EPPP Test Questions Flashcards
“Vicarious liability” is most likely to be a concern when a psychologist is acting in the role of:
a. supervisor.
b. advocate.
c. faculty member.
d. talk show host.
a. supervisor (Correct Answer) Under certain circumstances, supervisors and employers may be legally responsible for the actions of their supervisees and employees. This is referred to as vicarious liability.
Ethics & Professional Study Guide Review Questions on Intro. & Applicability, Preamble, and General Principles; Standard 1 (Resolving Ethical Issues); & Standard 2 (Competence)
Pro bono work is:
a. required by the Ethics Code.
b. encouraged by the Ethics Code.
c. prohibited by the Ethics Code.
d. not addressed by the Ethics Code.
b. encouraged by the Ethics Code. (Correct Answer) General Principle B (Fidelity and Responsibility) of the Ethics Code states that psychologists “strive to contribute a portion of their professional time for little or no compensation or personal advantage.” An implication of this statement is that the Ethics Code recommends (encourages) pro bono services since the General Principles are aspirational rather than enforceable guidelines.
Ethics & Professional Study Guide Review Questions on Intro. & Applicability, Preamble, and General Principles; Standard 1 (Resolving Ethical Issues); & Standard 2 (Competence)
Your new ‘client is a 37-year-old woman whose symptoms meet the diagnostic criteria for Major Depressive Disorder. After your third session with her, she tells you that she was in treatment with another psychologist but terminated after the psychologist made sexual advances toward her. She does not want you to discuss this matter with anyone. To be consistent with the provisions of the ethics codes of the American and Canadian Psychology Association, your best course of action would be to:
a. inform the client of the limits of confidentiality and report the unethical behavior.
b. inform the client of the limits of confidentiality and contact the other psychologist.
c. discuss the client’s options with her and maintain her confidentiality unless she signs a release.
d. contact the Ethics Committee to determine what the appropriate steps would be in this situation.
c. discuss the client’s options with her and maintain her confidentiality unless she signs a release.(Correct Answer) The ethics codes of the American and Canadian Psychological Associations require psychologists to take action when they learn of an ethical violation by another psychologist, but only after considering the client’s confidentiality. This eliminates responses a and b since neither mentions the client’s confidentiality. In addition, it is often in the best interests of the client to allow him/her to decide what action to take.
Ethics & Professional Study Guide Review Questions on Intro. & Applicability, Preamble, and General Principles; Standard 1 (Resolving Ethical Issues); & Standard 2 (Competence)
You receive a letter from the Ethics Committee asking for information about a former client who has filed a complaint against her current therapist. You stopped seeing the client over seven years ago you should:
a. cooperate with the Committee’s request by sending it a copy of the client’s file.
b. cooperate with the Committee’s request by sending it the information you believe to be relevant to the case.
c. cooperate with the Committee’s request by sending it the information you believe to be relevant to the case after confirming that the client has signed a release.
d. inform the Committee that the information you have about the client is obsolete and that you’re ethically obligated not to release it.
c. cooperate with the Committee’s request by sending it the information you believe to be relevant to the case after confirming that the client has signed a release. (Correct Answer) When contacted by the Ethics Committee, a psychologist must cooperate fully. However, as noted in Standard 1.06, a psychologist is also obligated to “address any confidentiality issues.” (If you believe the information is obsolete, you should make a note of that when you forward the information to the Committee.)
Ethics & Professional Study Guide Review Questions on Intro. & Applicability, Preamble, and General Principles; Standard 1 (Resolving Ethical Issues); & Standard 2 (Competence)
You want to start treating clients who believe they have been abducted by aliens, but you have never worked with members of this population before. Your best course of action would be to:
a. start seeing these clients and consult with someone who is familiar with this population if you run into any problems.
b. start seeing these clients after establishing a consultative relationship with someone who is familiar with this population.
c. take a continuing education class related to the treatment of members of this population.
d. place an ad in the National Enquirer to let members of this population know about the availability of your services.
b. start seeing these clients after establishing a consultative relationship with someone who is familiar with this population. (Correct Answer) Standard 2.01 of the APA’s Ethics Code and Principles 11.6 and 11.8 of the Canadian Code of Ethics require psychologists to provide services only within the boundaries of their competence and to seek education, training, supervision, or consultation when necessary. When working with a new population, the best course is usually to obtain supervision or consultation.
Ethics & Professional Study Guide Review Questions on Intro. & Applicability, Preamble, and General Principles; Standard 1 (Resolving Ethical Issues); & Standard 2 (Competence)
Dr. Stern is a psychologist who assists with hiring and promotion decisions at a mental health clinic. She recommends that one of the psychologists not be considered for promotion because of an unresolved charge of sexual harassment against him. This is:
a. consistent with the provisions of the Ethics Code.
b. a violation of the provisions of the Ethics Code.
c. ethical as long as the clinic reconsiders the psychologist if he is acquitted of the charge.
d. not addressed in the Ethics Code.
b. a violation of the provisions of the Ethics Code. (Correct Answer) Dr. Stern’s action violates Standard 1.08 of the Ethics Code, which states that “psychologists do not deny persons employment, advancement, admissions to academic or other programs, tenure, or promotion, based solely upon their having made or their being the subject of an ethics complaint.“
Ethics & Professional Study Guide Review Questions on Intro. & Applicability, Preamble, and General Principles; Standard 1 (Resolving Ethical Issues); & Standard 2 (Competence)
During his first therapy session, a client tells Dr. Goodwill that he wants to pay for therapy in cash and doesn’t want Dr. Goodwill to keep a record of the therapy sessions or his payments. If Dr. Goodwill agrees to this arrangement she has acted:
a. ethically as long as she ascertains that the client’s reasons for making this request are valid.
b. ethically since it is up to Dr. Goodwill to decide what to include in her therapy records.
c. ethically and legally as long as she includes the client’s payments as income on her income tax forms.
d. unethically and possibly illegally.
d. unethically and possibly illegally. (Correct Answer) A psychologist‘s ethical obligations regarding client records are addressed in Standard 6.01 of the Ethics Code, the APA’s Record Keeping Guidelines, and Principle H. 19 of the Canadian Code of Ethics, which require psychologists to maintain adequate records. These requirements are consistent with laws in many jurisdictions that not only mandate maintaining client records but also describe their minimum content.
Ethics & Professional Study Guide Review Questions Stand. 3 (Human Relations); Stand. 4 (Privacy & Confidentiality); Stand. 5 (Advertising & Other Public Statements); & Stand. 6 (Record Keeping & Fees)
Dr. Bertha Black’s advertisement for her seminar on relaxation techniques invites the public to “come hear an in-depth lecture on techniques to help reduce the stress of daily living.” The advertised cost for her four-hour seminar is $50. While preparing her lecture the night before the presentation, Dr. Black decides it would be valuable to demonstrate some of her techniques with the group. She decides that, instead of lecturing for the full four hours, she will have attendees divide into groups for the last two hours to experiment with the techniques. According to ethical standards, this is:
a. ethical if she allows participants to leave after the lecture portion of the seminar.
b. ethical if the demonstration is well executed and educational.
c. unethical since she advertised the seminar as a “lecture.”
d. unethical because she plans to spend some of the time lecturing when the most beneficial part will probably be the experiential portion
c. unethical since she advertised the seminar as a “lecture.” (Correct Answer) Psychologists must accurately describe the nature of their services in brochures, advertisements, etc. Dr. Black advertised that she would present a lecture, and participants paid to attend her seminar on that basis. It would unethical to add an experiential component to her seminar, especially when it constitutes such a large part of the seminar.
Ethics & Professional Study Guide Review Questions Stand. 3 (Human Relations); Stand. 4 (Privacy & Confidentiality); Stand. 5 (Advertising & Other Public Statements); & Stand. 6 (Record Keeping & Fees)
The term “privilege” is best described as:
a. a general term referring to the right to privacy.
b. an ethical term referring to an obligation not to reveal confidential information.
c. the legal equivalent of the ethical concept of confidentiality.
d. a legal term referring to the protection of confidential information in legal proceedings.
d. a legal term referring to the protection of confidential information in legal proceedings. (Correct Answer) Privilege is a legal concept that protects a client’s confidentiality in the context of legal proceedings.
Ethics & Professional Study Guide Review Questions Stand. 3 (Human Relations); Stand. 4 (Privacy & Confidentiality); Stand. 5 (Advertising & Other Public Statements); & Stand. 6 (Record Keeping & Fees)
While treating a client, you decide that you want to consult with a colleague to discuss a specific aspect of the case that is giving you trouble. According to APA’s Ethics Code and the Canadian Code of Ethics:
a. you must always obtain permission from the client before talking to a consultant.
b. you must obtain permission from the client only if you will be revealing the client’s identity to the consultant.
c. you don’t have to obtain permission from the client as long as he/she has already signed a general waiver.
d. you do not have to obtain permission from the client under any circumstances since the consultant is “clearly connected” with the case.
b. you must obtain permission from the client only if you will be revealing the client’s identity to the consultant. (Correct Answer) This response is most consistent with Standard 4.06 of the APA’s Ethics Code and Principle 1.45 of the Canadian Code of Ethics - e.g., Standard 4.06 states that, “when consulting with colleagues, psychologists do not disclose confidential information that reasonably could lead to the identification of a client/patient, research participant, or other person or organization with whom they have a confidential relationship unless they have obtained the prior consent of the person.” 1st is not, however, necessary to get the client‘s permission when his/her identity will not be revealed.
Ethics & Professional Study Guide Review Questions Stand. 3 (Human Relations); Stand. 4 (Privacy & Confidentiality); Stand. 5 (Advertising & Other Public Statements); & Stand. 6 (Record Keeping & Fees)
Dr. Vic Vasquez, a licensed psychologist, provides secretarial services and office space to Dr. Bernice Banquist in exchange for 20% of the fee that Dr. Banquist collects from her therapy clients. When Dr. Vasquez finds that he does not have time to see all of the clients who want to begin therapy with him, he begins referring some of them to Dr. Banquist and charges her 30% of the fee that Dr. Banquist collects from these referred clients. Acording to the ethics codes published by the American and Canadian Psychological Associations, charging more for referred clients is:
a. unethical because it violates the prohibition against “fee splitting.”
b. unethical because it creates an unacceptable multiple relationship.
c. ethical only if the higher fee for referred clients reflects the actual costs associated with the referrals.
d. ethical because referral fees are prohibited only when they are “clearly exploitative.”
c. ethical only if the higher fee for referred clients reflects the actual costs associated with the referrals. (Correct Answer) Although referral fees are not entirely prohibited by the APA‘s Ethics Code or the Canadian Code of Ethics, there are some restrictions on their use. See, Standard 6.07 of the APA‘s Ethics Code and Principle 111.31 of the Canadian Code of Ethics.
Ethics & Professional Study Guide Review Questions Stand. 3 (Human Relations); Stand. 4 (Privacy & Confidentiality); Stand. 5 (Advertising & Other Public Statements); & Stand. 6 (Record Keeping & Fees)
Dr. Delbert Dinwoody is currently treating a 35-year-old client who has received a diagnosis of Alcohol Dependence. With the client’s permission, Dr. Dinwoody invites the client’s wife to participate in couple therapy. Inviting the wife to participate in therapy is:
a. acceptable as long as he believes couple therapy will benefit the client’s progress in dealing with his alcohol problem.
b. acceptable as long as the wife is not receiving mental health services from another professional.
c. unacceptable because in this situation, the wife is “vulnerable to undue influence.”
d. unacceptable because doing so creates a “conflict of interest.”
a. acceptable as long as he believes couple therapy will benefit the client’s progress in dealing with his alcohol problem. (Correct Answer) This answer is most consistent with the provisions of Standard 5.06 of the APA‘s Ethics Code and Principles 1.27 and 111.31 of the Canadian Code of Ethics. For example, while Standard 5.06 prohibits soliciting business from individuals who are “vulnerable to undue influence,” it also states that inviting family members to participate in collateral treatment that will benefit a current client is acceptable.
Ethics & Professional Study Guide Review Questions Stand. 3 (Human Relations); Stand. 4 (Privacy & Confidentiality); Stand. 5 (Advertising & Other Public Statements); & Stand. 6 (Record Keeping & Fees)
You regularly waive the co-payment for your low-income clients who are covered by insurance and believe this is acceptable since you normally bill your clients on a sliding fee scale. This is:
a. a common and ethical practice.
b. ethical as long as you don’t bill the insurance company for an increased hourly fee in order to collect your full fee.
c. ethical as long as the insurance company does not explicitly prohibit such arrangements.
d. ethical only if the insurance company is aware of the arrangement.
d. ethical only if the insurance company is aware of the arrangement. (Correct Answer) Waiving co-payments without the permission of the insurance company represents insurance fraud.
Ethics & Professional Study Guide Review Questions Stand. 3 (Human Relations); Stand. 4 (Privacy & Confidentiality); Stand. 5 (Advertising & Other Public Statements); & Stand. 6 (Record Keeping & Fees)
In a brochure describing his weekend communications workshop for couples, Dr. Terry
Talk includes two testimonials. The first is from a colleague and says, “Communication is a key to a happy marriage and Dr. Talk is one of the leading experts on communication. If you feel you just can’t talk to your partner, I’d recommend Dr. Talk’s workshop. It’s likely to benefit your relationship.” The second testimonial is from a former workshop participant who said Dr. Talk could use an excerpt from a letter she sent him following the workshop that she and her husband attended. It says, “It worked! I can now tell my husband what I need without it turning into a major argument!” Which of the following is true about the testimonials included in Dr. Talk’s brochure?
a. They are clearly unethical.
b. The testimonial from the colleague is unethical but the testimonial from the former client is acceptable.
c. The testimonial from the former client is unethical but the testimonial from the colleague is acceptable.
d. The testimonials do not seem to violate ethical requirements.
d. The testimonials do not seem to violate ethical requirements. (Correct Answer) Both testimonials seem to be in line with the requirements of the ethics codes of the American and Canadian Psychological Association — i.e., they were not solicited from current clients or others who were “vulnerable to undue influence” (Ethics Code Standard 5.05) and do not exploit the relationship that the psychologist has with his colleague or former client (Canadian Code Principle 111.3 1).
