PSYCP 6011 Assessment Task 2 Written Assignment Marking Guidelines

Case One: John and Japina

Part I. Reflective Practice

Question 1. What? Identify the facts and emotional responses in the case study that you believe impact the psychological practice of
the psychologist/researcher.

 John feels put off by Japina’s old-fashioned, conservative attitude.

 He has strong views on feminism
 His views on human right movements might mean he prioritises the education of women
 He likely sees Japina as blind to reality and wrong in her thinking
 John might be lonely, he is divorced and shares a small place with a cat. Perhaps he feels
emotionally over-invested in young Japina’s situation.

Question 2. So What? Provide an evidence-based critical discussion on how the factors in Question 1 (What?) might have important
implications for psychological practice. In your response consider any issues arising from biases, defence mechanisms, client
considerations, stereotypes, and/or psychologist’s assumptions. Include any psychological theory (e.g., Freud, Erikson, Beck, etc.) that may
help explain the situation and identify nuances in the problems presented.

 There is countertransference from John to Japina. His feminism is being projected onto his
relationship with her.
 There might be transference from Japina to John with regard to her anxiety over her
homework.
 Some Explanation about Freud’s defence mechanisms.
 Perhaps this is how John might have talked to his own daughter (given their relative ages).
Perhaps some explanation about Japina and John’s stage of psychosocial development.

 John might be lonely, he is divorced and shares a small place with a cat. Perhaps he feels
emotionally over-invested in young Japina’s situation, so he is not being objective.

 Japina is gay. Refer to psychologist considerations John would need to keep in mind.

 Japina is a young gay woman. Mention the assumptions John might be making about her.
i.e., that she is young and does not know what is good for her, for example.

Question 3. Now What? Discuss an action plan on how to address the issues raised in Questions 1 (What?) and 2 (So What?). How
should the psychologist act in this situation? Can you suggest any strategies to help reduce any potential biases or address defence
mechanisms? Include resources that the practitioner may draw upon to address this situation.

 John feels put off by Japina’s old-fashioned, conservative attitude. How can John address
his feelings about Japina to act more objectively? – Listen to her issues, listen to her wishes,
validate, reflect on his feelings, discuss this with a supervisor

 His views on human right movements might mean he prioritises the education of women -
How can John address his feelings about Japina to act more objectively? Listen to her issues,
listen to her wishes, validate, reflect on his feelings, and appreciate that he might be
discriminating Japina by assuming that as a gay woman, she would not want to marry and
settle down. discuss this with a supervisor, educate himself about gay culture.
  He likely sees Japina as blind to reality and wrong in her thinking

 John might be lonely, he is divorced and shares a small place with a cat. Perhaps he feels
emotionally over-invested in young Japina’s situation.

Debiasing techniques

 In-action reflection

This is reflection that takes place as you are involved in the situation (i.e., sitting with the client). It
involves an analysis of observation and listening. It is akin to ‘thinking on your feet’ with the focus
being on gaining a new perspective rather than problem solve.

 On-action reflection

This refers to ‘stepping back’ from a situation and analysing it with the aim to better understand our
thought, actions and behaviours whilst the situation was taking place. It usually takes the form of
conversation with a supervisor.

 Journaling

This is a form of self-reflection, which can help us systematically analyse our thoughts and feelings in
an organised manner. Journalling helps us to become intentional about where we stand, what we
want and how we might be able to accomplish our wishes.

 Cultivating mindfulness

Mindfulness is described as the practice of being present (‘here and now’) in a non-judgemental
way. By practising mindfulness awareness we can become more accurate in seeing people and
situations in a truly objective manner.

Question 4. Rationale: Provide a brief rationale for your choice of a case study. For instance, you may have found it relatable due to
having a similar experience or you may have come across a similar character in a book or a movie. There are no right or wrong answers to
this question. We are looking for evidence of the student’s ability to self-reflect. However, please be mindful that this is an academic
exercise and it is not an opportunity to overshare emotional hardship.

 Student’s own reflection

Part II. Ethical practice

Question 5. Identify and discuss the ethical issues or potential ethical issues that might apply to the case study under consideration.
Reference the relevant section/s of the APS Code of Ethics in your response. Provide an appropriate, logical solution to address the ethical
issues discussed.

He communicates his activism in social media and printed media. He represents the profession
(General principle C (C2 Communication).

