Ethics - Flashcards from Zoey

Question 1

Psychologists can use animals in research if what 2 conditions are met?

Answer 1

1. It is in compliance with current federal, state, and local laws and regulations, and with professional standards.
2. Reasonable efforts are made to minimize discomfort, infection, illness, and pain to animals.

Question 2

________ always takes precedence over the need to educate or punish an offending psychologist, which must always be considered before filing a complaint.

Answer 2

Client Confidentiality

Question 3

When recording voices and/or images in research, when is
informed consent not required?

Answer 3

When the research consists solely of naturalistic observations in public places, and it is not anticipated that the recording will be used in a manner that could cause personal identification or harm

Question 4

Psychologists are required to work within the boundaries of their ___________, which can be based on their education, training, supervised experience, consultation, study, or professional experience.

Answer 4

Competence

Question 5

When is informed consent provided in research that involves recording voices and/or images and deception?

Answer 5

Informed consent is provided during debriefing

Question 6

What course of action should you take if you discover a colleague has been violating an ethical standard that puts no clients in direct harm?

Answer 6

Attempt to resolve the problem informally by discussing the matter with the offender

Question 7

When should a psychologist make a formal report to the Ethics Committee, state licensing board, or other appropriate authority regarding unethical behavior by a colleague?

Answer 7

When the problem involves “substantial harm” and is not appropriate for an informal resolution or has not been resolved satisfactorily by an attempt at an informal resolution

Question 8

What is the legal concept that protects a client’s confidentiality in the context of legal proceedings?

Answer 8

Privilege

Question 9

In a consultative relationship, when is it appropriate to disclose confidential client information?

Answer 9

1. When the consultant and consultee have a confidential relationship
2. If the consultee has obtained prior consent of the person or organization
3. If disclosure is unavoidable

Question 10

Typically, __________ is the holder of the privilege.

Answer 10

The client

Question 11

What has the data on sexual misconduct by therapists consistently shown?

Answer 11

Male therapists violate much more than female therapists, and they are usually older (42-44 y/o) than the female clients (30-33 y/o) they become involved with

Question 12

A psychologist has been meeting regularly with a child whose parents recently filed for divorce and have requested a child custody evaluation. What course of action should the psychologist take?

Answer 12

While not required, The Guidelines state psychologists generally avoid conducting such evaluations when s/he has served in a therapeutic role for the child or their family

Question 13

What relationships have been found between risk for sexual misconduct and theoretical orientation, professional experience, or education?

Answer 13

None (Pope et al., 1993)

Question 14

What 4 conditions must be met in order for a client to bring a claim of malpractice against a psychologist?

Answer 14

1. Psychologist must have had a professional relationship with the person
2. Must be a demonstrable standard of care breached by psychologist
3. Person suffered harm or injury
4. Harm or injury was proximally caused by psychologist’s breach of duty within context of standard of care

Question 15

When can a psychologist use client testimonials?

Answer 15

When they are not solicited from current therapy clients or other persons who, because of their circumstances, are vulnerable to undue influence

Question 16

Is it ever appropriate for a psychologist to pay, receive payment from, or divide fees with another professional for referring them a client?

Answer 16

No, this is unethical. All payments in such situations must be based on the services provided (e.g., clinical, consultative, administrative)

Question 17

A ________ refers to a person who testifies as to what they saw, heard, or otherwise observed regarding a circumstance, event or occurrence as it actually took place.

Answer 17

Fact Witness

Question 18

What legal decision originally established a psychologists “duty to warn,” which later became a “duty to protect?”

Answer 18

The Tarasoff Decision, which regards a client’s admission of intent to harm another person

Question 19

Bartering is allowed only if what two conditions are met?

Answer 19

1. It is not clinically contraindicated
2. It is not exploitative

Question 20

________ are allowed to offer professional opinions and provide testimony based on hypothetical scenarios, while ________ cannot.

Answer 20

Expert Witnesses; Fact Witnesses

Question 21

When taking on a new therapy client, when should a psychologist obtain informed consent?