Ethics & Professional Study Guide Review Questions Stand. 3 (Human Relations); Stand. 4 (Privacy & Confidentiality); Stand. 5 (Advertising & Other Public Statements); & Stand. 6 (Record Keeping & Fees)
When it’s necessary to deceive participants in a research study about the study’s true purpose, the participants:
a. do not have to be told the true purpose as long as the use of deception is justified by
the study‘s prospective value.
b. do not have to be told the true purpose unless not to do so is likely to cause them substantial psychological harm.
c. should be debriefed about the true purpose as soon as possible after their participation.
d. must be debriefed about the true purpose immediately after their participation.
c. should be debriefed about the true purpose as soon as possible after their participation. (Correct Answer) This answer is most consistent with the requirements of Standard 8.07 of the APA‘s Ethics Code and Principle 111.26 of the Canadian Code of Ethics. For example, Standard 8.07(c) states that “psychologists explain any deception that is an integral feature of the design and conduct of an experiment to participants as early as is feasible, preferably at the conclusion of their participation but no later than at the conclusion of the data collection.”
Ethics & Professional Study Guide Review Questions Stand. 7 (Education & Training); Stand. 8 (Res. & Pub.); Stand. 9 (Assessment); & Stand. 10 (Therapy)
A graduate student designed and conducted a research project for her dissertation and subsequently wrote a journal article describing the study and its results. The original idea for the study was derived from the work of the student’s faculty advisor who also provided the facilities for the student’s research. The faculty advisor wants to be listed as first author on the article when it is published. In this situation:
a. the student should be listed as the first author.
b. it is up to the student to determine authorship credit.
c. it is up to the advisor to determine authorship credit.
d. the student should file a complaint against the advisor with the Ethics Committee.
a. the student should be listed as the first author. (Correct Answer) This situation is addressed in Standard 8.12 of the APA‘s Ethics Code and Principle H1.7 of the Canadian Code of Ethics - e.g., Standard 8.12 states that publication credits “accurately reflect the relative scientific or professional contributions of the individuals involved, regardless of their relative status.” In this case, the student has done nearly all of the work and the article is based on her dissertation. Consequently, she should be listed as first author. (Filing a complaint - response d - may be necessary, but only if the advisor insists on being listed as first author.)
Ethics & Professional Study Guide Review Questions Stand. 7 (Education & Training); Stand. 8 (Res. & Pub.); Stand. 9 (Assessment); & Stand. 10 (Therapy)
You have been hired as a research assistant for a study that will compare two brief treatments for Social Phobia. The procedures and methods used in the study are ethically sound; however, your supervisor is not informing participants that they may withdraw from the study at any time if they desire to do so. Your best course of action would be to:
a. quit your job.
b. inform the participants yourself of their right to withdraw.
c. discuss the possible ethical violation with the supervisor.
d. do nothing since this is an acceptable practice.
c. discuss the possible ethical violation with the supervisor. (Correct Answer) The supervisor’s behavior violates the provisions of Standard 8.02 of the APA‘s Ethics Code and Principle 1.24 of the Canadian Code of Ethics, and the best initial course of action would be to discuss the matter with him.
Ethics & Professional Study Guide Review Questions Stand. 7 (Education & Training); Stand. 8 (Res. & Pub.); Stand. 9 (Assessment); & Stand. 10 (Therapy)
Dr. Ryan is a psychotherapist in a small town. She receives a phone call from a man she was sexually involved with several years ago. The relationship lasted only three months and ended amicably. The man is now married and is having problems unrelated to their past relationship. He has called to see if he can begin seeing Dr. Ryan in therapy. Dr. Ryan should:
a. see the man only if she determines that their past relationship will not interfere with her objectivity.
b. see the man only if their relationship ended more than two years ago and she determines that it will not interfere with her objectivity.
c. see the man but discuss the potential for conflicts with him before beginning treatment.
d. refer the man to a colleague.
d. refer the man to a colleague. (Correct Answer) This answer is most consistent with the requirements of Standard 10.07 of the APA‘s Ethics Code and Principle 111.33 of the Canadian Code of Ethics. For example, Standard 10.07 states that “psychologists do not accept as therapy clients/patients persons with whom they have engaged in sexual intimacies,” and there is no time limit on this prohibition.
Ethics & Professional Study Guide Review Questions Stand. 7 (Education & Training); Stand. 8 (Res. & Pub.); Stand. 9 (Assessment); & Stand. 10 (Therapy)
Dr. Blitz has been seeing a client for four months when the client says that he is very dissatisfied with the progress of therapy. To be consistent with the provisions of the ethics codes published by the American and Canadian Psychological Association, Dr. Blitz should:
a. tell the client that he can’t expect to make major changes in his life in only four months.
b. encourage the client to schedule more frequent sessions so they can work more intensely on his problems.
c. help the client work through his resistance.
d. discuss the matter with the client and terminate therapy and provide him with referrals if he desires.
d. discuss the matter with the client and terminate therapy and provide him with referrals if he desires. (Correct Answer) This situation is addressed in Standard 10.10 of the APA‘s Ethics Code and Principles 11.31 and 11.37 of the Canadian Code of Ethics, which require psychologists to terminate a therapeutic relationship when it is reasonably clear that the client is no longer benefiting from it. Even though four months is not a long time for therapy in many situations, the client should not be pressured to continue.
Ethics & Professional Study Guide Review Questions Stand. 7 (Education & Training); Stand. 8 (Res. & Pub.); Stand. 9 (Assessment); & Stand. 10 (Therapy)
A 40-year-old therapist becomes attracted to a 38-year-old client and soon realizes that the feelings are mutual. They discuss the situation and agree to terminate therapy and begin dating. They eventually get married. This is:
a. ethical since they terminated therapy before beginning to date and since the relationship is a serious one.
b. ethical since the client is an adult and voluntarily agreed to stop therapy.
c. unethical because the therapist began dating a former client before the required two-year time limit.
d. unethical unless the therapist and client both received counseling while dating.
c. unethical because the therapist began dating a former client before the required two-year time limit. (Correct Answer) Standard 10.08 of the APA’s Ethics Code prohibits psychologists from becoming sexually involved with former clients within two years of termination of the professional relationship.
Ethics & Professional Study Guide Review Questions Stand. 7 (Education & Training); Stand. 8 (Res. & Pub.); Stand. 9 (Assessment); & Stand. 10 (Therapy)
Wayne W. tells Dr. Pete Pannick that his partner is threatening to harm Dr. Panniclc because he’s not happy with the advice that Wayne is getting in therapy. Dr. Panniclc knows that Wayne’s partner has engaged in violent behavior in the past and believes the threat is serious. Dr. Panniclc:
a. should continue to see Wayne in therapy and ask Wayne to bring his partner to the next session to discuss the situation.
b. should continue seeing Wayne in therapy but, with his permission, contact the police to discuss the threat.
c. may terminate therapy with Wayne but only after providing him with pre-termination counseling and appropriate referrals.
d. may terminate therapy with Raymond.
d. may terminate therapy with Raymond. (Correct Answer) When a client or person the client knows is threatening a therapist, a therapist may terminate therapy, and it is not necessary for the therapist to provide the client with pre-termination counseling or referrals before doing so. See Standard 10.10(b) of the APA’s Ethics Code and the Values Statement for Principle ll of the Canadian Code of Ethics.
Ethics & Professional Study Guide Review Questions Stand. 7 (Education & Training); Stand. 8 (Res. & Pub.); Stand. 9 (Assessment); & Stand. 10 (Therapy)
An experimental psychologist with a Ph.D. wants to become a clinical psychologist. According to the APA’s General Guidelines for Providers of Psychological Services, he must:
a. complete appropriate coursework.
b. complete doctoral-level coursework and training in clinical psychology.
c. obtain supervision from a licensed clinical psychologist.
d. obtain a Ph.D. in clinical psychology from an accredited school.
b. complete doctoral-level coursework and training in clinical psychology. (Correct Answer) Section 1.7 of the General Guidelines states that “psychologists who change or add a specialty “meet the same requirements with respect to subject matter and professional skills that apply to doctoral education, training, and experience in the new specialty.”
Ethics & Professional Study Guide Review Questions Other APA Issues
You are asked by an attorney to evaluate the woman he is representing in a custody case and then testify on her behalf in court. As an ethical psychologist, you should:
a. evaluate her only if you can conduct a thorough assessment of the woman.
b. evaluate her if you can conduct a thorough assessment and then recommend that she be granted custody only if the results indicate that she‘s a good parent.
c. evaluate her and testify about the results but do not make a specific recommendation about custody without evaluating the husband and children
d. refuse to make a recommendation about which parent should be granted child custody under any circumstances.
c. evaluate her and testify about the results but do not make a specific (Correct Answer) Any conclusions or recommendations about custody must be based on adequate information, which means that all parties should be evaluated before a recommendation is made. You could, however, evaluate the woman only and provide a summary of the results without making a specific recommendation.
Ethics & Professional Study Guide Review Questions Other APA Issues
Dr. A. Praise is hired to perform a court-ordered evaluation of a defendant in a criminal case. She discusses the purpose of the evaluation with the defendant who then says he does not want to cooperate. According to the Specialty Guidelines for Forensic Psychology, Dr. Praise should:
a. remind the defendant that he has no choice since the evaluation is court-ordered.
b. refuse to conduct the evaluation unless she obtains a signed consent from the defendant.
c. refuse to conduct the evaluation unless she obtains a signed consent from the defendants attorney.
d. postpone the evaluation and advise the defendant to contact his attorney.
d. postpone the evaluation and advise the defendant to contact his attorney. (Correct Answer) This situation is addressed in Paragraph 6.03.02 of the Specialty Guidelines for Forensic Psychology. It states: “if the examinee is ordered by the court to participate, the forensic practitioner can conduct the examination over the objection, and without the consent, of the examinee. If the examinee declines to proceed after being notified of the nature and purpose of the forensic examination, the forensic practitioner may consider a variety of options including postponing the examination, advising the examinee to contact his or her attorney, and notifying the retaining party about the exarninee’s unwillingness to proceed.”
Ethics & Professional Study Guide Review Questions Other APA Issues
The psychology licensing exam (EPPP) is best described as:
a. a way to protect the public from incompetent psychologists.
b. a measure of knowledge that is foundational to the competent practice of psychology.
c. a predictor of the job performance of professional psychologists.
d. a way of determining if psychologists need additional training or supervision before being licensed.
b. a measure of knowledge that is foundational to the competent practice of psychology. (Correct Answer) The EPPP was designed to evaluate “the knowledge that the most recent practice analysis has determined as foundational to the competent practice of psychology/” (ASPPB, 2012, p. 4).
Ethics & Professional Study Guide Review Questions Other APA Issues
Which of the following is acceptable according to the Publication Manual of the
American Psychological Association?
a. non-White research participants
b. the elderly
c. clients with a physical disability
d. people afflicted with a chronic disease
c. clients with a physical disability (Correct Answer) The Publication Manual recommends putting “people first“(e.g., “clients with a disability” rather than “disabled clients”). Other recommendations include being specific when referring to race and avoiding using Whites as a comparison group; using emotionally neutral terms (e.g., “people with a disease” rather than “people afflicted by a disease”); and being sensitive to labels (e.g., using the term “older adults” rather than “the elderly”).
Ethics & Professional Study Guide Review Questions Other APA Issues
Research on the sexual misconduct of therapists has found that:
a. therapists who have sex with their clients often had sexual relations in the past with their own therapist, a professor, or a supervisor.
b. therapists who have sex with their clients are more likely than those who do not to have a history of non-sexual dual relationships with clients.
c. therapists who have sex with their clients tend to be less experienced and younger than those who do not.
d. there are no consistent differences between therapists who do and do not have sex with their clients in terms of other dual relationships or sexual relationships with their own therapist, professor, or supervisor.
b. therapists who have sex with their clients are more likely than those who do not to have a history of non-sexual dual relationships with clients. (Correct Answer) This response is most consistent with the survey results reported by Lamb and
Catanzaro (1998).
Ethics & Professional Study Guide Review Questions Other APA Issues
The term “insanity” is a:
a. legal, non-psychiatric term for certain types of mental disorders.
b. legal, non-psychiatric term for a psychotic disorder with an unknown etiology.
c. popular (lay) term for a severe mental illness.
d. psychiatric term that refers to an organic mental disorder.
a. legal, non-psychiatric term for certain types of mental disorders. (Correct Answer) Insanity is a legal (not a psychiatric) term that has different definitions in different jurisdictions. ln some jurisdictions, a defendant can plead not guilty by reason of insanity, which means that, at the time of the crime, he/she lacked the ability to know right from wrong or to behave in ways consistent with the law due to a mental disease or defect.
Ethics & Professional Study Guide Review Questions Other APA Issues
During a discussion with a 4th grade teacher, the teacher tells a school psychologist that one of her students is constantly disrupting the class. After evaluating the child and obtaining more information about the situation, the psychologist concludes that the teacher’s approach with the child is part of the problem. Consequently, the psychologist should:
a. make an appointment with the principal to discuss the teacher’s approach.
b. explain to the teacher how her approach may be exacerbating the problem.
c. recommend that he (the therapist) start counseling the child on a regular basis.
d. recommend that the child be transferred to another classroom
b. explain to the teacher how her approach may be exacerbating the problem. CORRECT General Principle B of the APA’s Ethics Code states that “psychologists consult with, refer to, or cooperate with other professionals and institutions to the extent needed to serve the best interests of those with whom they work.” School psychologists must often act as a coordinator to bring together a variety of people and resources to resolve problems. Of the answers given, this one is most in line with the child’s best interests and the school psychologist’s responsibility to work with all people involved in the case. Although this situation is not explicitly addressed by ethical guidelines, the APA’s Ethics Code and the Canadian Code of Ethics require psychologists to cooperate with other professionals.
(Ethics & Professional Issues Online Quiz Q - 5148)
In most situations, the “holder of the privilege” is:
a. the therapist.
b. the client.
c. the therapist and client jointly.
d. the court.
b. the client.
CORRECT Privilege is a legal requirement that prohibits (with some exceptions) confidential client information from being disclosed in legal proceedings. The client is the holder of the privilege – i.e., in most circumstances, only the client can determine when confidential information may be disclosed. Privilege is a legal term that refers to “privileged communication.”