Messy, disorganised notes General Principle B (B.2) record keeping

He is going to use Japina’s session time to help her with her homework, which might be outside his
expertise (B.1.competence)
Case Two: Chris and Sunny Hills Forever

Part I. Reflective Practice

Question 1. What? Identify the facts and emotional responses in the case study that you believe impact the psychological practice of the
psychologist/researcher.

 Chris feels the need to live up to her parents’ expectations of her success
 She has become a researcher and is very invested in the success of her research study
 Chris feels under pressure to recruit for her study, pressure from the funding body but it
might also be from her parents’ long-standing desire for her to succeed.
 She has become arrogant, dismissing her would be participants’ right to understand the
information about involvement in her study.

Question 2. So What? Provide an evidence-based critical discussion on how the factors in Question 1 (What?) might have important
implications for psychological practice. In your response consider any issues arising from biases, defence mechanisms, client
considerations, stereotypes, and/or psychologist’s assumptions. Include any psychological theory (e.g., Freud, Erikson, Beck, etc.) that may
help explain the situation and identify nuances in the problems presented.

 There is denial in Chris that a large conference-style presentation would be understood by

all residents (some with sensory problems) instead of the residents needing to be informed
about her study on an individual basis because they would all want to be in her study.

 There might be idealisation in Chris with regard to thinking that all residents will want to
take part in her study – whether they understand it or not.

 Some Explanation about Freud’s defence mechanisms.

 Perhaps Chris’ expectation from parents has translated to her projecting her parents’
pressure for her to do what needs to be done to succeed onto the residents

 Perhaps some discussion about Chris and the residents’ stage of psychosocial development
or attachment theory.

 Chris has sacrificed comfort and personal relationships to achieve her goals.

 Discuss stereotypes and assumptions of the career person.

Question 3. Now What? Discuss an action plan on how to address the issues raised in Questions 1 (What?) and 2 (So What?). How
should the psychologist act in this situation? Can you suggest any strategies to help reduce any potential biases or address defence
mechanisms? Include resources that the practitioner may draw upon to address this situation.

 Chris feels the need to live up to her parents’ expectations of her success How can Chris
address her feelings of expectation to act more objectively and professionally? – Reflection
on how her actions are affecting people who are sensory compromised, elderly, and
disabled.
 Chris feels under pressure to recruit for her study, pressure from the funding body but it
might also be from her parents’ long-standing desire for her to succeed. How can Chris
address her feelings of expectation to act more objectively and professionally? Chris might
need to run her methodology past the ethics committee and a supervisor. She might want
to learn about working with these populations.
 She has become arrogant, dismissing her would be participants’ right to understand the
information about involvement in her study. success How can Chris address her feelings of
expectation to act more objectively and professionally? Chris might need to consult APS
guidelines on dealing with elderly clients and disabled clients.
Debiasing techniques

 In-action reflection

This is reflection that takes place as you are involved in the situation (i.e., sitting with the client). It
involves an analysis of observation and listening. It is akin to ‘thinking on your feet’ with the focus
being on gaining a new perspective rather than problem solve.

 On-action reflection

This refers to ‘stepping back’ from a situation and analysing it with the aim to better understand our
thought, actions and behaviours whilst the situation was taking place. It usually takes the form of
conversation with a supervisor.

 Journaling

This is a form of self-reflection, which can help us systematically analyse our thoughts and feelings in
an organised manner. Journalling helps us to become intentional about where we stand, what we
want and how we might be able to accomplish our wishes.

 Cultivating mindfulness

Mindfulness is described as the practice of being present (‘here and now’) in a non-judgemental
way. By practising mindfulness awareness we can become more accurate in seeing people and
situations in a truly objective manner.

Question 4. Rationale: Provide a brief rationale for your choice of a case study. For instance, you may have found it relatable due to
having a similar experience or you may have come across a similar character in a book or a movie. There are no right or wrong answers to
this question. We are looking for evidence of the student’s ability to self-reflect. However, please be mindful that this is an academic
exercise and it is not an opportunity to overshare emotional hardship.

 Student’s own reflection

Part II. Ethical practice

Question 5. Identify and discuss the ethical issues or potential ethical issues that might apply to the case study under consideration.
Reference the relevant section/s of the APS Code of Ethics in your response. Provide an appropriate, logical solution to address the ethical
issues discussed.

