAZMAT

Gina Barreca Ph.D. on May 24, 2024 in Snow White Doesn't Live Here Anymore

You turn to self-hatred because it's easier than hating everybody else. Maybe if you hate yourself, you have the power to change what can happen. Emotional chaos is overwhelming.

The Art of Deep Empathic Listening

Assael Romanelli Ph.D. on May 24, 2024 in The Other Side of Relationships

Mature intimacy is the ability to “feel, together.” Here are six practices for deeper listening.

Finding Serenity During Angry Times 

Rita Watson MPH on May 24, 2024 in With Love and Gratitude

Personal Perspective: In a world of political rantings and accusations, embracing serenity provides a reserve of hope that helps to keep anger at bay.

The Heart Break Tool Box

Natalie Cawley PsychD on May 24, 2024 in Just About Coping

You can develop a toolbox to get through your breakup, and it will help.

An Outline of the Kama Sutra

Neel Burton M.D. on May 24, 2024 in Ataraxia

Explore the lesser-known parts of India’s key text on eroticism: the 'Kama Sutra.'

3 Ways to Spot the Difference in Chemistry and Compatibility

Mark Travers Ph.D. on May 24, 2024 in Social Instincts

Chemistry pulls us in, but compatibility makes us stay.

How Can I Feel More Connected to My Partner?

Kelli Miller LCSW on May 24, 2024 in Love Hacks

Learning how to feel more connected to your partner is essential to a quality relationship.

• Find a Treatment Center
• Find a Psychiatrist
• Find a Support Group
• Find Online Therapy
• United States
• Brooklyn, NY
• Chicago, IL
• Houston, TX
• Los Angeles, CA
• New York, NY
• Portland, OR
• San Diego, CA
• San Francisco, CA
• Seattle, WA
• Washington, DC
• Asperger's
• Bipolar Disorder
• Chronic Pain
• Eating Disorders
• Passive Aggression
• Goal Setting
• Positive Psychology
• Stopping Smoking
• Low Sexual Desire
• Child Development
• Self Tests NEW
• Therapy Center
• Diagnosis Dictionary
• Types of Therapy

At any moment, someone’s aggravating behavior or our own bad luck can set us off on an emotional spiral that threatens to derail our entire day. Here’s how we can face our triggers with less reactivity so that we can get on with our lives.

• Emotional Intelligence
• Gaslighting
• Affective Forecasting
• Neuroscience

• Military & Veterans
• Transfer Students
• Education Partnerships
• COVID-19 Info
• 844-PURDUE-G
• Student Login
• Request Info
• Bachelor of Science
• Master of Science
• Associate of Applied Science
• Graduate Certificate
• Master of Business Administration
• ExcelTrack Master of Business Administration
• ExcelTrack Bachelor of Science
• Postbaccalaureate Certificate
• Certificate
• Associate of Applied Science (For Military Students)
• Programs and Courses
• Master of Public Administration
• Doctor of Education
• Postgraduate Certificate
• Bachelor of Science in Psychology
• Master of Health Care Administration
• Master of Health Informatics
• Doctor of Health Science
• Associate of Applied of Science (For Military Students)
• Associate of Science (For Military Students)
• Master of Public Health
• Executive Juris Doctor
• Juris Doctor
• Dual Master's Degrees
• ExcelTrack Master of Science
• Master of Science (DNP Path)
• Bachelor of Science (RN-to-BSN)
• ExcelTrack Bachelor of Science (RN-to-BSN)
• Associate of Science
• Doctor of Nursing Practice
• Master of Professional Studies

The average Purdue Global military student is awarded 54% of the credits needed for an associate's and 45% of the credits needed for a bachelor's.