Ethics & Professional Issues Online Quiz
You receive a call from Mrs. Wang who is very upset because her 14-year-old daughter witnessed the assault of her best friend three days ago and is very distraught. The girl hasn’t slept, won’t eat, and can’t stop crying. You have limited experience working with adolescents and in providing crisis intervention services. However, there is no one else in the community who is more experienced than you are. As an ethical psychologist, you will:
a. agree to see Mrs. Wang’s daughter in therapy since you’ve had some experience providing crisis intervention experiences.
b. inform Mrs. Wang about your lack of experience and let her decide if she wants you to provide therapy to her daughter.
c. inform Mrs. Wang that you cannot see her daughter because of your lack of experience.
d. see Mrs. Wang’s daughter in therapy only until the crisis has ended or until you locate alternative services.
d. see Mrs. Wang’s daughter in therapy only until the crisis has ended or until you locate alternative services. CORRECT This answer is most consistent with ethical requirements. Standard 2.02 of the Ethics Code, for example, states that “in emergencies, when psychologists provide services to individuals for whom other mental health services are not available and for which psychologists have not obtained the necessary training, psychologists may provide such services in order to ensure that services are not denied. The services are discontinued as soon as the emergency has ended or appropriate services are available.” Standard 2.02 of the APA’s Ethics Code and Principle II.8 of the Canadian Code of Ethics apply to this situation.
Ethics & Professional Issues Online Quiz
A psychologist in private practice is going through a difficult divorce and, as a result, has started drinking and is often depressed. He should:
a. plunge deeper into his work to take his mind off his own problems.
b. seek professional consultation and consider temporarily suspending his practice.
c. explain the situation to his clients and offer to refer them to other therapists.
d. immediately refer his clients to other therapists.
b. seek professional consultation and consider temporarily suspending his practice.
CORRECT Psychologists do not necessarily have to abandon their professional practice when experiencing a period of personal distress. However, when personal problems may be adversely affecting the welfare of their clients, psychologists must take appropriate action. This often includes “obtaining professional consultation or assistance … to determine whether they should limit, suspend, or terminate their work-related duties” [Ethics Code, Standard 2.06(b)]. This issue is addressed by Standard 2.06(b) of the APA’s Ethics Code and Principle II.11 of the Canadian Code of Ethics.
d. immediately refer his clients to other therapists. - Incorrect This may be necessary, but the best initial step would be to seek consultation to determine the most appropriate course of action.
Ethics & Professional Issues Online Quiz
Which of the following is most likely a violation of ethical guidelines?
a. a brochure containing client testimonials mailed to potential attendees at a conference for adult children of alcoholics
b. an advertisement offering a free initial therapy session that is published in the campus newspaper just prior to final exams
c. uninvited in-person solicitations for therapy of hurricane victims that destroyed their homes
d. a display ad for psychotherapy services in the yellow pages of the local telephone directory
c. uninvited in-person solicitations for therapy of hurricane victims that destroyed their homes (CORRECT) In-person solicitation of individuals who are vulnerable to undue influence is explicitly prohibited by Standard 5.06 of the APA’s Ethics Code and is inconsistent with the “spirit” of the Canadian Code of Ethics (see, e.g., Principles I.27 and III.31). Of the advertisements/solicitations described in the responses, only one is clearly prohibited by ethical guidelines.
a. a brochure containing client testimonials mailed to potential attendees at a conference for adult children of alcoholics - Incorrect Testimonials are acceptable as long as they are not solicited from clients who are susceptible to undue influence (see Standard 5.05 of the APA’s Ethics Code).
b. an advertisement offering a free initial therapy session that is published in the campus newspaper just prior to final exams - Incorrect Free initial sessions are not prohibited by ethical guidelines.
d. a display ad for psychotherapy services in the yellow pages of the local telephone directory - Incorrect Ads in the yellow pages of the phone directory are not prohibited by ethical guidelines.
Ethics & Professional Issues Online Quiz
You receive a phone call from Hermann H., age 28, who says he is “totally miserable” because of the recent breakup with his girlfriend and that he would like to begin therapy with you. During the first session with Hermann, you find out that his political views are completely repugnant to you, and you feel that you would not enjoy working with him. As an ethical psychologist, you should:
a. consult with another psychologist during the course of treatment to make sure your feelings don’t interfere with your objectivity.
b. discuss the difference in political views with Hermann only if they become relevant to the psychotherapy process.
c. see Hermann in therapy until his current crisis is over and then make a referral if necessary.
d. provide Hermann with appropriate referrals.
d. provide Hermann with appropriate referrals. (CORRECT) Of the responses given, this one describes the action that is in the best interests of both the client and you (the therapist). Psychologists are not required to see every client who seeks their services – and, to do so, would be unethical if the client’s characteristics interfere with the provision of adequate services.
c. see Hermann in therapy until his current crisis is over and then make a referral if necessary. - Incorrect. The information presented in the question does not suggest that the client is experiencing a crisis.
Ethics & Professional Issues Online Quiz
As defined in the APA’s General Guidelines for Providers of Psychological Services and the CPA’s Practice Guidelines for Providers of Psychological Services, “psychological services” include all of the following except?
a. the conduct of scientific research
b. program development
c. consultation related to assessment and intervention
d. supervision of psychological services
a. the conduct of scientific research (Correct Answer) The conduct of scientific research is not included in the definition of psychological services. The APA and CPA guidelines are both very specific about the activities that constitute “psychological services.”
b. program development (Incorrect) Incorrect Program development is included.
c. consultation related to assessment and intervention - Incorrect Consultation is included.
d. supervision of psychological services - Incorrect Supervision is included.
(Ethics & Professional Issues Online Quiz - 5208)
__________ is the most frequent cause of many of the ethical complaints brought against psychotherapy supervisors.
a. Sexual harassment
b. Breach of confidentiality
c. Lack of timely feedback
d. Incompetence
c. Lack of timely feedback (CORRECT) Since the primary purpose of supervision is to provide supervisees with feedback about their performance, it makes sense that this would be the most frequently cited problem. See, e.g., N. Ladany, D. Lehrman-Waterman, M. Molinaro, & B. Wolgast, Psychotherapy supervisor ethical practices: Adherence to guidelines, the supervisory working alliance, and supervisee satisfaction, The Counseling Psychologist, 27(3), 443-475, 1999. There is very little empirical research on supervision, and many of the conclusions drawn in the literature seem to be based on anecdotal evidence.
(Ethics & Professional Issues Online Quiz - 5221)
Which of the following is true about the use of deception in a research study that may cause participants pain?
a. Deception is acceptable in studies that may cause pain only when the use of pain is justified by the study’s potential value.
b. Deception is acceptable in studies that may cause pain only when there are no alternative methods for conducting the study.
c. Deception is prohibited when the pain is physical but not when it is psychological in nature.
d. Deception is prohibited whether the pain is physical or psychological in nature.
d. Deception is prohibited whether the pain is physical or psychological in nature. (CORRECT) This answer is most consistent with Standard 8.07(b) of the APA’s Ethics Code and Principle III.24 of the Canadian Code of Ethics. Standard 8.07(b), for example, states that “psychologists do not deceive prospective participants about research that is reasonably expected to cause physical pain or severe emotional distress.” Deception in research is acceptable only when certain conditions are met.
Ethics & Professional Issues Online Quiz
The primary goal of quality assurance is best described as:
a. reducing program costs and beneficiary expenditures.
b. improving the health status and satisfaction of patients.
c. policing the profession by detecting and dealing appropriately with incompetent psychologists.
d. guaranteeing that the needs of patients belonging to a particular group or population are being met.
b. improving the health status and satisfaction of patients. (Correct Answer) Quality assurance is directed toward ensuring that programs and services are effective, efficient, and available. This goal is achieved by comparing services to predefined standards. As its name implies, the focus of quality assurance is on the quality of the services provided.
a. reducing program costs and beneficiary expenditures. - Incorrect This better describes the goal of “utilization review.”
c. policing the profession by detecting and dealing appropriately with incompetent psychologists. - Incorrect This could be one of the outcomes of quality assurance, but it is certainly not its primary goal.
d. guaranteeing that the needs of patients belonging to a particular group or population are being met. - Incorrect This answer isn’t as good as response b because quality assurance can’t guarantee that the needs of patients are being met.
Ethics & Professional Issues Online Quiz
Dr. Melba Morrison, a licensed psychologist, conducts research and teaches several classes at a large university. In her social psychology classes, she usually covers only material that is consistent with the results of her own research. In terms of the ethical guidelines, this practice is:
a. ethical since it is up to Dr. Morrison to decide what to cover in her classes.
b. ethical as long as Dr. Morrison provides information about her policy in the class syllabus. c. ethically questionable but not addressed by ethical guidelines.
d. clearly unethical.
d. clearly unethical. (Correct Answer)
To be consistent with ethical requirements when acting as an instructor or trainer, psychologists must present information accurately and in an unbiased way. Therefore, Dr. Morrison is acting unethically by presenting only information that is consistent with the results of her own research. This issue is addressed by Standard 7.03 of the APA’s Ethics Code and Principle III.12 of the Canadian Code of Ethics.
Ethics & Professional Issues Online Quiz
A client whom Dr. Oliver Olivetti has been seeing for several months has recently changed jobs, and the client has learned that her new insurance plan does not begin covering pre-existing conditions for 12 months. The client asks Dr. Olivetti if he could write his bills so that it appears that she has just started therapy. If Dr. Olivetti complies with the client’s request, he is acting:
a. ethically since he is taking the client’s welfare into consideration.
b. ethically only if not to do so would require the client to quit therapy.
c. ethically only if the insurance forms do not require him to sign a statement saying that treatment began after the effective date of the insurance.
d. unethically.
d. unethically. (CORRECT) As noted above, complying with the client’s request would represent insurance fraud. The client in this situation is asking Dr. Olivetti to commit insurance fraud and, if Dr. Olivetti does so, he will be acting both unethically and illegally.a. ethically since he is taking the client’s welfare into consideration.
Incorrect Although Dr. Olivetti should consider his client’s welfare (by, for example, offering a reduced fee so that the client doesn’t have to terminate therapy), he would be acting unethically and illegally if he agrees to the arrangement requested by the client.
b.. ethically only if not to do so would require the client to quit therapy. - Incorrect This arrangement would be illegal and unethical regardless of the ramifications for the client.
c. ethically only if the insurance forms do not require him to sign a statement saying that treatment began after the effective date of the insurance. - Incorrect This would still represent insurance fraud since the client and therapist are well aware of the insurance provisions.
Ethics & Professional Issues Online Quiz
Dr. Sam Stone has been hired by a consulting firm to assist with an ongoing research project being conducted at a large company. Dr. Stone is to work directly under the project director, Dr. Thompson, a licensed organizational psychologist. Dr. Thompson asks Dr. Stone to review the preliminary report she has prepared for the project; and, in doing so, Dr. Stone discovers that some of the reported data is misleading and may be inaccurate. Dr. Stone expresses his concerns to Dr. Thompson and is told that “it will be taken care of.” Subsequently, Dr. Stone learns that the report was submitted to the company without any changes. Dr. Stone reviews the ethical guidelines and decides that pursuing the matter further isn’t necessary. Dr. Stone’s conclusion:
a. is correct since this situation is not covered by ethical guidelines.
b. is correct since he has already attempted to resolve the matter in an informal manner as proscribed by ethical guidelines.
c. is correct since it is the project director’s responsibility to provide the company with complete and accurate data.
d. is incorrect because he has a responsibility to ensure that the company is provided with complete and accurate data.
d. is incorrect because he has a responsibility to ensure that the company is provided with complete and accurate data. (CORRECT) This answer is most consistent with the “spirit” of ethical guidelines and, more specifically with Standard 1.01 of the Ethics Code, which states that “if psychologists learn of misuse or misinterpretation of their work, they take reasonable steps to correct or minimize the misuse or misrepresentation”; and with Principle II.5 of the Canadian Code of Ethics, which states that psychologists “make every reasonable effort to ensure that psychological knowledge is not misused, intentionally or unintentionally, to harm others.” (Also see Standard 5.01 of the Ethics Code and Principle III.1 of the Canadian Code of Ethics.) This issue is addressed by Standard 1.01 of the APA’s Ethics Code and Principle II.5 of the Canadian Code of Ethics.
(Ethics & Professional Issues Online Quiz - 5184)
A colleague, a licensed psychologist, confides in you that he has just ended a sexual relationship with one of his clients. As he describes the client, you realize that she is someone you referred to him about 18 months ago. As an ethical psychologist, you should:
a. file a complaint against the colleague immediately with the Ethics Committee.
b. file a complaint against the colleague with the Ethics Committee after informing him that you intend to do so.
c. discuss the matter further with the colleague to see what course of action he plans to take.
d. contact the client and discuss the matter with her.
c. discuss the matter further with the colleague to see what course of action he plans to take. (CORRECT) Ethical guidelines require psychologists to address ethical violations by other psychologists but to do so in a way that does not violate the confidentiality of the involved client. Therefore, this is the best course of action of those presented in the answers to this question. Ethical violations by colleagues are addressed by Standards 1.04 and 1.05 of the APA’s Ethics Code and Principles II.40 and 41 of the Canadian Code of Ethics.
a. file a complaint against the colleague immediately with the Ethics Committee. -
Incorrect Filing a complaint with the Ethics Committee would be unethical if it involved a breach of the client’s confidentiality.
b. file a complaint against the colleague with the Ethics Committee after informing him that you intend to do so. - Incorrect See explanation for responses a and c.
d. contact the client and discuss the matter with her. - Incorrect The question does not say that you have a current professional relationship with the client and, even if you did, it probably would not be appropriate to confront her with this from both an ethical and clinical perspective.
Ethics & Professional Issues Online Quiz
The mother of a 31-year-old client that you have been seeing for six months calls to check on her son’s progress. She says that she is very concerned about her son and wants to know if there is anything she can do to help him. As an ethical psychologist, you:
a. advise her in general terms about how she can help her son.
b. suggest that she make an appointment so you can discuss the matter in person.
c. suggest that she come to therapy with her son at his next appointment.
d. tell her that you cannot discuss her son’s condition with her.
d. tell her that you cannot discuss her son’s condition with her. (CORRECT) Giving the mother any information about her adult son would represent a breach of his confidentiality. Therefore, this is the best answer of those given. This question addresses the issue of client confidentiality.
