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reducing bias language in psychology writing
Reducing Bias: Language in Psychology Writing
Date: 6/5/2022
Concise Guide to APA Style: 7th Edition (OFFICIAL)
Page 93 Review
The Importance of Respectful and Accurate Language in Psychological Writing
This excerpt highlights the crucial role of language in psychological writing, emphasizing the need for respectful, accurate, and specific terminology.
It guides authors in choosing words that reduce bias and promote clear communication, particularly when referring to individuals receiving psychological services.
Preferred Terminology: People First
The text emphasizes using people-first language, prioritizing the individual over their condition or label.
For instance, it suggests replacing phrases like “manic-depressive cases were treated” with “the people with bipolar disorder were treated.” This subtle shift acknowledges the personhood of those affected by mental health conditions.
As the excerpt states, “revising the sentence to read ‘the people with bipolar disorder were treated’ differentiates the people from the disorder.” This approach fosters empathy and reduces the stigma associated with mental illness.
Appropriate Terms for Participants
The text outlines appropriate terminology when describing research participants.
According to the text, “‘children,’ or ‘respondents’ as well as the more general terms ‘participants’ and ‘subjects’ are acceptable.” The choice depends on the context and the nature of the study.
While “subjects” and “sample” are acceptable for discussing statistical terms and experimental designs (e.g., “within-subjects design,’ “between-subjects design,’ “sample-size-adjusted Bayesian information criterion,’ “between-samples estimate of the variance’”), researchers should be mindful of the potential for dehumanization and choose the most respectful term possible.
“Patient” vs. “Client”: Context Matters
The excerpt differentiates between the terms “patient” and “client.” “Use the term ‘patient’ to describe an individual diagnosed with a mental health, behavioral health, and/or medical disease, disorder, or problem who is receiving services from a health care provider.” However, the passage goes on to state, “in academic, business, school, or other settings, the term ‘client’ (or some other term) might be preferred instead of ‘patient’.” Context is key.
The author goes on to mention the importance of respecting “individual and/or cultural preferences expressed by recipients of psychological services and their families when you choose language to describe those individuals, families, or populations”.
Avoiding Broad and Ambiguous Terms
The excerpt cautions against using broad clinical terms like “borderline” and “at risk” without proper explanation. “Broad clinical terms such as ‘borderline’ and ‘at risk’ should be properly explained when used.
Avoid using these terms in a broad sense (e.g., ‘the diagnosis was borderline,’ ‘at-risk students’) because such usage obscures the specific clinical or psychometric meaning of the terms.” Such terms can be vague and stigmatizing if not used with precision.
Clarity and Specificity in Diagnosis
The author makes the point to use specific terms when discussing diagnosis. “For example, ‘the diagnosis was borderline’ in a neuropsychology and psychometric testing context may be clarified to specify a score on a specific test or instrument (e.g., ‘standard scores between 70 and 80 are considered psychometrically borderline, or between the low average and mildly impaired ranges, indicating a risk for a diagnosis of X’), whereas in a diagnostic context, ‘the diagnosis was borderline’ may be clarified to specify a diagnosis (e.g., borderline personality disorder).”
Avoiding Problematic Terms in Medical Contexts
Terms like “patient management” and “patient placement” are discouraged.
The text explains that, “In most cases, the treatment, not the patient, is managed; some alternatives are ‘coordination of care,’ ‘supportive services,’ and ‘assistance.’”
Conclusion
This excerpt provides valuable guidelines for using respectful and accurate language in psychological writing.
By choosing words carefully and prioritizing the individual, authors can contribute to a more inclusive and understanding field.
By avoiding broad generalizations and specifying diagnoses we can help reduce bias and stigma.
Ultimately, the goal is to communicate clearly, accurately, and with respect for the individuals and communities being discussed.
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