Answer 21

As early as is feasible- should include nature and anticipated course of therapy, fees, 3rd party involvement, limits of confidentiality, and provide client opportunity to ask questions and receive answers

Question 22

In a legal proceeding, if a defendant lacks sufficient present ability to consult with his lawyer with a reasonable degree of rational understanding, as well as a factual understanding of the proceedings against him/her, s/he is deemed ________.

Answer 22

Incompetent to stand trial

Question 23

Are psychologists required by the Ethics Code to provide Pro Bono services?

Answer 23

No, however the General Principles, which are aspirational in nature, promote it

Question 24

A person who by reason of education or specialized experience possesses superior knowledge regarding a subject about which persons having no particular training are incapable of forming an accurate opinion or deducing correct conclusions is referred to as an ________.

Answer 24

Expert Witness

Question 25

Is it ethical for psychologists to engage in sexual behavior with students or supervisees?

Answer 25

No. In fact, it is unethical for a psychologist to engage in sexual relations with anyone they are likely to have evaluative authority over

Question 26

Psychologists are to refrain from entering into a multiple
relationship when?

Answer 26

If the relationship can be reasonably expected to impair the psychologist’s objectivity, competence, or effectiveness, or otherwise risks exploitation or harm to the client

Question 27

The Client Welfare standard of the APA Ethics Code requires what?

Answer 27

That reasonable steps are taken by psychologists to avoid and minimize harm to clients, students, research participants, and others with whom they work

Question 28

What is the first step a psychologist should take when they receive a subpoena?

Answer 28

Determine if the subpoena is a legally valid demand

Question 29

What conditions must be met for deception to ethically be used in research?

Answer 29

1. Deception is justified by the study’s prospective scientific, educational, applied value and effective non-deceptive alternatives are not feasible
2. Participants are not deceived about conditions that might cause significant pain or emotional distress
3. Participants are debriefed preferably at end of their participation, but no later than conclusion of data collection

Question 30

Following an evaluation, are psychologists allowed to provide clients with raw test data if the client requests it?

Answer 30

Yes, it would unethical not to do so. However, there are some exceptions if the psychologist believes the test data could harm the client

Question 31

The “Guidelines for Providers of Psychological Services to Ethnic, Linguistic, and Culturally Diverse Populations” presents principles that are ________ in nature.

Answer 31

Aspirational

Question 32

TRUE or FALSE: In some situations, it is ethical for a psychologist to withhold reporting a case of known child abuse.

Answer 32

FALSE: All jurisdictions require psychologists to report known cases of child abuse to the appropriate authorities

Question 33

Is it ethical or unethical to deny employment, admission to academic or other programs, advancement, or promotion to someone who has previously made or been the subject of an ethics complaint?

Answer 33

Unethical

Question 34

Sliding fee scales are generally considered acceptable as long as
the are ________.

Answer 34

Fair and serve the best interests of the client

Question 35

What is FERPA (Family Education Rights and Privacy Act of 1974)?

Answer 35

It prohibits educational institutions receiving federal funds from disclosing personally identifying information from student records
without the consent of the student or legal guardian (if under 18); also grants right to inspect one’s educational records

Question 36

In deciding whether to provide services to a person already receiving
mental health services elsewhere, what should a psychologist consider?

Answer 36

The treatment issues and the potential client’s welfare. These issues are discussed with the client and the psychologist should proceed with caution

Question 37

Psychologists are to act ________ and ________ when teaching, supervising, and designing education and training programs.

Answer 37

Competently; Responsibly

Question 38

A legal concept referring to a persons incapacity to determine right from wrong or to behave according to the requirements of the law.

Answer 38

Insanity, which is not a psychological concept, but used in a purely legal sense

Question 39

Publication credit is given based primarily on ________.

Answer 39

Relative scientific or professional contributions of the individuals involved, regardless of their relative status

Question 40

In-person solicitation of business from actual or potential therapy clients or other persons is unethical when it involves what?

Answer 40

Solicitation of people who, due to their particular circumstances, are vulnerable to undue influence

Question 41

________ refers to the obligation of psychologists to protect clients from unauthorized disclosure of information revealed in the context of the professional relationship.