Ethics & Professional Issues Online Quiz
Dr. Donald Dreadmire is starting a therapy group for recently divorced men. He tells the editor of the local newspaper (who has just divorced his wife) that he can attend the group for free if the editor includes an article about the program in the newspaper. Dr. Dreadmire has acted:
a. ethically since his request does not violate ethical guidelines.
b. ethically as long as the editor accurately describes the program.
c. unethically because his request is exploitative and violates ethical guidelines.
d. unethically only if the arrangement negatively impacts his objectivity when working with the editor in therapy.
c. unethically because his request is exploitative and violates ethical guidelines. (Correct Answer) Of the answers given, this one is most consistent with ethical guidelines. Standard 5.02(b) of the Ethics Code prohibits psychologists from compensating “employees of press, radio, television, or other communication media in return for publicity in a news item”; and Principle III.31 of the Canadian Code of Ethics prohibits psychologists from exploiting “any relationship established as a psychologist to further personal, political, or business interests at the expense of the best interests of their clients.” This issue is directly addressed by Standard 5.02(b) of the APA’s Ethics Code and indirectly addressed by Principle III.31 of the Canadian Code of Ethics.
Ethics & Professional Issues Online Quiz
After three sessions with a therapy client, Dr. Leonard Lykowski realizes that he’s feeling somewhat hostile toward the client because she reminds him of his wife who he’s currently divorcing. Dr. Lykowski’s best course of action would be to:
a. refer the client to another therapist without telling the client the reason for the referral.
b. refer the client to another therapist after discussing the reason with her.
c. recognize that his feelings are the result of countertransference and continue to work with the client.
d. consult with another psychologist to determine whether or not to continue seeing the client in therapy.
d. consult with another psychologist to determine whether or not to continue seeing the client in therapy. (CORRECT) Consultation with another professional is ordinarily the best course of action whenever a therapist is concerned that a personal problem might interfere with his/her ability to provide a client with adequate therapy. In the situation described in this question, Dr. Lykowski’s personal problems may be affecting his objectivity.
c. recognize that his feelings are the result of countertransference and continue to work with the client. - Incorrect Although Dr. Lykowski’s feelings do represent countertransference, he would want to seek consultation to determine if those feelings are negatively impacting (or are likely to negatively impact) his ability to provide the client with appropriate services.
Ethics & Professional Issues Online Quiz
Alice A., who has a master’s degree in clinical psychology but is not licensed, is hired by a community mental health clinic to, among other things, administer several standard psychological tests to adult clients. According to ethical guidelines, this is:
a. acceptable as long as a professional clinical psychologist co-signs Alice’s evaluations.
b. acceptable as long as a professional clinical psychologist supervises Alice’s activities.
c. unacceptable since Alice is not a licensed psychologist.
d. unacceptable since Alice does not have a doctoral degree.
b. acceptable as long as a professional clinical psychologist supervises Alice’s activities. (Correct Answer) This answer is most consistent with ethical and legal guidelines. Alice may administer some psychological tests as long as she has been adequately trained and is supervised by a professional clinical psychologist. Ethical (and legal) guidelines do not prohibit the provision of all psychological services by individuals who are not licensed clinical psychologists. However, they do require that such persons be supervised by a professional clinical psychologist.
a. acceptable as long as a professional clinical psychologist co-signs Alice’s evaluations. - Incorrect This would not be considered adequate supervision.
Ethics & Professional Issues Online Quiz
Following the retirement of his business partner, Dr. Sheldon Smythe is the only psychologist in a small town, and the next closest mental health professional works in a town that is over 100 miles away. Several of Dr. Smythe’s new clients have problems for which he has limited training and experience. Dr. Smythe should:
a. refuse to see the clients.
b. see these clients but use only interventions that he has experience using.
c. see the clients and obtain supervision or consultation by telephone.
d. agree to see these clients only if they are experiencing a crisis.
c. see the clients and obtain supervision or consultation by telephone. (CORRECT) It is acceptable and desirable for psychologists to acquire new skills and to treat new problems – but only when appropriate supervision or consultation is obtained. The situation described in this question is a complex one, but this response is the best one given the circumstances (the next closest mental professional works in a town that is over 100 miles away) and the alternatives provided in the other answers. Although psychologists should ordinarily provide services that are within the boundaries of their training and experience, there are exceptions.
Ethics & Professional Issues Online Quiz
Ethical standards for varying professions differ with regard to their emphasis and perspective. As a psychologist working in a multidisciplinary setting, you should:
a. only work with fellow psychologists when developing professional and ethical standards for psychological services.
b. cooperate with other professionals when developing professional and ethical standards for psychological services.
c. consult with your local ethics committee for permission to work with other professionals when developing professional and ethical standards for psychological services.
d. develop professional and ethical standards for mental health services that do not recognize professional differences.
b. cooperate with other professionals when developing professional and ethical standards for psychological services. (CORRECT) General Principle B of APA’s Ethics Code states that “psychologists consult with, refer to, or cooperate with other professionals and institutions to the extent needed to serve the best interests of those with whom they work”; and the Values Statement of Principle IV of the Canadian Code of Ethics states that “in order to be responsible and accountable to society, and to contribute constructively to its ongoing development, psychologists need to be willing to work in partnership with others.” This answer is most consistent with these guidelines. Psychologists frequently consult with other professionals, such as medical doctors, lawyers, and teachers. It is imperative that they be aware that every profession has professional and ethical standards that must be maintained.
a. only work with fellow psychologists when developing professional and ethical standards for psychological services - Incorrect It is unrealistic to presume that it is possible to limit decision-making to psychologists only. There are many situations, especially in a multidisciplinary setting, where consultation with other professionals is necessary.
c. consult with your local ethics committee for permission to work with other professionals when developing professional and ethical standards for psychological services. - Incorrect Psychologists do not need to obtain permission to work with other professionals.
d. develop professional and ethical standards for mental health services that do not recognize professional differences.
Incorrect Each profession has different professional and ethical responsibilities, and it is not advisable (and often not possible) to homogenize the responsibilities of different professions.
(Ethics & Professional Issues Online Quiz - 5230)
Which of the following best describes ethical guidelines regarding barter as a substitute for the collection of fees for professional psychological services?
a. Barter may be acceptable when certain conditions are met.
b. The barter of goods (but not services) is prohibited by ethical guidelines.
c. The barter of services (but not goods) is prohibited by ethical guidelines.
d. Barter of any kind is prohibited by ethical guidelines.
a. Barter may be acceptable when certain conditions are met. (CORRECT) Barter is prohibited by Standard 6.05 of the APA’s Ethics Code when it is clinically contradindicated or exploitative – in other words, in certain circumstances, barter may be acceptable. The Canadian Code of Ethics does not directly address barter but, to be consistent with the “spirit” of the Code, barter should be avoided when it may be harmful to the client. Barter is explicitly addressed by Standard 6.05 of the APA’s Ethics Code and indirectly addressed by Principles III.31-33 of the Canadian Code of Ethics.
(Ethics & Professional Issues Online Q - 5194)
You are subpoenaed to appear at a deposition to testify about a former client of yours. During the deposition, the attorney for the opposing party asks you to provide confidential client information. You should:
a. refuse to provide the information without a court order.
b. assert the privilege unless the client has signed a waiver.
c. provide the information if you believe it is pertinent to the case.
d. provide the information since privilege is waived in this situation.
b. assert the privilege unless the client has signed a waiver. (Correct Answer) Confidential client information should be revealed in a legal proceeding only when the client has signed a waiver or when the court has issued an order indicating that privilege is waived. If the client’s attorney is present, you may ask him or her if you should answer the question. However, if the attorney is not present, you should not provide the information without a waiver from the client but, instead, should assert the privilege on behalf of the client.
a. refuse to provide the information without a court order. - Incorrect You may provide the information if the client has signed a waiver.
Ethics & Professional Issues Online Quiz
A client’s insurance company pays 75% of a client’s therapy fee, while the client is required to pay the remaining 25%. The client asks you to bill the insurance company at a higher hourly rate so that he will not have to pay his 25% co-payment. If you do so, you will be acting:
a. illegally and unethically.
b. illegally but ethically.
c. legally but unethically.
d. legally and ethically.
a. illegally and unethically. (CORRECT) Misrepresentation of your fee to the insurance company represents fraud and is, therefore, both illegal and unethical. Billing the insurance company at a higher rate so that the client does not have to make his co-payment would be insurance fraud.
Ethics & Professional Issues Online Quiz
Vicarious liability is most likely to be an issue when a psychologist is acting in which of the following capacities?
a. faculty member
b. supervisor
c. mentor
d. therapist
b. supervisor (CORRECT) A psychologist may have vicarious liability when his/her employee or supervisee engages in illegal behavior. Vicarious liability (also known as derivative and secondary liability) is a legal term that refers to a person’s responsibility for the actions of another person.
Ethics & Professional Issues Online Quiz
Within the context of sexual harassment, “quid pro quo” refers to:
a. a situation in which an employee’s response to sexual demands impacts his/her job.
b. the creation of a “hostile environment” as a result of sexually offensive conduct.
c. the judgment of a “reasonable woman” that an act is offensive.
d. overt (explicit) sexual conduct.
a. a situation in which an employee’s response to sexual demands impacts his/her job. (CORRECT) Quid pro quo sexual harassment occurs when a person’s submission to or rejection of sexual advances affects his/her employment status. (Hostile environment sexual harassment is the other legally recognized type of sexual harassment.) “Quid pro quo” is one of two legally recognized types of sexual harassment.
Ethics & Professional Issues Online Quiz
Dr. Everett Ernest, a licensed psychologist, has recently started a practice in a small town. He learns from a mutual friend that Dr. Cathy Chatty (also a psychologist) has been revealing confidential information about some of her clients to members of the community. Dr. Ernest should:
a. contact the clients to let them know what he has heard.
b. obtain consents from the clients and file a complaint with the Ethics Committee.
c. consult with a colleague about the situation.
d. do nothing since the information about Dr. Chatty is hearsay.
c. consult with a colleague about the situation. (Correct Answer) Ethical guidelines require psychologists to take some action in situations in which a fellow professional is believed to have acted unethically. A psychologist, of course, can choose from several alternatives when doing so. Of the answers given, this is the best one. If Dr. Ernest felt comfortable with discussing the issue with Dr. Chatty, that would probably be the best course of action. Since this is not given as an alternative, consulting with a colleague is the best answer.
a. contact the clients to let them know what he has heard. - Incorrect Contacting the clients wouldn’t be appropriate.
b. obtain consents from the clients and file a complaint with the Ethics Committee. - Incorrect Filing a complaint is always an option, but given the way that Dr. Ernest found out about the problem, this would probably not be the best course of action. It also wouldn’t be appropriate to contact Dr. Chatty’s clients.
d. do nothing since the information about Dr. Chatty is hearsay. - Incorrect It is because the information is “hearsay” that consulting with a fellow professional might be the best initial course of action.
Ethics & Professional Issues Online Quiz
Dr. Marcos Manzetti uses a “sliding scale” that is based on a client’s current income to set his fees for therapy. Dr. Manzetti’s practice is:
a. ethically acceptable since it serves the best interests of his clients.
b. explicitly recommended in the ethical guidelines.
c. ethically unacceptable since it treats clients inequitably.
d. explicitly prohibited in the ethical guidelines.
a. ethically acceptable since it serves the best interests of his clients. (CORRECT) Sliding scale fees are not explicitly addressed in the APA’s Ethics Code or the Canadian Code of Ethics. Sliding scale fees for psychological services are consistent with the “spirit” of ethical guidelines as long as they are fair and serve the best interests of the client.
Ethics & Professional Issues Online Quiz
To serve as an expert witness in a court case, a psychologist must:
a. be board certified as an expert witness.
b. be qualified by the court to offer opinions and conclusions about the case.
c. have been hired by the person he/she will be testifying about.
d. testify only about what he/she personally observed or obtained.
b. be qualified by the court to offer opinions and conclusions about the case. (CORRECT) Expert witnesses are qualified by the court to offer opinions and conclusions. An expert witness is a person who, because of his/her special training, knowledge, or experience, is qualified to offer an opinion as testimony in a court proceeding.
Ethics & Professional Issues Online Quiz
Dr. Harry Holliday, a clinical psychologist, is planning to take a three-week cruise. In terms of his clinical practice, Dr. Holliday’s best course of action would be to:
a. discuss his vacation plans with his current clients ahead of time so that they know he’ll be unavailable during that time.
b. give his clients a phone number where he can be reached.
c. give his clients the phone number of a colleague who has agreed to accept phone calls in emergencies.
d. hire a colleague to take over his appointments while he is on vacation.
c. give his clients the phone number of a colleague who has agreed to accept phone calls in emergencies. (Correct Answer) Of the answers given, this one makes the most sense in terms of the clients’ welfare and Dr. Holliday’s interests. Ethically, Dr. Holliday would not be required to be available by phone to his clients during his vacation or to provide alternative ongoing services but would be required to provide the clients with a contact for emergency situations. Dr. Holliday should, of course, make some kind of arrangements for his clients while he is on vacation.