Pretty much General Principal A: Respect for the rights and dignity of people and peoples

Chris needs to ensure that participants understand their involvement in research (A.3) (C.4)

Chris needs to protect and safeguard the participants in her research (B.14)

Case Three: Dana and Alex

Part I. Reflective Practice
Question 1. What? Identify the facts and emotional responses in the case study that you believe impact the psychological practice of the
psychologist/researcher.

 Dana is anxious about her parenting of her daughter Anne. She feels protective of Anne and
acts overprotective and perhaps over-permissive. She might see herself as a protector.
 Dana is over concerned with Alex – worrying about her whilst driving home
 Dana is defensive/argumentative with Charles, her husband. She might think she knows
better than him when it comes to educating/looking after their child.
 Dana has an aversion to punishment even for bad behaviour
 Dana tells the warden how to treat Alex, again, demonstrating responsibility for Alex’s
welfare.

Question 2. So What? Provide an evidence-based critical discussion on how the factors in Question 1 (What?) might have important
implications for psychological practice. In your response consider any issues arising from biases, defence mechanisms, client
considerations, stereotypes, and/or psychologist’s assumptions. Include any psychological theory (e.g., Freud, Erikson, Beck, etc.) that may
help explain the situation and identify nuances in the problems presented.

 Transference

 Countertransference

 Some Explanation about Freud’s defence mechanisms.

 Family systems theory might explain Dana’s behaviours

 Dana might see Anne in Alex. She knows Alex’s mother ignored abuse from the father and
she might fear Anne seeing her the way that Alex sees her mother.

 Refer to guidelines for working with forensic populations

 Discuss assumptions – Dana is easily manipulated, Dana might have been abused herself.
Discuss how Dana might see females – ie., vulnerable, in need of protection.

Question 3. Now What? Discuss an action plan on how to address the issues raised in Questions 1 (What?) and 2 (So What?). How
should the psychologist act in this situation? Can you suggest any strategies to help reduce any potential biases or address defence
mechanisms? Include resources that the practitioner may draw upon to address this situation.

 Dana is over responsible and overprotective and perhaps over permissive – Reflection on
how her actions are affecting a young female in a forensic setting, ie., she is not allowing
Alex to grow and feel empowered as Dana is always the protector.
 Dana is worried about Alex as she drives home. How can Dana address her feelings of
expectation to act more objectively and professionally? Dana might need to debrief after
her sessions by writing her notes, by talking to a supervisor, and by practising on-action
reflection.
 Dana is aggressive against Charles/she tells the warden to take it easy on Alex How can
Dana address her feelings of expectation to act more objectively and professionally? Dana
needs to take a step back to reflect on her work with Alex in a forensic setting. She is re-
enacting her home situation at home, where Alex represents her daughter Anne.

Debiasing techniques

 In-action reflection
This is reflection that takes place as you are involved in the situation (i.e., sitting with the client). It
involves an analysis of observation and listening. It is akin to ‘thinking on your feet’ with the focus
being on gaining a new perspective rather than problem solve.

 On-action reflection

This refers to ‘stepping back’ from a situation and analysing it with the aim to better understand our
thought, actions and behaviours whilst the situation was taking place. It usually takes the form of
conversation with a supervisor.

 Journaling

This is a form of self-reflection, which can help us systematically analyse our thoughts and feelings in
an organised manner. Journalling helps us to become intentional about where we stand, what we
want and how we might be able to accomplish our wishes.

 Cultivating mindfulness

Mindfulness is described as the practice of being present (‘here and now’) in a non-judgemental
way. By practising mindfulness awareness we can become more accurate in seeing people and
situations in a truly objective manner.

Question 4. Rationale: Provide a brief rationale for your choice of a case study. For instance, you may have found it relatable due to
having a similar experience or you may have come across a similar character in a book or a movie. There are no right or wrong answers to
this question. We are looking for evidence of the student’s ability to self-reflect. However, please be mindful that this is an academic
exercise and it is not an opportunity to overshare emotional hardship.

 Student’s own reflection

Part II. Ethical practice

Question 5. Identify and discuss the ethical issues or potential ethical issues that might apply to the case study under consideration.
Reference the relevant section/s of the APS Code of Ethics in your response. Provide an appropriate, logical solution to address the ethical
issues discussed.