Answer 41

Confidentiality

Question 42

TRUE or FALSE: Psychologists can base assessment/intervention decisions or recommendations on tests, measures, data, or test results that are outdated or obsolete.

Answer 42

FALSE: Only tests that are useful to the current purpose can be used ethically

Question 43

How is Sexual Harassment defined by APA’s Ethics Code?

Answer 43

Sexual solicitation, physical advances, or verbal or nonverbal conduct that is sexual in nature, occurs in connection with the psychologist’s activities or roles as a psychologist, and either (1) is obviously unwelcome, offensive, or creates a hostile environment or (2) is sufficiently severe to be abusive to a reasonable person in the context

Question 44

The General Guidelines for Providers of Psychological Services

Answer 44

These were adopted as a means of self-regulation in the public interest, and its provisions are general and aspirational.

Question 45

When it becomes reasonably clear that a client no longer needs services, is unlikely to benefit, or is being harmed by continued services, what is the psychologist’s best course of action?

Answer 45

Terminate therapy

Question 46

Who is responsible for the appropriate application, interpretation, and use of assessment instruments scored and interpreted by automated services?

Answer 46

The administering psychologist retains responsibility

Question 47

Upon termination, what does the Ethics Code state a psychologist should do?

Answer 47

Provide pre-termination counseling and suggest alternative service providers as appropriate

Question 48

Regarding client records, who is the owner of the physical record?

Answer 48

Typically, the psychologist, while the client has the right to inspect the contents of the record

Question 49

When providing services to a person legally incapable of giving informed consent, what should the psychologist do?

Answer 49

Provide an appropriate explanation, seek the person’s assent, consider the person’s preferences and best interests, and obtain permission from a legally authorized person

Question 50

APA’s Record Keeping Guidelines specifies that records of psychological services must include:

Answer 50

1) identifying data
2) dates of service
3) types of service
4) fees
5) assessment reports and intervention plans
6) releases of information

Question 51

The Specialty Guidelines for ________ does not define minimum qualifications in terms of education, as other Specialty Guidelines do, but rather focuses on professional practice issues in the context of forensic work.

Answer 51

Forensic Psychologists

Question 52

What steps should be taken by a psychologist whose personal problems are preventing them from competently performing work-related activities?

Answer 52

Take appropriate measures (e.g., obtain consultation or assistance) and determine whether they should limit, suspend, or terminate their work-related duties

Question 53

What must a psychologist do before using a collection agency to collect unpaid fees?

Answer 53

Inform the client that such measures will be taken and provide that person an opportunity to make prompt payment

Question 54

Is it ever ethical to have sexual relationships with a former client?

Answer 54

Yes, though only after 2 years and in the “most unusual circumstances;” in such cases, the psychologists must prove that the relationship is not harmful.

Question 55

Is it ethical or unethical for a psychologist to provide therapy to a person they previously had sexual relations with?

Answer 55

Unethical- this is absolute, there are no time limits or exceptions

Question 56

The ________ evaluates the knowledge that should have been acquired by any candidate seeking licensure to practice psychology.

Answer 56

Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology (EPPP)

Question 57

The concept that supervisors/employers may be legally responsible for the actions of their supervisees/employees is called ________.

Answer 57

Vicarious Liability, or respondeat superior (Latin phrase that literally means “let the master answer” )

Question 58

As a psychologist, what would you do if you arrived early to the office one morning to find a colleague having sex with one of his/her current clients?

Answer 58

Report him to the ethics committee, as this violation is not amenable
to informal resolution, making sure to protect the client’s confidentiality rights

Question 59

What is a psychologist to do if a client informs them that s/he had sex with a previous therapist?

Answer 59

Outline the client’s rights and options regarding legal actions and ethical complaints

Question 59

What is the primary value underlying the existence of Ethical Principles?

Answer 59

The advancement and protection of the welfare of the patients and clients of psychologists

Question 59

What is a psychologist’s best option if s/he wants to work with clients from an ethnic group s/he has not worked with before?