(Ethics & Professional Issues Online Quiz - 5205)
Miranda M., age 32, makes an appointment with you at the recommendation of her physician who has diagnosed her recurrent headaches as the result of stress. The woman tells you that a friend of hers was trained in self-hypnosis for tension headaches and says that she also wants training in self-hypnosis. You took a weekend workshop on hypnosis in graduate school but have not used it in your clinical practice. As an ethical psychologist, you should:
a. admit your lack of expertise in the use of self-hypnosis and refer the woman to another therapist.
b. advise the woman that the underlying cause of her headaches would probably not be dealt with by self-hypnosis and suggest that she begin individual psychotherapy.
c. accept the woman for treatment and begin training her in self-hypnosis after reviewing your workshop notes.
d. accept the woman for treatment and begin training her in self-hypnosis but obtain consultation if you encounter any problems during the course of treatment.
a. admit your lack of expertise in the use of self-hypnosis and refer the woman to another therapist. (Correct Answer) Of the responses given, this one is most consistent with the requirement to provide services that are within the boundaries of your professional competence. Note that, while it is up to you to determine your competence with regard to a particular service or technique, a weekend workshop in self-hypnosis is clearly inadequate. Providing services within the boundaries of one’s competence is addressed by Standard 2.01 of the APA’s Ethic Code and Principle II.6 of the Canadian Code of Ethics.
b. advise the woman that the underlying cause of her headaches would probably not be dealt with by self-hypnosis and suggest that she begin individual psychotherapy. -
Incorrect It would be unethical to try to convince the client to choose another course of treatment simply because you are not trained in the treatment she desires.
c. accept the woman for treatment and begin training her in self-hypnosis after reviewing your workshop notes. - Incorrect Reviewing your workshop notes would not be adequate training.
d. accept the woman for treatment and begin training her in self-hypnosis but obtain consultation if you encounter any problems during the course of treatment. Incorrect Although this response comes closer to fulfilling the requirements of the ethical guidelines than do responses b and c it falls short of those requirements because it implies that consultation would not be sought unless you believe that you are having problems during the course of treatment. Consequently, response a is a better answer.
Ethics & Professional Issues Online Quiz
A graduate student’s dissertation chair, Dr. X, turns out to be of little help, and the student ends up obtaining advice and assistance from an associate professor, Dr. Z. Dr. X does review the dissertation when it is completed and she is listed as the dissertation chair. Several months later, the student decides to write an article for a professional journal that is based his dissertation research. In terms of publication credit:
a. Dr. Z should be listed as first author if her contribution was substantial.
b. Dr. Z should be listed as second author if her contribution warrants it.
c. Dr. X should be listed as second author since she was the student’s official dissertation chair.
d. Dr. Y and Dr. Z should be listed as co-authors.
b. Dr. Z should be listed as second author if her contribution warrants it. (CORRECT) Of the responses given, this one is best because it addresses the need to consider Dr. Z’s contribution to the research project (and Dr. X’s lack of contribution). Ethical guidelines emphasize that it is a person’s contribution, not his or her position or status that determines publication credit. Moreover, when a research study is based on a student’s dissertation, the student should ordinarily be listed as first author. Publication credit is addressed in Standard 8.12 of the APA’s Ethics Code and Principle III.7 of the Canadian Code of Ethics.
Ethics & Professional Issues Online Quiz
Dr. Carl Carlson is a licensed psychologist and professor in the psychology department at a large university. He is approached by a graduate student, Marla M., age 36, who asks him if he’d like to attend a baseball game on Friday night. Dr. Carlson is divorced and finds Marla to be a very attractive woman. In terms of ethical guidelines, if Dr. Carlson accepts Marla’s invitation, he will be:
a. clearly violating ethical guidelines.
b. acting ethically since he is not the one who initiated a potential relationship.
c. acting ethically as long as Marla is a student in a department other than the psychology department and will not be taking any classes in the psychology department.
d. acting ethically as long as he does not become sexually involved with Marla until she is no longer affiliated with the university.
c. acting ethically as long as Marla is a student in a department other than the psychology department and will not be taking any classes in the psychology department. (CORRECT) If Marla is a graduate student in another department, a relationship with her would not represent a multiple relationship because Dr. Carlson is not likely to be her instructor or advisor. Dating students is ordinarily prohibited or discouraged because doing so represents a multiple relationship.
a. clearly violating ethical guidelines - Incorrect Dr. Carlson may or may not be violating ethical guidelines, depending on the circumstances
b. acting ethically since he is not the one who initiated a potential relationship - Incorrect The fact that Marla initiated the potential relationship is not relevant.
d. acting ethically as long as he does not become sexually involved with Marla until she is no longer affiliated with the university. - Incorrect As long as Dr. Carlson does not have “supervisory, evaluative, or other authority” over Marla, it would be acceptable for Dr. Carlson to become sexually involved with Marla (see Standards 3.08 and 7.07 of the APA’s Ethics Code and Principle II.28 of the Canadian Code of Ethics). (Note that personal relationships with students might be prohibited by university policy but that this question is asking about ethical guidelines.)
Ethics & Professional Issues Online Quiz
A student participant in a research study involving matched pairs decides to withdraw from the study. The chief investigator (who is a licensed psychologist) stresses to the student the importance of the student’s data to the study, but he insists that his data be withdrawn. The investigator should:
a. warn the student that withdrawal from the study will affect his course grade.
b. remind the student that he signed an informed consent and cannot now request that his data be withdrawn.
c. tell the student that his name will be removed from all data and include his data in the study.
d. allow the student to withdraw from the study.
d. allow the student to withdraw from the study. (CORRECT) This answer is most consistent with ethical guidelines. Standard 8.02(a) states that research participants must be free to “decline to participate and to withdraw from the research once participation has begun”; and Principle I.24 similarly states that research participants must have “the option to refuse or withdraw at any time, without prejudice.” This issue is addressed by Standard 8.02 of the APA’s Ethics Code and Principle I.24 of the Canadian Code of Ethics.
a. warn the student that withdrawal from the study will affect his course grade. - Incorrect Simply warning the student of the negative consequences of withdrawing from the study would be coercive and, therefore, a violation of the ethical guidelines.
b. remind the student that he signed an informed consent and cannot now request that his data be withdrawn.
Ethics & Professional Issues Online Quiz
Dr. Pavel Petrovich, a licensed psychologist, has been seeing a client in therapy for over fourteen months with no apparent change in the client’s symptoms. Dr. Petrovich should:
a. advise the client that he is ethically obligated to terminate therapy.
b. raise for discussion the possibility of termination and referral to another therapist.
c. search the literature for discussions of similar cases that have been treated and reported by others.
d. continue seeing the client since fourteen months is not an unusually long time for therapy to continue without a significant change in symptoms.
b. raise for discussion the possibility of termination and referral to another therapist.
CORRECT The action described in this answer is most consistent with ethical requirements. Standard 10.10(a), for example, states that “psychologists terminate therapy when it becomes reasonably clear that the client/patient no longer needs the service, is not likely to benefit, or is being harmed by continued service,” and Standard 10.10(c) states that, prior to termination, psychologists “suggest alternative service providers as appropriate.” Termination of therapy is addressed in Standard 10.10 of the APA’s Ethics Code and Principle II.37 of the Canadian Code of Ethics.
Ethics & Professional Issues Online Quiz
If a psychologist acts as both a fact witness for the plaintiff and an expert witness for the court in a criminal trial, she has acted:
a. unethically by accepting dual roles.
b. ethically as long as she did not have a prior relationship with the plaintiff.
c. ethically as long as she clarifies her roles with all parties.
d. ethically as long as she obtains a waiver from the court.
c. ethically as long as she clarifies her roles with all parties. (Correct Answer) According to ethical guidelines, accepting multiple roles may be acceptable as long as certain conditions are met – e.g., as long as the psychologist clarifies the nature of the multiples relationships with all involved parties (see Standard 3.05 of the APA’s Ethics Code and Principle I.26 of the Canadian Code of Ethics). In addition, the Specialty Guidelines for Forensic Psychologists states that acting as a consultant for one party and a fact witness for another may be acceptable as long as the psychologist clarifies his/her roles with both parties and acts in a way that does not compromise his/her judgment and objectivity. The adoption of multiple roles is addressed in the ethics codes published by the American and Canadian Psychological Associations and in the APA’s Specialty Guidelines for Forensic Psychologists.
Ethics & Professional Issues Online Quiz
A couple brings their ten-year-old son to therapy at the suggestion of his school counselor who is concerned because the boy has started arguing with his teacher and getting into physical fights with his classmates. After several sessions with the boy and his family, you receive a letter from the school principal requesting information about the boy’s condition, and a signed release from the boy’s parents is included with the letter. As an ethical psychologist, you should:
a. refuse to release the records to anyone but a licensed psychologist.
b. refuse to release the records to anyone but the boy’s parents.
c. release only that information you believe to be relevant to the school’s concerns.
d. release photocopies of your complete file on the boy and his family.
c. release only that information you believe to be relevant to the school’s concerns.
(CORRECT) Since the boy’s parents have signed a release, you would ordinarily provide information to the school principal – but not necessarily all of the information that has been requested. The most ethical course of action in this situation would be to release only information that is relevant to the school’s role in the boy’s treatment. Doing so would be consistent with the provisions of Standard 4.04(a) of the APA’s Ethics Code, which states that written and oral reports include “only information germane to the purpose for which the communication is made.” It is also consistent with the provisions of Principles I.37 and 39 of the Canadian Code of Ethics.
Ethics & Professional Issues Online Quiz
Whenever her clients cancel an appointment with Dr. Penny Pincher within less than 24 hours of the appointment, Dr. Pincher routinely bills the client’s insurance company for her full hourly fee. This practice is:
a. illegal and unethical.
b. illegal but ethical.
c. legal and ethical.
d. legal but unethical.
a. illegal and unethical. (CORRECT) The practice described in this question represents insurance fraud, which is both illegal and unethical. Billing an insurance company for missed appointments would be acceptable only if the company agreed to this practice (which is, of course, unlikely). For questions about insurance coverage, always choose the answer that is most consistent with legal and ethical requirements.
Ethics & Professional Issues Online Quiz
When conducting research with human participants, a psychologist should be aware that:
a. participants must be debriefed as soon as possible after their participation in the study, especially when the study has involved deception. b. participants must be debriefed after their participation in the study only if the psychologist believes that not doing so will result in harm to them.
c. participants must be debriefed after their participation only if the study places them at “high risk.”
d. debriefing of research participants is at the discretion of the psychologist.
a. participants must be debriefed as soon as possible after their participation in the study, especially when the study has involved deception. (CORRECT) Standard 8.08 of the Ethics Code requires psychologists to inform participants promptly following their participation in the study about its nature, results, and conclusions; and Principle III.26 of the Canadian Code of Ethics requires psychologists to debrief participants as soon as possible after their involvement in a study when there has been incomplete disclosure about the study’s purpose. Consequently, of the answers given, this one is most consistent with ethical guidelines. Debriefing of research participants is addressed in Standard 8.08 of the APA’s Ethic Code and Principles II.44 and III.26 of the Canadian Code of Ethics.
b. participants must be debriefed after their participation in the study only if the psychologist believes that not doing so will result in harm to them.
c. participants must be debriefed after their participation only if the study places them at “high risk.”
d. debriefing of research participants is at the discretion of the psychologist.
(Ethics & Professional Issues Online - 5162)
Which of the following best describes ethical guidelines regarding sexual intimacies with former therapy clients?
a. Psychologists are prohibited from having sexual intimacies with former therapy clients under any circumstances.
b. Psychologists are prohibited from having sexual intimacies with former therapy clients for at least one year following the termination of therapy.
c. Psychologists are prohibited from having sexual intimacies with former therapy clients in certain circumstances (e.g., when there is a risk of exploitation).
h former therapy clients.
d. Psychologists are not prohibited from having sexual intimacies with former therapy clients.
c. Psychologists are prohibited from having sexual intimacies with former therapy clients in certain circumstances (e.g., when there is a risk of exploitation). (Correct Answer) Standard 10.08 of the APA’s Ethics Code states that sexual intimacies with former therapy clients may be acceptable two years after termination of therapy when certain conditions are met (e.g., when there is no exploitation of the client), while Principle II.27 of the Canadian Code of Ethics states that sexual intimacies with former therapy clients must be avoided when “the power relationship reasonably could be expected to influence the client’s decision making.” The APA’s Ethics Code and the Canadian Code of Ethics both discourage psychologists from becoming sexually involved with former therapy clients.
a. Psychologists are prohibited from having sexual intimacies with former therapy clients under any circumstances. (Incorrect)
b. Psychologists are prohibited from having sexual intimacies with former therapy clients for at least one year following the termination of therapy.
d. Psychologists are not prohibited from having sexual intimacies with former therapy clients.
(Ethics & Professional Issues)
Carl Jung believed that a client’s transference:
a. is a fantasy that distracts the client from reality.
b. represents “mixed feelings” toward the therapist.
c. is a form of “acting out.”
d. reflects the client’s personal and collective unconscious.
d. reflects the client’s personal and collective unconscious. (Correct Answer) The correct answer to this question should have been easy to identify if you’re at all familiar with Jung’s work, since only one of the answers includes language that is associated with his analytical psychology. Jung viewed transference as the projection of both the personal and collective unconscious.
a. is a fantasy that distracts the client from reality. (Incorrect)
b. represents “mixed feelings” toward the therapist. (Incorrect)
c. is a form of “acting out.” (Incorrect)
(Clinical Psychology)
Margaret Mahler proposed that the development of a sense of self is the related to:
a. separation-individuation.
b. projective identification.
c. pseudomutuality.
d. assimilation-accommodation.
a. separation-individuation. CORRECT Mahler distinguishes between two phases that contribute to the development of a unique sense of self – symbiosis and separation-individuation. Separation-individuation is triggered by the child’s ability to separate from his/her primary caregiver. It begins at about 4 to 5 months of age when a child who is being held by his/her caregiver is able to lean away to scan the environment.
b. projective identification.
Incorrect Melanie Klein used the term projective identification to refer to projecting disliked or undesirable aspects of the internal object (self) onto an external object (caregiver).
c. pseudomutuality.
Incorrect Pseudomutuality describes a relationship between family members that appears to be healthy (is open and mutually empathic) but is not.
d. assimilation-accommodation.
Incorrect Assimilation and accommodation are terms used by Piaget to describe the modification and development of cognitive schemas.
(Clinical Psychology)
According to Irvin Yalom, ________in group therapy is the analogue of the therapist-client relationship in individual therapy.
a. universality
b. identification
c. cohesiveness
d. alliance
c. cohesiveness - CORRECT Yalom argues that the therapeutic relationship is the sine qua non of effective individual therapy and, therefore, that there must be a comparable phenomenon in group therapy. Yalom uses the term cohesiveness to refer to the various relationships that occur in a group – i.e., the relationships between group members and between each member and the therapist and the relationship between each member and the group itself. For Yalom, cohesiveness is the primary mode of help in group therapy, with highly cohesive groups having better outcomes.
