Standards

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APTi Ethical Standards for All Users of Psychological Type

1. Present personality types, preferences, styles, temperaments, etc. as normal differences. Avoid bias or stereotyping; demonstrate a balanced respect for all types.
 
 
2. When you are seeking an introductory psychological type experience for yourself, for acquaintances, or for professional clients, obtain or provide an interactive experience conducted by a trained professional. Obtaining a report from the Internet is not enough. Ethical use of psychological type, and of related type assessments and appraisal methods, requires that people be able to evaluate the accuracy of assessment results and come to their own conclusion about which type pattern fits them best (their “BestFit Type”). The effectiveness of every type application depends on people having verified their Best-Fit Type.
 
 
3. Remind yourself and others that psychological type doesn’t explain everything about personality, and that people may not behave in accordance with their Best-Fit Type pattern for a variety of reasons, including culture, personal development, contextual adaptation, etc.
 
 
4. Type attributes are not the same as skills or competencies, and type information by itself is not an appropriate basis for selecting, weeding out, or promoting individuals.
 
 
5. When sharing type information, distinguish between research and anecdotal experience. Avoid unverified speculation; stick to the actual data. When you use stories to bring psychological type to life, clearly describe them as anecdotes or observations that illustrate certain aspects of type-related behavior.
 
 
6. Use materials created by others in an ethical way.
 
 
7. Model ethical use of type in your own behavior.
 
 
APTi Ethical Standards: Additional Guidelines for Type Practitioners
 
8. Use psychological type assessments and information for the benefit of the person you are helping or teaching. Make clear the purpose of using a type model.
 
 
9. Use psychological type instruments and explorations only in a voluntary context. Maintain confidentiality of instrument results; sharing of type information must be up to the individual.
 
 
10. Be clear that individuals are the final authority on their own type pattern.
 
 
11. Clearly identify the assessment tool, survey or method being used and how it is different from other frameworks.
 
 
12. When contracting to use psychological type with individuals or organizations, clarify the purpose and desired outcome. Consider whether type is an appropriate tool for accomplishing their aims.
 
13. When working in other countries, or with people from other countries, keep in mind that while type is universal, culture has an effect on how type patterns are expressed.
 
14. Represent your expertise accurately.
 
15. Abide by state and federal laws regarding use of psychological instruments.
 
 
16. Use correct references to psychological type assessments.
 
 
17. Model ethical use of psychological type.
 
 
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