Answer 59

Seek supervision and/or consultation before taking on such clients and while working with them

Question 60

If an ethical issue is not addressed in the Ethics Code, it indicates what about any related conduct?

Answer 60

It may be ethical or unethical

Question 61

A psychologist who has been having marital problems begins to notice that during marital therapy with his clients he is tending to agree more with the husband’s perspective. He should:

Answer 61

Seek consultation- the Code requires psychologists who become aware of personal problems that may interfere with adequate performance in their work to take appropriate measures

Question 62

You’re contacted by the APA Ethics Committee in regard to a complaint filed against you by a client. They ask for your records related to the client’s therapy with you. What should you do?

Answer 62

Cooperate fully with the Committee’s request. Confidentiality is not an issue since the committee must obtain a signed waiver of confidentiality from the complainant before it takes any action

Question 63

When might the use of interpreters in psychotherapy be ethical?

Answer 63

When steps have been taken to avoid a multiple relationship between the interpreter and the client

Question 64

In your capacity as an I/O Psychologist you observe repeated incidents of sexual harassment. What is your best course of action?

Answer 64

Observe the incidents and, if possible, take active steps to intervene- the Code states that psychologists attempt to “minimize harm to those with whom they work”

Question 65

A psychologists is seeing a family and notices bruises on the son’s body. The parents say he was seen by a pediatrician, but they forgot to mention the bruises to her. When asked how the child got injured, the parents say he “fell down the stairs” and provide no further details. The boy is silent and withdrawn. What should the psychologist do?

Answer 65

File a child abuse report with the appropriate state agency, as there is reasonable suspicion of ongoing child abuse

Question 66

TRUE or FALSE: It is unethical to utilize an interpreter without first having them sign a confidentiality agreement.

Answer 66

FALSE: While it is a good idea to discuss the importance of maintaining confidentiality, there is no ethical standard requiring an interpreter to sign such an agreement

Question 67

A client you know owns a gun and has a history of violent behavior tells you he is planning to shoot his ex-girlfriend. You should:

Answer 67

Warn the police and attempt to warn the ex-girlfriend, per “duty to protect”

Question 68

A psychologist is dating a graduate student in his class who is older than other students and has returned to school after 15 years. The psychologists behavior is:

Answer 68

Unethical, regardless of whether sex is involved, because it is a dual relationship with clear potential for harm or exploitation

Question 69

A client who is HIV+ claims that s/he has been engaging in casual unprotected sex with various partners. Is this sufficient grounds to break confidentiality and notify the authorities?

Answer 69

No. APA states disclosure is permitted if (1) there is an identifiable 3rd party who is at risk, (2) the 3rd party is unaware s/he is at risk, and (3) the client has refused or is not considered reliable to inform the 3rd party

Question 70

What should a psychologist to do if a client they are seeing on condition of probation says s/he wants to terminate therapy?

Answer 70

Tell the client s/he has the right to leave, but explain the legal ramifications of doing so

Question 71

A psychologist publishes an ad promising “guaranteed results.” What is true about this ad?

Answer 71

It is unethical because it is misleading and may engender unduly optimistic expectations of positive results

Question 72

As an Army psychologist, a General asks you questions about a Colonel you have evaluated. What is the ethical way to respond?

Answer 72

Get a signed release from the client before providing any information- the Colonel is likely aware that refusing to provide such information may lead to negative consequences

Question 73

What must brochures for workshops always include?

Answer 73

A description of the intended audience

Question 74

According to ________, psychologists must notify their clients how they may use the clients’ personal health information.

Answer 74

Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA)

Question 75

You routinely waive the co-payment of less wealthy clients who are insured, since you offer clients without insurance a sliding scale. This is:

Answer 75

Unethical and illegal since the insurance company has not been informed

Question 76

According to HIPAA, when might a psychologist be considered a
“covered entity?”

Answer 76

If they transmit certain client information electronically

Question 77

Psychotherapy notes, as defined by HIPAA, refers to what?