(Clinical Psychology)
According to Howard et al.’s (1996) phase model, which of the following is most likely to be affected during the first few sessions of psychotherapy?
a. coping skills
b. severity of symptoms
c. insight
d. feelings of hopelessness
d. feelings of hopelessness - CORRECT Howard and his colleagues (1996) have identified a predictable relationship between number of therapy sessions and therapy outcomes. Howard et al.’s phase model distinguishes between three phases of psychotherapy: remoralization, remediation, and rehabilitation. Remoralization occurs during the first few therapy sessions and is characterized by a decline in feelings of hopelessness (K. Howard et al., Evaluation of psychotherapy: Efficacy, effectiveness, and patient progress, (American Psychologist, 51, 1059-1064, 1996).
(Clinical Psychology)
From the perspective of feminist therapy, therapist self-disclosure is:
a. contraindicated because it puts the client in a passive role.
b. necessary during the early stages of therapy to encourage the client’’s participation.
c. a means of fostering a special bond between the client and the therapist.
d. useful for promoting an egalitarian relationship between the therapist and client.
d. useful for promoting an egalitarian relationship between the therapist and client.
CORRECT Feminist therapists view sharing their own life experiences with clients as a way of promoting an egalitarian relationship. A key characteristic of feminist therapy is its emphasis on an egalitarian relationship.
a. contraindicated because it puts the client in a passive role. - Incorrect Promoting a passive role in a client is discouraged in feminist therapy, but therapist self-disclosure (if done appropriately) is not considered a contributor to passivity.
b. necessary during the early stages of therapy to encourage the client’’s participation. - Incorrect This describes one use of self-disclosure, but this response doesn’t best describe the role of self-disclosure in feminist therapy.
c. a means of fostering a special bond between the client and the therapist. - Incorrect Feminist therapists generally discourage developing a “special bond” because doing so can foster the client’s dependence on the therapist.
(Clinical Psychology)
In contrast to traditional approaches to psychotherapy, culturally sensitive approaches attempt to understand a client’s experience of an illness within the client’s cultural context. In other words, culturally sensitive approaches adopt an ______ perspective.
a. emic
b. etic
c. emetic
d. endogenous
a. emic - CORRECT The terms “emic” and “etic” were originally used by linguistic anthropologists but are now also used by psychologists interested in cross-cultural psychotherapy. Traditional psychiatry and psychotherapy reflect an etic approach (“view from the outside”), while cultural psychiatry and psychotherapy adopt an emic perspective (“view from the inside”). Culturally sensitive therapies emphasize an emic approach.
b. etic - Incorrect
c. emetic - Incorrect
d. endogenous - Incorrect
(Clinical Psychology)
The information that family members continuously exchange and that helps minimize deviation and maintain the family’s stability is referred to as ________ feedback.
a. external
b. internal
c. negative
d. positive
c. negative (Correct Answer) Negative feedback is corrective and helps the system return to or maintain its steady state. Thus, a “negative feedback loop” helps minimize deviation and thereby maintains the family’s stability. In family systems theory, the information exchange between family members can act as either positive or negative feedback.
d. positive - Incorrect Positive feedback increases deviation from a steady state and, therefore, produces a change in the family’s functioning.
(Clinical Psychology Online Quiz - 4438)
A family therapist using the structural approach of Salvador Minuchin would most likely:
a. clarify boundaries between family members in order to reduce enmeshment.
b. work initially with the most differentiated family member.
c. use a multiple-therapist team to prevent any one therapist from becoming “triangulated” into the family system.
d. issue specific “directives” designed to counteract dysfunctional processes.
a. clarify boundaries between family members in order to reduce enmeshment. CORRECT As its name implies, structural family therapy focuses on altering the family’s structure in order to change the behavior patterns of family members. Even if you are unfamiliar with Minuchin, you may have been able to guess that structural therapy would be concerned with boundaries. Structural family therapists view family dysfunction as being related to boundaries that are too diffuse (enmeshed) or too rigid (disengaged).
b. work initially with the most differentiated family member. - Incorrect This is more characteristic of Bowen’s approach to family therapy.
c. use a multiple-therapist team to prevent any one therapist from becoming “triangulated” into the family system. - Incorrect Minuchin’s approach does not involve the use of multiple-therapist teams.
d. issue specific “directives” designed to counteract dysfunctional processes. - Incorrect The issuance of directives is more characteristic of strategic family therapy than of structural family therapy.
(Clinical Psychology)
Atkinson, Morten, and Sue’s (1993) Racial/Cultural Identity Development Model proposes that people in which of the following stages begin to question their rejection of all aspects of the dominant culture and absolute loyalty to their own culture?
a. encounter
b. dissonance
c. integrative awareness
d. introspection
d. introspection - CORRECT The Racial/Cultural Identity Development Model distinguishes between five stages: conformity, dissonance, resistance and immersion, introspection, and integrative awareness. During the introspection stage, the individual begins to question the unequivocal position that he/she adopted during the previous resistance-immersion stage with regard to his/he own culture and the dominant culture.
a. encounter - Incorrect The encounter stage is the second stage in Cross’s (1991) Black Racial (Nigrescence) Identity Development Model.
b. dissonance - Incorrect During the dissonance stage, the individual begins to question conformity to the dominant culture.
c. integrative awareness - Incorrect In this stage, the person bases acceptance or rejection of aspects of the majority and minority cultures on an objective evaluation.
(Clinical Psychology)
The first stage in Cross’s (1991) Black Racial Identity Development Model is:
a. conformity.
b. incorporation.
c. contact.
d. pre-encounter.
d. pre-encounter. (Correct Answer) Cross’s model is based on the premise that African American identity development is directly linked to racial oppression. During the initial pre-encounter stage, race has low salience. Cross’s Black Racial Identity Development Model distinguishes between five stages: pre-encounter, encounter, immersion-emersion, internalization, and internalization-commitment.
(Clinical Psychology)
Research on Helms’s White Racial Identity Development Model suggests that a White therapist will usually be most successful when working with a client from an ethnic/racial minority group when the therapist is in which stage?
a. reintegration
b. immersion-emersion
c. autonomy
d. integrative awareness
c. autonomy - CORRECT Perhaps not surprisingly, a White therapist is likely to be most effective when working with a client from an ethnic/racial minority group when the therapist is in the final stage of White identity development – i.e., the autonomy stage. A person in this stage has internalized a positive (nonracist) White identity that includes appreciation of and respect for racial/cultural similarities and differences. Helms’s White Racial Identity Development Model distinguishes between six identity statuses (stages): contact, disintegration, reintegration, pseudo-independence, immersion-emersion, and autonomy.
(Clinical Psychology)
In comparing Asian and Asian-American therapy clients to Anglo clients, the experts frequently point out that the former:
a. tend to prefer a less directive therapeutic approach.
b. are grounded more in the here-and-now than in the past or the future.
c. respond better when goal-setting is delayed.
d. are likely to express emotional problems as somatic symptoms.
d. are likely to express emotional problems as somatic symptoms. - CORRECT Asians ordinarily view the mind and body as inseparable and, as a result, often express mental health problems as somatic complaints such as headaches, fatigue, or sleep problems. Although it is important not to overgeneralize about members of any particular group, the literature on cross-cultural psychotherapy does provide some general conclusions about clients belonging to different ethnic/cultural groups.
a. tend to prefer a less directive therapeutic approach. - Incorrect This is the opposite of what is true.
b. are grounded more in the here-and-now than in the past or the future. - Incorrect In terms of time perspective, Asians usually place importance on the relationship of the past to the present.
c. respond better when goal-setting is delayed. - Incorrect It is usually best to identify goals early in therapy (even during the first session) when working with Asian clients.
(Clinical Psychology)
Smith, Glass, and Miller’s (1980) meta-analysis of the psychotherapy outcome research found that people receiving therapy are “better off” than about _____% of people who need treatment but do not receive it.
a. 45
b. 55
c. 80
d. 95
c. 80 - CORRECT Smith, Glass, and Miller (1980) report an average effect size of .85 for 475 controlled studies of psychotherapy. This means that the mean outcome score of people who receive treatment is higher than the mean outcome score of about 80% of people who need treatment but do not receive it. Although the results of the meta-analyses of the psychotherapy outcome research vary somewhat, they confirm that the majority of clients receiving therapy benefit from it.
(Clinical Psychology)
Asking the “miracle question” is an initial intervention in which type of therapy?
a. transtheoretical
b. interpersonal
c. REBT
d. solution-focused
d. solution-focused - CORRECT As its name implies, solution-focused therapy focuses on identifying solutions to problems. The miracle question is one of the techniques used by solution-focused therapists to identify solutions and establish therapy goals. It involves asking the client how the client’s life would be if his/her problems were suddenly resolved. The “miracle question” is used to help clients identify solutions to their problems.
(Clinical Psychology)
According to Freud’s notion of______, dreams and slips of the tongue are meaningful goal-directed phenomena.
a. psychic dynamogenesis
b. reciprocal determinism
c. psychic determinism
d. ptyalism
c. psychic determinism - CORRECT According to Freud’s doctrine of psychic determinism, behaviors are not the result of free will but, instead, are caused by unconscious phenomena. Freud interpreted dreams, slips of the tongue, etc. as manifestations of unconscious material.
a. psychic dynamogenesis - Incorrect Dynamogenesis is the principle that motor responses are proportional to sensory activities.
b. reciprocal determinism - Incorrect Reciprocal determinism proposes that behavior, person, and situation interact and influence each other.
d. ptyalism - Incorrect Ptyalism refers to the excessive production of saliva, something Pavlov, not Freud, would be interested in.
(Clinical Psychology)
The belief that a child’s misbehavior has one of four goals — i.e., attention, revenge, power, or to display inadequacy — is most consistent with:
a. Beck’s cognitive-behavioral therapy.
b. Adler’s individual psychology
c. Perls’s Gestalt therapy.
d. Mahler’s object relations theory.
b. Adler’s individual psychology - CORRECT Adler believed that all behaviors are goal-directed and purposeful. Dreikurs, an associate of Adler’s, described the misbehavior of children as attempts to belong, which reflect faulty beliefs about what it takes to belong (e.g., “I belong only when I’m the center of attention”).
(Clinical Psychology)
For a Gestalt therapist, a primary goal of treatment is to help the client:
a. integrate the present with his/her past and future.
b. integrate the various aspects of the self.
c. develop a “success identity.”
d. develop a “healthy style of life.”
b. integrate the various aspects of the self. -
CORRECT A primary goal of gestalt therapy is to integrate all aspects of the self; i.e., one’s feelings, thoughts, and actions. For the exam, you want to know that, in Gestalt therapy, the primary goals are increased awareness and integration of all aspects of the self.
a. integrate the present with his/her past and future. - Incorrect In Gestalt therapy, the focus is on the present. In fact, its founder, Fritz Perls, argued that “nothing exists but the now.”
c. develop a “success identity.” - Incorrect This is the goal of reality therapy.
d. develop a “healthy style of life.” - Incorrect This sounds more like Adlerian therapy.
(Clinical Psychology)
The primary goal of a newly-developed community-based mental health program is to help people recently released from a psychiatric hospital adjust to life in the community. This is an example of:
a. primary prevention.
b. secondary prevention.
c. tertiary prevention.
d. crisis intervention.
c. tertiary prevention. - CORRECT Tertiary preventions are designed to reduce the prevalence of mental disorders by reducing their duration or preventing their recurrence. Prevention programs are often described as primary, secondary, or tertiary, depending on their goals.
a. primary prevention. - Incorrect Primary preventions are designed to prevent the development of a physical or mental disorder.
b. secondary prevention. - Incorrect Secondary preventions are designed to reduce the prevalence of mental disorders through early identification and intervention.
d. crisis intervention. - Incorrect Crisis interventions are designed to reduce the negative consequences of crises.
(Clinical Psychology)
In client-centered case consultation, the consultant’s primary goal is to:
a. help the consultee determine how to work more effectively with a particular client.
b. help the consultee identify methods for evaluating his/her own professional services.
c. help a consultee enhance his/her skills and knowledge so that the consultee functions more effectively in the future.
d. work collaboratively with the consultee in delivering the optimal intervention to a client.
a. help the consultee determine how to work more effectively with a particular client. - CORRECT Gerald Caplan (1970) distinguishes between four types of mental health consultation: client-centered case consultation, consultee-centered case consultation, program-centered administrative consultation, and consultee-centered administrative consultation. Client-centered case consultation focuses on a particular client. In this type of consultation, the consultant collects information about the client and makes recommendations to the consultee about the best course of action.
b. help the consultee identify methods for evaluating his/her own professional services. - Incorrect This does not accurately describe the primary goal of client-centered case consultation.
c. help a consultee enhance his/her skills and knowledge so that the consultee functions more effectively in the future. - Incorrect This describes consultee-centered case consultation.
d. work collaboratively with the consultee in delivering the optimal intervention to a client. - Incorrect This describes “collaboration“rather than “consultation. “
(Clinical Psychology)
Replacing a “failure identity” with a “success identity” is a goal of treatment for practitioners of _______ therapy.
a. Gestalt
b. reality
c. solution-focused
d. Adlerian
b. reality - CORRECT Glasser, the founder of reality therapy, viewed identity as a basic psychological need and distinguished between success and failure identities. A person develops a success identity when the person fulfills his/her other needs in a responsible way. Of the therapies listed, only one distinguishes between success and failure identities.
(Clinical Psychology)
Prochaska and DiClemente’s (1982) stages of change (transtheoretical) model predicts that a person in the ________ stage plans to take action within the next six months that will alter his/her problematic behavior.
a. action
b. contemplation
c. preparation
d. precontemplation
b. contemplation - (CORRECT) A person in the contemplation stage intends to take action in the next six months. A Prochaska and DiClemente’s stage of change model distinguishes between six stages of change: precontemplation, contemplation, preparation, action, maintenance, and termination.
a. action - Incorrect A person in this stage is currently taking actions to alter his/her behavior.
c. preparation - Incorrect A person in the preparation stage is planning to take action in the near future (usually defined as in the next month).
d. precontemplation - Incorrect A person in this stage is not planning to change in the foreseeable future.