• General Education Mobile (GEM) Program
• AAS in Health Science
• AS in Health Science
• BS in Organizational Management
• BS in Professional Studies
• AAS in Criminal Justice
• AAS in Small Group Management
• AAS Small Group Management
• Master's Degrees
• Bachelor's Degrees
• Associate's Degrees
• Certificate Programs
• Noncredit Courses
• Tuition and Financial Aid Overview
• Financial Aid Process
• Financial Aid Awards
• Financial Aid Resources
• Financial Aid Frequently Asked Questions
• Financial Aid Information Guide
• Tuition and Savings
• Aviation Degree Tuition and Fees
• Professional Studies Tuition and Fees
• Single Courses and Micro-Credentials
• Time and Tuition Calculator
• Net Price Calculator
• Military Benefits and Tuition Assistance
• Military Educational Resources
• Military Tuition Reductions
• Military Spouses
• Student Loans
• Student Grants
• Outside Scholarships
• Loan Management
• Financial Literacy Tools
• Academic Calendar
• General Requirements
• Technology Requirements
• Work and Life Experience Credit
• DREAMers Education Initiative
• Student Identity
• Student Experience
• Online Experience
• Student Life
• Alumni Engagement
• International Students
• Academic Support
• All Purdue Online Degrees
• Career Services
• COVID-19 FAQs
• Student Accessibility Services
• Student Resources
• Transcript Request
• About Purdue Global
• Accreditation
• Approach to Learning
• Career Opportunities
• Diversity Initiatives
• Purdue Global Commitment
• Cybersecurity Center
• Chancellor's Corner
• Purdue Global Moves
• Leadership and Board
• Facts and Statistics
• Researcher Request Intake Form

Most Commonly Searched:

• All Degree Programs
• Communication
• Criminal Justice
• Fire Science
• Health Sciences
• Human Services
• Information Technology
• Legal Studies
• Professional Studies
• Psychology and ABA
• Public Policy
• Military and Veterans
• Tuition and Fee Finder
• Financial Aid FAQs
• Military Benefits and Aid
• Admissions Overview
• Student Experience Overview
• Academic Support Overview

Understanding the 7 Principles of Ethics in Nursing

As the most trusted professionals in the U.S. who regularly make critical decisions that can impact the life and death of their patients, nurses are in tremendous positions of power. But with this power, there are significant obligations and responsibilities.

“Real-world health care practice is complicated, and nurses find themselves facing ethical dilemmas on a regular basis,” says Elaina Mahlan , MSN, faculty member of Purdue Global’s School of Nursing. “These issues are not always black and white.”

When faced with these kinds of tough decisions, nurses need a lodestar — something that all nurses can use to guide them toward ethical decisions that are consistent across the profession. That’s where the nursing code of ethics comes into play.

The American Nurses Association (ANA) first developed its Code of Ethics for Nurses in the 1950s to serve as “a moral compass to promote high levels of care, an ethical standard for those entering the nursing profession, and a commitment to society affirming the responsibilities of the registered nurse.” Since that time, it’s been consistently updated and revised to reflect advances in nursing, society, and technology.

The ANA has summarized the major tenets of the nursing code of ethics into four principles:

• Beneficence
• Nonmaleficence

To this list, Mahlan recommends adding three more principles :

• Accountability

“Nurses have to rely on these principles not only to achieve the best and most ethical outcomes but also to prevent the health care system from collapsing because nobody trusts it,” Mahlan says. “This ethical principle framework helps them to make ethical decisions, but it also relieves them as a human being from ethical distress.”

While there are seven core principles, most of them can be considered in pairs as they complement each other, while the final principle — justice — is the ethical umbrella that covers the rest.

Beneficence and Nonmaleficence

Beneficence and nonmaleficence are two sides of the same coin. At their basic level, beneficence is doing good, while nonmaleficence is doing no harm. When applied to ethics in nursing, this means nurses should offer kindness while using care to do no harm.

“Beneficence is the very essence of nursing,” Mahlan says. “Caring for others is what calls people to the profession to begin with.”

A beneficent nurse is one who considers the patient’s best interest. This could include providing medications in a timely manner, offering comfort to a dying patient and their loved ones, or even just providing a listening ear.

A nurse who embodies nonmaleficence, meanwhile, works to minimize harm, ensuring they make every effort to keep patients safe and improve patient outcomes. Examples include reporting or fixing safety hazards in the clinic, withholding medication due to adverse reactions, or pausing a treatment strategy that seems to be causing the patient more harm than good.