Answer 77

Notes recorded in any medium by a mental health professional documenting or analyzing the contents of conversation during a private counseling session they are not considered a part
of a client’s Protected Health Information (PHI)

Question 78

When would it be ethical for a psychology professor to modify a course syllabus several weeks after the course began?

Answer 78

When the students are made aware of these modifications in a manner that enables them to fulfill course requirements

Question 79

You are asked by an attorney to evaluate a divorced woman’s competence as a parent during a custody dispute. As an ethical psychologist, you should:

Answer 79

Evaluate the client, the children, and the husband before filing a report

Question 80

Is it ethical for a psychologist to engage in a sexual relationship with a student after the course has been completed and grades submitted?

Answer 80

No, as it is likely the student is still in the department and, thus, the professor maintains “evaluative authority”

Question 81

A forensic psychologist is ordered by the court to evaluate a celebrity accused of assault and battery. Part of the evaluation is used in the trial and becomes a matter of public record. At the end of the trial, in which the defendant was found guilty, the psychologist writes a book including information about parts of the evaluation not discussed in court. These actions are:

Answer 81

Unethical but legal, as information disclosed in court-ordered evaluations are not privileged

Question 82

When evaluating students and supervisees, psychologists must do what?

Answer 82

Base their evaluation on relevant and established program requirements, provide timely feedback, and provide information about the evaluation process at the beginning of supervision

Question 83

TRUE or FALSE: Computerized interpretive reports are legitimate and valuable, and they tend to be good substitutes for a clinician’s own
impressions.

Answer 83

FALSE: Computerized interpretive reports are to be accompanied by the psychologists personal evaluation

Question 84

When is informed consent to research not necessary?

Answer 84

When dispensing with it clearly poses no harm or is scientifically justifiable, such as in naturalistic observation or anonymous questionnaires

Question 85

Is it ever ethical to kill an animal that has been used for research?

Answer 85

Yes, if it is done rapidly and with an effort to minimize pain

Question 86

As the only psychologist working in a medical clinic that you are about to leave for a new job, you are concerned that some files contain outdated data. What should you do?

Answer 86

Remove obsolete data from the files, as release of such data may cause client harm or misrepresentation

Question 87

It is _______ to train and allow an assistant with a B.A. in sociology to administer, interpret, and write a report on the WAIS-IV.

Answer 87

Unethical, as the assistant is clearly unqualified to perform such duties

Question 88

When regular consultation with a supervisor about a client is done, what must occur?

Answer 88

The client must be informed that the therapist is being supervised

Question 89

After a psychologist administers multiple tests to a client, she asks to see the results. What’s the best course of action in such situations?

Answer 89

Provide the client with an oral and written summary of the results in clear, understandable language

Question 90

If an experimental psychologist wants to become a clinical psychologist, what must s/he do?

Answer 90

Obtain appropriate coursework and experience, including practica and internship

Question 91

What is the primary purpose of the Specialty Guidelines for the Delivery of Services?

Answer 91

Educate the public and advance the profession

Question 92

TRUE or FALSE: Regarding confidentiality in group therapy, group members are on their own honor to maintain confidentiality.

Answer 92

TRUE: Group members have no legally or ethically enforceable obligation to maintain the confidence of what they hear from other group members

Question 93

The primary purpose of the Standards for Educational and Psychological Testing is what?

Answer 93

To provide criteria for evaluating whether tests are properly used

Question 94

What should a psychologist do if a man being seen in marital therapy requests individual treatment?

Answer 94

He should be referred to another therapist due to potential for conflict between the psychologist’s roles

Question 95

A college counselor informed the mother of a 17 y/o of a recent suicide attempt he made. The counselor contended she was acting in the client’s best interest in light of his refusal to seek professional help. Were the counselor’s actions ethical?

Answer 95

According to the Ethics Code, yes, because the student is a minor at risk of suicide

Question 96

The Standards for Educational and Psychological Testing suggest reporting test scores in terms of ________.

Answer 96

Confidence intervals, or percentile bands

Question 97

TRUE or FALSE: When a grievance is file, state boards can provide you feedback on performance on specific questions of the EPPP.