(Clinical Psychology Online Quiz - 4417)
The research indicates that which of the following therapist factors has the greatest impact on therapy progress?
a. amount of personal therapy
b. self-esteem
c. emotional detachment
d. empathy
d. empathy - CORRECT Studies have generally confirmed Carl Rogers’ assertion that therapist empathy is an important factor in psychotherapy. Although therapist factors have, in general, not been found to be particularly good predictors of therapy outcome, some therapist factors do appear to have an impact on therapy progress.
a. amount of personal therapy - Incorrect No consistent relationship has been found between the therapist’s personal therapy and therapy outcome.
b. self-esteem - Incorrect Although “healthier” therapists seem to be better therapists, self-esteem has not been linked to the outcome of therapy.
c. emotional detachment - Incorrect Emotional detachment has not been found to be a good predictor of favorable therapy outcome.
(Clinical Psychology)
The rooting reflex occurs when:
a. The newborn’s cheek is touched
b. The newborn’s foot is tickled.
c. The newborn hears his/her caregiver’s voice.
d. The newborn hears an unexpected loud noise.
The rooting reflex occurs when:
a. The newborn’s cheek is touched - CORRECT Reflexes are unlearned responses to particular stimuli in the environment. The rooting reflex occurs when the baby turns his/her head in the direction of a touch or stroke on his/her cheek.
b. The newborn’s foot is tickled. (Incorrect)
This describes the Babinski reflex.
c. The newborn hears his/her caregiver’s voice. (Incorrect) This does not describe the rooting reflex.
d. The newborn hears an unexpected loud noise. (Incorrect, My Selection) This describes the Moro (startle) reflex.
(Lifespan Development)
According to Bronfenbrenner’s (1979) ecological model, the ______ consists of interactions between elements of the microsystem (e.g., between the family and the school).
a. mesosystem
b. exosystem
c. macrosystem
d. endosystem
a. mesosystem - CORRECT Bronfenbrenner’s ecological model distinguishes between four layers (levels) that influence a child’s development: microsystem, mesosystem, exosystem, and macrosystem. The mesosystem is the second layer and consists of interactions between components of the microsystem – e.g., the parents’ involvement in the child’s school experiences and interactions between the child’s church and community.
b. exosystem - Incorrect The exosystem consists of elements in the social setting that indirectly affect the child’s development (e.g., the parents’ jobs).
c. macrosystem - Incorrect The macrosystem is the outermost layer and includes the values, laws, customs, etc. of the child’s culture.
d. endosystem - Incorrect The endosystem is not one of the levels identified by Bronfenbrenner.
(Lifespan Development)
In terms of age, Erikson’s ________ stage of psychosocial development corresponds to Freud’s phallic stage.
a. industry vs. inferiority
b. autonomy vs. shame and doubt
c. basic trust vs. mistrust
d. initiative vs. guilt.
d. initiative vs. guilt. - CORRECT Erikson’s psychosocial theory proposes that personality development occurs throughout the lifespan and involves eight stages. The initiative vs. guilt stage is characteristic of children aged 3 to 6 years and corresponds to Freud’s phallic stage.
a. industry vs. inferiority - Incorrect The industry vs. inferiority stage is characteristic of children aged 6 to 11 years and corresponds to Freud’s latency stage.
b. autonomy vs. shame and doubt - Incorrect The autonomy vs. shame and doubt stage occurs between the ages of 1 and 3 years and corresponds to Freud’s anal stage.
c. basic trust vs. mistrust - Incorrect The basic trust vs. mistrust stage occurs from birth to 1 year of age and corresponds to Freud’s oral stage.
(Lifespan Development)
Children begin to deliberately and regularly use rehearsal, elaboration, and organization as memory strategies by _____ years of age.
a. 2 to 3
b. 5 to 7
c. 9 to 10
d. 13 to 15
c. 9 to 10 - CORRECT The research has shown that the deliberate and consistent use of the memory strategies listed in the question begins at about 9 to 10 years of age. The consistent and deliberate use of memory strategies does not occur until age 9 or 10.
a. 2 to 3 - Incorrect
b. 5 to 7 - Incorrect Preschoolers sometimes use memory strategies but do so in non-deliberate and often ineffective ways. In addition, children of this age can be taught to use memory strategies for a specific task but do not apply them to new tasks.
d. 13 to 15 - Incorrect The use of these strategies continues to be “fine-tuned” during adolescence.
(Lifespan Development)
Most babies say their first words at about _____ months of age.
a. 7
b. 9
c. 12
d. 15
c. 12 - CORRECT Most infants say their first recognizable word at 12 months of age. For the exam, you want to be familiar with the language milestones of early childhood.
(Lifespan Development)
During the second stage of Kohlberg’s preconventional level of moral development, children obey rules because:
a. they feel they have a personal duty to uphold rules and laws.
b. ”everyone else is doing it.”
c. doing so helps them avoid punishment.
d. doing so helps them satisfy their personal needs.
d. doing so helps them satisfy their personal needs. - CORRECT The preconventional level of moral development consists of two stages: punishment and obedience and instrumental hedonism. During the instrumental hedonism stage, children consider the correct action to be the one that best satisfies their own personal needs. To illustrate this stage, Kohlberg described a 10-year old boy who, when asked what it means to be a good son, replied, “Be good to your father and he will be good to you.”
a. they feel they have a personal duty to uphold rules and laws. - Incorrect This is characteristic of the second stage of the conventional level.
b. ”everyone else is doing it.” - Incorrect This doesn’t describe the second stage of the preconventional level.
c. doing so helps them avoid punishment. - Incorrect This is characteristic of the initial punishment and obedience stage of the preconventional level.
(Lifespan Development)
In terms of the parenting styles identified by Baumrind and her colleagues (1991), independent self-confident adolescents are most likely to have parents who are:
a. authoritative.
b. authoritarian.
c. permissive.
d. traditional.
a. authoritative. - CORRECT Of the four parenting styles, the authoritative style is most likely to produce independent self-confident children and adolescents. Authoritative parents combine rational control with warmth, receptivity, and the encouragement of independence. Baumrind and her colleagues distinguish between authoritarian, authoritative, permissive, and rejecting-neglecting parents.
b. authoritarian. - Incorrect Authoritarian parents impose absolute standards of control, stress obedience, and are willing to use force to obtain compliance. Their children tend to be dependent, passive, and submissive and display a limited sense of responsibility.
c. permissive. - Incorrect Permissive parents provide their children with few controls or demands and display moderate levels of warmth. Their children exhibit little self-reliance, exploratory behavior, or self-control.
d. traditional. - Incorrect “Traditional” is not a parenting style identified by Baumrind.
(Lifespan Development)
Down Syndrome is caused by:
a. a dominant gene.
b. two recessive genes.
c. a chromosomal abnormality.
d. an X-linked gene.
c. a chromosomal abnormality. - CORRECT Down Syndrome is a chromosomal condition that is associated with mental retardation, specific facial features, and certain physical abnormalities (e.g., hypotonia, heart defects, and hearing impairment). Down syndrome is most often due to a failure of the 21st pair of chromosomes to split during meiosis, resulting in an extra chromosome 21.
(Lifespan Development)
Thomas and Chess’s (1977) “goodness-of-fit” model predicts that maladjustment in children is due to:
a. a mismatch between the child’s basic temperament and his/her parents’ childrearing practices.
b. a mismatch between the child’s attachment behaviors and his/her parents’ response to those behaviors.
c. inconsistencies in the parenting styles of the child’s caregivers.
d. inconsistencies in the child’s sense of self and the feedback the child receives from caregivers about his/her behavior.
a. a mismatch between the child’s basic temperament and his/her parents’ childrearing practices. - CORRECT Based on their research, Thomas and Chess concluded that it is not the child’s early temperament that predicts future adjustment but the match between the child’s temperament and his/her caregivers’ childrearing practices. Knowing that Thomas and Chess studied temperament would have enabled you to identify the correct response to this question.
b. a mismatch between the child’s attachment behaviors and his/her parents’ response to those behaviors. - Incorrect
c. inconsistencies in the parenting styles of the child’s caregivers. Incorrect
d. inconsistencies in the child’s sense of self and the feedback the child receives from caregivers about his/her behavior. Incorrect
(Lifespan Development)
Alice, age 14, is certain that everyone is looking at her because she has a large blemish in the middle of her forehead. According to Elkind (1967), Alice’s belief is a manifestation of:
a. self-conscious emotions.
b. the “personal fable.”
c. social referencing.
d. the “imaginary audience.”
d. the “imaginary audience.” - CORRECT Elkind used the term “imaginary audience” to describe the adolescent’s belief that he/she is the focus of everyone’s attention. Elkind (1967) proposed that adolescents experience a renewed egocentrisim that is manifested in several ways.
a. self-conscious emotions. - Incorrect Self-conscious emotions include shame, embarrassment, and pride and are not relevant to Elkind’s explanation for Alice’s behavior.
b. the “personal fable.” - Incorrect The personal fable is one manifestation of adolescent egocentrism but does not describe Alice’s concern. It refers to the belief that one is special and unique and not subject to the same dangers as other people are.
c. social referencing. - Incorrect Social referencing refers to relying on the emotional response of another person (e.g., caregiver) to decide how to respond in an ambiguous situation.
(Lifespan Development)
Babbling ordinarily begins at about 4 to 5 months of age and initially includes:
a. phonemes from all languages.
b. phonemes from the child’s native language only.
c. morphemes from all languages.
d. morphemes that the child has heard most frequently.
a. phonemes from all languages. -CORRECT Babbling initially consists of phonemes from all languages; but, by about 9 months, it narrows to include the sounds of the child’s native language only. Babbling involves the repetition of vowel and consonant sounds – e.g., bi-bi-bi and da-da-da.
b. phonemes from the child’s native language only. - Incorrect
c. morphemes from all languages. - Incorrect
d. morphemes that the child has heard most frequently. - Incorrect
(Lifespan Development)
A child with an insecure/anxious-avoidant pattern of attachment:
a. is very distressed when separated from his/her mother and continues to be highly anxious when she returns.
b. is more anxious when his/her mother is present than absent and resists contact with her when she returns following separation.
c. is very distressed when separated from his/her mother but pulls away from her when she returns.
d. shows little distress when separated from his/her mother and turns away from her when she returns.
d. shows little distress when separated from his/her mother and turns away from her when she returns. - CORRECT In Ainsworth’s “strange situation,” insecure/anxious-avoidant children are uninterested in exploration, show little distress when separated from their mothers, and avoid her when she returns. Attachment patterns are categorized in terms of four types: secure, insecure/anxious-avoidant, insecure/anxious-ambivalent, and disorganized-disoriented.
a. is very distressed when separated from his/her mother and continues to be highly anxious when she returns. - Incorrect
b. is more anxious when his/her mother is present than absent and resists contact with her when she returns following separation. - Incorrect
c. is very distressed when separated from his/her mother but pulls away from her when she returns. - Incorrect
(Lifespan Development)
Research suggests children’s successful adjustment to the divorce of their parents is most related to:
a. the frequency of contact with the noncustodial parent.
b. the quality of the parent-child relationships prior to the divorce.
c. the child’s ability to understand the cause(s) of the divorce.
d. the degree of post-divorce conflict between the parents.
d. the degree of post-divorce conflict between the parents. - CORRECT Of the factors listed in the answers, the frequency and severity of post-divorce conflict between the parents has most consistently been linked to children’s adjustment. In fact, some experts argue that it is marital conflict – and not the divorce itself – that is responsible for children’s adjustment problems. A number of child and parent factors have been linked to children’s adjustment to the divorce of their parents.
(Lifespan Development)
According to Gerald Patterson and his colleagues (1992), which of the following is a key contributor to aggressive behavior in children?
a. the child’s intelligence.
b. the child’s “basic personality.”
c. the strength of the parent-child attachment.
d. the parents’ childrearing behaviors
d. the parents’ childrearing behaviors -
CORRECT Patterson et al.’s “coercive family interaction model” attributes aggression in children primarily to interactions between parents and their children, especially interactions involving the parents’ childrearing behaviors. The social learning approach of Patterson and his colleagues focuses on the family factors that contribute to aggressiveness in children.
(Lifespan Development)
Kohlberg’s cognitive-developmental theory identifies which of the following as the initial stage of gender-role acquisition?
a. gender affirmation
b. gender identity
c. gender constancy
d. gender stability.
b. gender identity - CORRECT According to Kohlberg (1969), gender identity is the first stage in the acquisition of gender-role behaviors and occurs at about age 2 to 3. It is followed by gender stability (age 4) and then gender constancy (ages 6 to 7). Kohlberg’s cognitive-developmental model identifies three stages of gender-role acquisition – gender identity, gender stability, and gender constancy.
(Lifespan Development)
A 16-month-old child who calls her pet cat “kitty” sees a dog for the first time and calls it “kitty.” In terms of Piaget’s theory of cognitive development, the child is displaying:
a. assimilation.
b. accommodation.
c. categorization.
d. centration.
a. assimilation. - CORRECT Assimilation involves incorporating new knowledge into existing cognitive structures or schemes. The child in the question doesn’t know what a dog is and is incorporating it into her existing “kitty” scheme. Piaget distinguished between two complementary processes that underlie cognitive development: assimilation and accommodation.
b. accommodation. - Incorrect Accommodation involves modifying an existing scheme or creating a new one.
c. categorization. - Incorrect Piaget did not use the term “categorization” to describe the incorporation of new knowledge into an existing cognitive scheme.
d. centration. - Incorrect Centration is a limitation of the preoperational stage and refers to the tendency to focus on the most salient aspect of an object.
(Lifespan Development)
________ involves mental retardation and extreme obesity and is caused by a chromosomal deletion.
a. Down Syndrome
b. Turner syndrome
c. Klinefelter syndrome.
d. Prader-Willi syndrome
d. Prader-Willi syndrome - CORRECT Prader-Willi syndrome is caused by a chromosomal deletion, which occurs when part of a chromosome is missing. Approximately 1 in 200 babies is born with a chromosomal abnormality.
a. Down Syndrome - Incorrect Down syndrome is attributable to the presence of an extra chromosome.
b. Turner syndrome - Incorrect Turner syndrome is caused by the absence of a chromosome. It occurs only in females and involves the absence of one X chromosome.
c. Klinefelter syndrome. - Incorrect Klinefelter syndrome is due to the presence of an extra chromosome.