Confidentiality (A.5) – forensic populations, talking to warden

Record keeping (B.2) – being asked not to keep accurate records

Case Four: Naomi and Jim

Part I. Reflective Practice
Question 1. What? Identify the facts and emotional responses in the case study that you believe impact the psychological practice of the
psychologist/researcher.

 Naomi feels offended when John leaves her pamphlet behind, this would lead Naomi to have
negative feelings for John.

 Naomi likely sees herself as a culturally sensitive person – i.e., she and her husband
volunteer at their children’s multicultural school – She might have assumed that she could
understand John

 Naomi might be short on patience as she has little support with a young family (she might be
resentful that her parents did not prioritise her) – little patience would impact her work with
John. She is not prioritising John’s mental health risks, rather she focuses on his diabetes.

 There might be frustration because Naomi cannot build a good rapport with Jim (they are
very different people – race/culture/family/gender) and he does not talk very much (long
silences, poor eye contact)

Question 2. So What? Provide an evidence-based critical discussion on how the factors in Question 1 (What?) might have important
implications for psychological practice. In your response consider any issues arising from biases, defence mechanisms, client
considerations, stereotypes, and/or psychologist’s assumptions. Include any psychological theory (e.g., Freud, Erikson, Beck, etc.) that may
help explain the situation and identify nuances in the problems presented.

 There might be a projection from Naomi to John. Naomi might be tired, disinterested and
frustrated and she might think that it is John who is tired and frustrated thus hard to build
rapport with him.

 Some Explanation about Freud’s defence mechanisms.

 Naomi is not practising cultural sensitivity, adding to the difficulty in building rapport

 Refer to APS guidelines for working with Indigenous Australians – client consideration

 Naomi comes from an English/Anglo-Australian home, she might be making assumptions

about John (i.e., projection)

Question 3. Now What? Discuss an action plan on how to address the issues raised in Questions 1 (What?) and 2 (So What?). How should
the psychologist act in this situation? Can you suggest any strategies to help reduce any potential biases or address defence mechanisms?
Include resources that the practitioner may draw upon to address this situation.

 Naomi feels offended that John left her pamphlet. How can Naomi address his feelings
about John to act more objectively? – Reflect, and meet with a supervisor who works with
Indigenous Australians

 Naomi is unable to develop a good rapport with John/ John is not talking much - How can
Naomi address his feelings about John to act more objectively? Reflect, and meet with a
supervisor who works with Indigenous Australians, educate yourself about Indigenous
culture, and refer to APS Guidelines for working with Indigenous Australians.

 Naomi might want to use Australian resources – she can liaise with GP, diabetes educator,
indigenous liaison to get John better management of his diabetes.
Debiasing techniques

 In-action reflection

This is reflection that takes place as you are involved in the situation (i.e., sitting with the client). It
involves an analysis of observation and listening. It is akin to ‘thinking on your feet’ with the focus
being on gaining a new perspective rather than problem solve.

 On-action reflection

This refers to ‘stepping back’ from a situation and analysing it with the aim to better understand our
thought, actions and behaviours whilst the situation was taking place. It usually takes the form of
conversation with a supervisor.

 Journaling

This is a form of self-reflection, which can help us systematically analyse our thoughts and feelings in
an organised manner. Journalling helps us to become intentional about where we stand, what we
want and how we might be able to accomplish our wishes.

 Cultivating mindfulness

Mindfulness is described as the practice of being present (‘here and now’) in a non-judgemental
way. By practising mindfulness awareness we can become more accurate in seeing people and
situations in a truly objective manner.

Question 4. Rationale: Provide a brief rationale for your choice of a case study. For instance, you may have found it relatable due to having
a similar experience or you may have come across a similar character in a book or a movie. There are no right or wrong answers to this
question. We are looking for evidence of the student’s ability to self-reflect. However, please be mindful that this is an academic exercise
and it is not an opportunity to overshare emotional hardship.

 Student’s own reflection

Part II. Ethical practice

Question 5. Identify and discuss the ethical issues or potential ethical issues that might apply to the case study under consideration.
Reference the relevant section/s of the APS Code of Ethics in your response. Provide an appropriate, logical solution to address the ethical
issues discussed.

Naomi proceeds to call a friend about her session with Jim (Confidentiality A.5)

Naomi has not educated herself to work with indigenous Australians, she could potentially be
violating ethical standard A.1 Justice

Naomi is focused on diabetes education rather than mental health issues that might be impacting
medication adherence. This might be a violation of ethical standard B.1. Competence.