Answer 97

FALSE: They can provide one’s score, the passing score, the mean, standard deviation, and other descriptive information

Question 98

Generally, protecting the welfare of the public is their primary purpose.

Answer 98

State licensing boards

Question 99

If a psychologist undertakes an experiment that might have some negative adverse side-effects to participants but still feels the possible findings are worth the risk, she should:

Answer 99

Seek approval from the appropriate Institutional Review Board (IRB) and inform participants of all potential risks via informed consent

Question 100

It is ________ and ________ to sell questions that appear on the licensing exam.

Answer 100

Illegal and unethical, as it violates both test security and copyright laws

Question 101

It is ________ for a university professor to omit areas of research in a course he’s teaching because the research does not fit well with his orientation and does not support his theory.

Answer 101

Unethical as the professor’s behavior is likely to mislead students

Question 102

What should be done if, after evaluating a high school student who is having conflicts with a teacher, a psychologist concludes the teacher, rather than the student, needs psychological attention?

Answer 102

Talk to the teacher alone in order to safeguard the teachers rights and minimize harm or embarrassment

Question 103

A psychologist opening a mental health clinic in a rural area serving a Native American population would be well-advised to:

Answer 103

Include medicine men from the tribe as consultants and mediators

Question 104

A psychologist in a rural community is asked to treat a man with Agoraphobia. While the psychologist has treated other anxiety disorders, she has never treated Agoraphobia. She should:

Answer 104

Treat the woman while making reasonable effort to obtain the competence required by using relevant research, training, consultation, or study

Question 105

What should a psychologist do if a person in an emergency situation presents to therapy for an issue the psychologist has no relevant experience working with?

Answer 105

Meet with the person but refer to a more qualified psychologist as soon as possible, or when the emergency has ended

Question 106

A psychologist is ethically required to ________ after completing testing with a client.

Answer 106

Provide appropriate explanation of results

Question 107

During the third psychotherapy session with a client the psychologist realizes the client is the principal at his daughter’s school. What should he do?

Answer 107

Discuss the situation with the client and assess whether the dual relationship could be expected to impair objectivity, competence, or effectiveness or result in client exploitation or harm

Question 108

Is it ethical for a psychologist to routinely administer personality tests during the initial phase of a treatment relationship?

Answer 108

No, this is unethical, as there must be a valid reason for testing

Question 109

Psychologists who provide services over the internet must inform clients of ________.

Answer 109

The risks to privacy

Question 110

As a psychologist, you are asked by the attorney of a mother to evaluate the mother and her child, however the child lives with the father, who is the custodial parent. What should you do?

Answer 110

Determine if the father knows about and has consented to the evaluation

Question 111

A psychologist will receive a ________ from the Ethics Committee if his/her actions are unethical but the consequences are minor.

Answer 111

Reprimand

Question 112

What conditions are required for a graduate psychology program to require students to participate in psychotherapy?

Answer 112

1. Students are given the option of receiving therapy from practitioners unaffiliated with the program
2. Faculty with evaluative authority must not provide the therapy
3. The requirement must be clearly described in the program’s description

Question 113

What might the Ethics Committee do if a psychologist’s actions cause harm and are deliberate or persistent?

Answer 113

Censure

Question 114

This term refers to negligent failure, resulting in harm to the client, to meet the duty to a client that arises out of a professional relationship.

Answer 114

Malpractice

Question 115

The Ethics Committee recommends ________ in cases where a
psychologist’s behavior is both unethical and harmful.

Answer 115

Time-limited resignation

Question 116

What are the 4 stages of the ethical complaint process?

Answer 116

Inquiry, Investigation, Adjudication, Appeal (IIAA)

Question 117

If a psychologist’s offense is so injurious and severe that s/he is deemed unrehabilitable, the Ethics Committee is likely to recommend ________.

Answer 117

Expulsion

Question 118

If a psychologist’s offense is inappropriate but not clearly unethical, they are likely to be ________ by the Ethics Committee, whereas they will receive a ________ if the behavior is unethical.

Answer 118

Advised; Warning