(Lifespan Development)
For most children, stranger anxiety begins at about _____ months of age.
a. 2 to 3
b. 4 to 6
c. 8 to 10
d. 12 to 14
c. 8 to 10 - CORRECT Although the experts differ somewhat with regard to the exact age of onset of stranger anxiety, most agree that it begins during the second half of the first year. Stranger anxiety involves anxious, fearful responses in the presence of a stranger, especially when a caregiver is not present.
(Lifespan Development)
Child abuse and neglect are most associated with which of the following attachment patterns?
a. disorganized/disoriented
b. distant/disengaged.
c. insecure/avoidant.
d. insecure/ambivalent
a. disorganized/disoriented - CORRECT Mary Main, a student of Ainsworth, found that about 80% of maltreated children exhibit a disorganized/disoriented attachment pattern. Children who have been maltreated often exhibit disorganized, contradictory behaviors in the presence of their caregivers – e.g., they might reach out for the caregiver while backing away.
b. distant/disengaged. - Incorrect
c. insecure/avoidant. - Incorrect
d. insecure/ambivalent - Incorrect
(Lifespan Development)
The mental retardation associated with PKU is preventable with:
a. removal of environmental toxins.
b. blood transfusions.
c. a special diet.
d. antibiotics.
a. removal of environmental toxins. - Incorrect
b. blood transfusions. - Incorrect
c. a special diet. - CORRECT PKU involves an inability to metabolize the amino acid phenylalanine. Mental retardation and other symptoms of PKU can be reduced or eliminated by a diet low in phenylalanine beginning at birth. PKU (phenylketonuria) is a recessive gene disorder.
d. antibiotics. - Incorrect
(Lifespan Development)
Konrad Lorenz’s (1957) research on “imprinting” led to the search for __________ in human infants.
a. a critical period for attachment
b. a biological explanation for language acquisition.
c. a sensitive period for social referencing
d. a biological mechanism for recognition memory.
a. a critical period for attachment - CORRECT The ethologist Lorenz found that geese bonded to the first moving object they encounter during the first few days following birth. His research led to a search for a similar “critical period” for attachment in human infants. “Imprinting” refers to the bond that develops during a critical period following birth in some non-human species.
b. a biological explanation for language acquisition. - Incorrect
c. a sensitive period for social referencing - Incorrect See explanation for response a.
d. a biological mechanism for recognition memory. - Incorrect
(Lifespan Development)
The _______ is the least developed area of the brain at birth.
a. brain stem
b. cerebral cortex
c. limbic system
d. cerebellum
b. cerebral cortex - CORRECT The cerebral cortex, which is responsible for higher-level cognitive skills, complex motor behaviors, language, and spatial skills, is almost completely undeveloped at birth. Not surprisingly, it is the higher centers of the brain that are least developed at birth.
(Lifespan Development)
An organizational psychologist finds that his newly developed selection test has different validity coefficients for male and female applicants and that the difference is statistically significant. This suggests that the test has:
a. incremental validity.
b. discriminant validity.
c. differential validity.
d. convergent validity.
c. differential validity. - CORRECT A test has differential validity when its validity coefficient for one group is different from its validity coefficient for another group. The selection test described in this question has different levels of validity for males and females.
a. incremental validity.- Incorrect A test’s incremental validity refers to the benefits that use of the test provides with regard to decision-making accuracy.
b. discriminant validity. - Incorrect A test has discriminant (divergent) validity when it has low correlations with tests that measure different traits, characteristics, or abilities. Discriminant validity provides evidence of a test’s construct validity.
d. convergent validity. - Incorrect A test has convergent validity when it correlates highly with tests that measure the same trait. Convergent validity provides evidence of construct validity.
(Industrial/Organizational Psychology)
Expectancy theory predicts that worker motivation depends on several factors including “valence,” which refers to:
a. the employee’s beliefs about the value of rewards provided for successful performance.
b. the employee’s beliefs about the inherent (intrinsic) value of the work itself.
c. the strength of the worker’s motivation and organizational commitment.
d. the strength of the effort (versus ability) component of the worker’s motivation.
a. the employee’s beliefs about the value of rewards provided for successful performance. - CORRECT According to expectancy theory, motivation is a function of three components: expectancy, instrumentality, and valence. Valence refers to the value a worker places on the outcomes that will be provided for successful performance. When these outcomes have positive valence, this increases the worker’s motivation to perform.
b. the employee’s beliefs about the inherent (intrinsic) value of the work itself. - Incorrect
c. the strength of the worker’s motivation and organizational commitment. - Incorrect
d. the strength of the effort (versus ability) component of the worker’s motivation. - Incorrect
(Industrial/Organizational Psychology)
According to Fiedler’s contingency model of leadership, high LPC leaders:
a. are always more effective than low LPC leaders.
b. are more effective than low LPC leaders in moderately favorable situations.
c. elicit less trust from supervisees than do low LPC leaders.
d. elicit less intrinsic motivation from supervisees than do low LPC leaders.
b. are more effective than low LPC leaders in moderately favorable situations. - CORRECT According to Fiedler, low LPC leaders are most effective in low and high favorable situations, while high LPC leaders are most effective in moderately favorable situations. Fiedler’s LPC (least preferred coworker) scale measures the extent to which a leader describes ineffective subordinates in positive terms. A high LPC leader is one who has nice things to say even about inefficient workers.
a. are always more effective than low LPC leaders. - Incorrect Fiedler’s theory is a “contingency” theory and predicts that the most effective leadership style depends on the nature of the situation.
c. elicit less trust from supervisees than do low LPC leaders. - Incorrect This is not predicted by Fiedler’s theory.
d. elicit less intrinsic motivation from supervisees than do low LPC leaders. - Incorrect Fielder did not directly address the issue of job motivation but, because his theory is a contingency theory, it implies that the ability of high and low LPC leaders to foster the motivation of employees would depend on the nature of the situation.
(Industrial/Organizational Psychology)
A transformational leader uses “ framing” in order to:
a. make the organization’s goals more meaningful to employees.
b. clarify the consequences of undesirable performance.
c. reduce personal biases in decision-making.
d. adapt his/her leadership style to the characteristics of subordinates.
a. make the organization’s goals more meaningful to employees. - CORRECT Transformational leaders recognize the need for change and are able to communicate that need to employees. Framing is one technique these leaders use to inspire employees and involves describing the organization’s goals in a way that makes them more meaningful to employees. Even if you’re unfamiliar with “framing,” you may have been able to identify the correct answer with your knowledge of transformational leadership.
b. clarify the consequences of undesirable performance. - Incorrect
c. reduce personal biases in decision-making. - Incorrect The term “framing” is also used to refer to a type of decision-making bias. In that context, framing occurs when the description of a problem in a positive or negative way influences the type of decision that is made. However, this question is asking about the use of framing by transformational leaders.
d. adapt his/her leadership style to the characteristics of subordinates. - Incorrect
(Industrial/Organizational Psychology)
The research indicates that, when Total Quality Management (TQM) fails to live up to its potential, this is most often because:
a. the team leader lacks adequate leadership skills.
b. there was too much reliance on team (versus individual) effort.
c. employees were not sufficiently involved in decision-making.
d. pay and other benefits were not adequately linked to team performance.
c. employees were not sufficiently involved in decision-making. - CORRECT Although TQM emphasizes team involvement in decision-making, too often decisions are made unilaterally by the supervisor. The primary goal of TQM is to continuously improve the quality of the organization’s products and services. This is accomplished by evaluating customer satisfaction, maximizing employee involvement and empowerment, and making continuous improvements in organizational processes.
a. the team leader lacks adequate leadership skills. - Incorrect Although leader ability is always important, it has not been identified as a particular problem in TQM, which emphasizes the involvement of employees in decision-making processes.
b. there was too much reliance on team (versus individual) effort. - Incorrect Team work is considered a key feature of TQM; and the research has shown that, under the right circumstances, team work is associated with positive outcomes for the company.
d. pay and other benefits were not adequately linked to team performance. - Incorrect This hasn’t been identified as a problem by the research on TQM.
(Industrial/Organizational Psychology)
The primary purpose of a(n) ____________ is to obtain detailed information about job requirements in order to facilitate decisions related to compensation.
a. needs assessment
b. organizational analysis
c. job analysis
d. job evaluation
d. job evaluation - CORRECT A job evaluation is conducted specifically for the purpose of determining the relative worth of jobs in order to set wages and salaries. Of the procedures listed in the answers, only one is conducted specifically to facilitate decisions related to compensation.
a. needs assessment - Incorrect A needs assessment is conducted to identify training needs.
b. organizational analysis - Incorrect An organizational analysis is often part of a needs assessment and is conducted to identify the organization’s goal
c. job analysis - Incorrect A job analysis is conducted to identify the essential characteristics of a job. Job analysis serves several functions in an organization and may be the first step in a job evaluation.
(Industrial/Organizational Psychology)
Assessment centers are most commonly used to:
a. hire and promote clerical workers.
b. hire and promote managers.
c. train semi-skilled and skilled workers.
d. train salespeople.
b. hire and promote managers. - CORRECT Assessment centers are used to evaluate managerial-level employees for the purpose of selection, promotion, or training and involve having participants engage in a variety of exercises, many of which simulate the actual tasks a manager performs on-the-job. Assessment centers were originally used during World War II as a means of selecting OSS agents. They are now used primarily for evaluating and predicting the performance of managerial-level employees.
(Industrial/Organizational Psychology)
The 80% rule is used to determine if:
a. a selection procedure is having an adverse impact.
b. a selection procedure is cost effective.
c. a performance appraisal measure has adequate relevance.
d. a performance appraisal measure has adequate utility.
a. a selection procedure is having an adverse impact. - CORRECT The 80% rule is described in the EEOC’s Uniform Guidelines on Employee Selection Procedures and is used to determine if a selection test or other employment procedure is discriminating against members of a group protected by law. As defined by the 80% rule, a selection test is having an adverse impact when the proportion of minority-group applicants who are selected is less than 80% of the proportion of majority-group applicants who are selected.
b. a selection procedure is cost effective - Incorrect
c. a performance appraisal measure has adequate relevance.- Incorrect
d. a performance appraisal measure has adequate utility. Incorrect
(Industrial/Organizational Psychology)
Lewin’s force field theory describes planned change in organizations as involving which of the following stages?
a. unfreezing, changing, and refreezing
b. forming, performing, and re-forming
c. identifying, planning, and acting
d. setting the stage, problem-solving, and reaching an agreement
a. unfreezing, changing, and refreezing -
CORRECT Unfreezing, changing, and refreezing are the three stages of planned change identified by Lewin. According to Lewin (1951), organizations continuously respond to forces that either promote or resist change.
b. forming, performing, and re-forming - Incorrect
c. identifying, planning, and acting - Incorrect
d. setting the stage, problem-solving, and reaching an agreement - Incorrect
(Industrial/Organizational Psychology)
The primary purpose of a realistic job preview is to:
a. increase the number of applicants for a job.
b. develop an accurate job description.
c. reduce on-the-job conflicts between managers and employees.
d. reduce employee dissatisfaction and turnover.
d. reduce employee dissatisfaction and turnover. - CORRECT Two assumptions underlying the use of realistic job previews are that turnover is related to unrealistic expectations about the job and that providing applicants with accurate information about what the job entails will reduce unrealistic expectations and thereby decrease dissatisfaction and turnover. Realistic job previews may consist of job descriptions, videos, discussions with current employees, work samples, and/or other procedures or techniques.
(Industrial/Organizational Psychology)
The best conclusion that can be drawn about the four-day ( compressed) workweek is that it has:
a. long-lasting positive effects on attitudes and productivity.
b. long-lasting negative effects on attitudes and productivity.
c. positive effects on attitudes but little or no impact on productivity.
d. positive effects on attitudes initially but, over time, increasingly negative effects on both attitudes and productivity.
c. positive effects on attitudes but little or no impact on productivity. - CORRECT Overall, alternative work schedules have been found to have more beneficial effects on attitudes than on productivity and this seems to be particularly true for the compressed workweek. For example, a meta-analysis of the research on the compressed workweek by Baltes and his colleagues (1999) found an effect size of .59 for satisfaction and .04 for productivity. The compressed workweek requires employees to work a 4-day, 40-hourweek.
d. positive effects on attitudes initially but, over time, increasingly negative effects on both attitudes and productivity. - Incorrect
(Industrial/Organizational Psychology)
A manager who adheres to the principles of “scientific management” would most likely agree with which of the following?
a. Employees view work “as natural as play” and actively seek autonomy and responsibility.
b. An employee’s relationships with his/her coworkers are important determinants of job satisfaction.
c. Because employees value money more than other incentives, pay is the most effective motivator.
d. An employee’s unfulfilled needs take precedence over other needs, and rewards should be determined accordingly.
c. Because employees value money more than other incentives, pay is the most effective motivator. - CORRECT Taylor believed that employees are motivated primarily by economic self-interest and, therefore, that money is the most effective motivator. Scientific management was developed by Frederick Taylor (1911) who applied the scientific method to the study of job productivity
a. Employees view work “as natural as play” and actively seek autonomy and responsibility. Incorrect This describes McGregor’s Theory Y managers.
b. An employee’s relationships with his/her coworkers are important determinants of job satisfaction. - Incorrect This is an assumption of the human relations movement, which was an alternative to scientific management.
d. An employee’s unfulfilled needs take precedence over other needs, and rewards should be determined accordingly. - Incorrect This sounds like Maslow’s need hierarchy theory.
(Industrial/Organizational Psychology)
The “paired comparison” technique is used to:
a. evaluate an employee’s job performance.
b. make hiring and placement decisions.
c. identify an employee’s training needs.
d. determine the appropriate compensation for a job.
a. evaluate an employee’s job performance. - CORRECT When using the paired comparison technique, an employee is compared to every other employee on each dimension of job performance. The paired comparison technique is a method of performance appraisal.
b. make hiring and placement decisions. Incorrect
c. identify an employee’s training needs -Incorrect
d. determine the appropriate compensation for a job. - Incorrect
(Industrial/Organizational Psychology)