Autonomy and Accountability

In regard to nursing ethics, autonomy has a couple of meanings. Autonomy is the need for nurses to be able to act independently within the scope of their practice. It also refers to the duty of the nurse to provide enough information to the patient so that they can make their own decisions.

For example, if the patient gets all of the information on an approved treatment plan and decides not to move forward because of their own beliefs and values, they have the autonomy to do so, no matter what the nurse would do in their situation.

On the other hand, a nurse may decide to temporarily withhold an order that they've received from a physician if they see something within that order that doesn't make sense to them.

“I have to be able to act independently as an autonomous professional and require my other health care partners to clarify the treatment plan,” says Mahlan. “There could be errors in the system or a miscommunication. But I need to be able to say, ‘Something doesn’t seem right here, so we need a timeout.’”

But one can’t have autonomy without also being held accountable for their actions and decisions.

“One of the first things that you learn in nursing school is if you’re asked why you’re doing something, you may never answer, ‘Because the doctor ordered it,’” Mahlan says. “It may be true, of course, but it's not an acceptable answer because to be accountable, you have to understand what you’re doing and why — as well as the ramifications of that decision.”

Fidelity and Veracity

In order for autonomy and accountability to work, nurses must be trusted by both the public and their interprofessional colleagues. This is where fidelity and veracity come into play.

Fidelity is keeping your word to your patients, while veracity is being open and honest with them — even if the truth is difficult to hear.

For example, you told a patient that you would call them with their treatment options, but none of the options have a completely ideal outcome. Still, you call them at the scheduled time and explain everything in detail so they can make an informed decision.

In this case, you kept your word about calling the patient with their treatment options despite knowing it would be an uncomfortable conversation. You were also completely honest with them about the outcomes of those options, even though none of them were ideal.

Justice is the ethical principle that says what you do as a nurse, you are going to do impartially and without favoritism. That means being impartial about a patient’s ethnicity, religion, age, economic status, or sexual orientation. It also means making decisions without respect to who your employer is or who is funding the research.

“Let's say you’re a nurse manager. If you show favoritism among members of your staff, such as with rewards and benefits or disciplinary actions in the workplace, you are not operating under the ethical principle of justice,” says Mahlan.

When it comes to patient care, justice could also be advocating for a patient who may need extra assistance due to a disability or economic hardship.

“Justice is a component of equity and inclusion because justice is blind,” Mahlan says. “All of the prior six ethical principles have to operate like justice with the same impartiality. Nurses serve people equitably in a way that does the most good.”

Bolster Your Nursing Career With a Degree from Purdue Global

“Year after year for decades now, a Gallup Poll on the most trusted professions places nurses at the top,” Mahlan says. “It's critical that the profession doesn't rest on those laurels; we have to continuously nurture that trust by questioning how we’re conducting ourselves.

“We can't afford to give up protecting that trust because once it’s gone, it's extremely hard to rebuild,” she says.

If you’re ready to take your nursing career to the next level while helping to further the nation’s trust in the profession, consider an online nursing degree or certificate from Purdue Global. Our nursing programs include an online RN-to-BSN degree and an online MSN degree. Request information about our online programs today.

See Notes and Conditions below for important information.

About the Author

Purdue Global

Earn a degree you're proud of and employers respect at Purdue Global, Purdue's online university for working adults. Accredited and online, Purdue Global gives you the flexibility and support you need to come back and move your career forward. Choose from 175+ programs, all backed by the power of Purdue.

• General Education
• Legal Studies & Public Policy
• Online Learning

Your Path to Success Begins Here

Learn more about online programs at Purdue Global and download our program guide.

Connect with an Advisor to explore program requirements, curriculum, credit for prior learning process, and financial aid options.

Employment and Career Advancement: Purdue Global does not guarantee employment placement or career advancement. Actual outcomes vary by geographic area, previous work experience, and opportunities for employment. Additional training or certification may be required.

Views Expressed:   The views expressed in this article are solely those of the faculty member/individual and do not represent the view of Purdue Global.