Practice Questions

Question 1

In a research study that uses deception, participants are not told the exact nature of the study prior to their participation. In terms of ethical requirements, the investigator is obligated to do which of the following?

a. explain the true nature of the study to all participants as soon as possible
b. explain why participants were not informed in the presentation of his research findings
c. file a waiver of informed consent with the institutional review board prior to beginning the study
d. do nothing out of the ordinary as long as the study is determined to be of significant scientific value

Answer 1

a. explain the true nature of the study to all participants as soon as possible

Question 2

If a psychologist acts as both a fact witness for a 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

Answer 2

c. ethically as long as she clarifies her roles with all parties

Question 3

Soon after her seventeenth birthday, Shelly terminated therapy with her psychologist. To be consistent with the requirements of the Business and Professions Code Section 2919, the psychologist must maintain Shelly’s therapy records for at least ______ year(s) from the date that she turns 18 years of age.

a. 10
b. 7
c. 5
d. 3

Answer 3

b. 7

Question 4

A parent has authorized treatment of a minor under their care. According to California guidelines, in which of the following situations may the parent access the minor’s treatment records?

a. In all situations
b. If the minor gives assent
c. In all situations, unless the therapist believes access is reasonably likely to endanger the life or physical safety of the individual or another person
d. In all situations, unless the therapist believes access will have a detrimental effect on the therapeutic relationship or the child’s physical or emotional well-being

Answer 4

d. In all situations, unless the therapist believes access will have a detrimental effect on the therapeutic relationship or the child’s physical or emotional well-being

Question 5

What should you do if DCFS contacts you to follow up regarding a child abuse report that you made as a mandated reporter?

a. Refuse to answer the phone
b. Let them know that you cannot disclose confidential information without a signed release of information from the client
c. Consult with your supervisor to determine if you should speak with the DCFS worker
d. Cooperate with the DCFS worker and provide the minimum extent necessary for the investigation

Answer 5

d. Cooperate with the DCFS worker and provide the minimum extent necessary for the investigation

Question 6

After a year in private practice, you hire a postdoctoral fellow to assist with your private practice. As part of their fellowship, you provide supervision and clinical hours toward their licensure. However, after several months of working together, you realize that you have developed romantic feelings for your postdoc and that she feels the same way about you. The two of you decide to start dating. This arrangement is ______________.

a. unethical because supervisors are never allowed to date their supervisees
b. unethical as long as she is being supervised by you and you have evaluative authority over her
c. ethical as long as you can show that your objectivity, competence, and judgment are not impaired by the relationship
d. ethical because you are both consenting adults

Answer 6

b. unethical as long as she is being supervised by you and you have evaluative authority over her

Question 7

In which of the following scenarios would you be mandated to report child sexual abuse?

a. A 14-year-old minor and their 13-year-old partner
b. A 14-year-old minor and their 15-year-old partner
c. A 14-year-old minor and their 20-year-old partner
d. A 16-year-old minor and their 25-year-old partner

Answer 7

a. A 14-year-old minor and their 13-year-old partner

Question 8

When you are making a report of elder abuse in a long-term care facility, where no bodily injury has occurred, when would you need to make the initial report and the written report?

a. Initial reports must be made immediately, or as soon as possible, and written reports must be made within 48 hours or two business days
b. Initial reports must be made immediately, or as soon as possible, and written reports must be made within 36 hours
c. Initial reports must be made immediately, or as soon as possible, and written reports must be made within 24 hours
d. Initial reports must be made immediately, or as soon as possible, and written reports must be made within 2 hours

Answer 8

c. Initial reports must be made immediately, or as soon as possible, and written reports must be made within 24 hours

Question 9

Which of the following is most likely a violation of ethical guidelines?

a. A brochure containing previous client testimonials was mailed to potential attendees at a conference for adult children of alcoholics.
b. Uninvited in-person solicitations for therapy of individuals whose homes were destroyed several months prior by a hurricane.
c. An advertisement offering a free initial therapy session that is published in the campus newspaper prior to final exams.
d. A display ad for psychotherapy services in the Yellow Pages.

Answer 9

b. Uninvited in-person solicitations for therapy of individuals whose homes were destroyed several months prior by a hurricane.

Question 10

Which of the following statements about child abuse reporting is FALSE?

a. To protect confidentiality, mandated reporters are not required to give their names when reporting suspected abuse or neglect.
b. Contrary to many parents’ beliefs, most children are aware of the domestic abuse occurring within the home
c. Children ages 4-7 and 12-15 are at the greatest risk of being physically abused
d. The majority of child abuse cases do not result in the child being removed from their parents or the home

Answer 10

a. To protect confidentiality, mandated reporters are not required to give their names when reporting suspected abuse or neglect.

Question 11

Which of the following is NOT a condition for a claim of malpractice against a psychologist?

a. The psychologist must have a legal duty to the client.
b. There must be evidence that the psychologists’ actions were not in the best interests of the client.
c. The psychologist must have acted negligently or improperly.
d. There must be a causal relationship between the psychologist’s negligence and the harm claimed by the client.

Answer 11

b. There must be evidence that the psychologists’ actions were not in the best interests of the client.

Question 12

A licensed psychologist in private practice regularly waives the co-payment for low-income clients whose therapy fees are covered by insurance. This practice is:

a. ethical only if the insurance company has agreed to this arrangement
b. ethical since it is in the best interests of low-income clients
c. ethical as long as the psychologist does not bill the insurance company for an increased hourly fee in order to collect her full fee
d. ethical as long as the insurance company does not explicitly prohibit this arrangement

Answer 12

a. ethical only if the insurance company has agreed to this arrangement

Question 13

A psychology intern who has been working at a mental health clinic for the past six months tells you that his internship was suddenly terminated by his supervisor for “incompetence.” He also says that he had not been given any warning that his performance was inadequate before being terminated. You tell the intern that ____________________________.

a. the supervisor’s behavior seems unfair but is not addressed by ethical guidelines
b. the supervisor’s behavior is acceptable as long as the intern was given specific reasons for his termination
c. the supervisor’s behavior is acceptable as long as the reason for the intern’s termination is valid
d. the supervisor’s behavior may have violated ethical guidelines regarding supervisee performance evaluations

Answer 13

d. the supervisor’s behavior may have violated ethical guidelines regarding supervisee performance evaluations

Question 14

When elder abuse occurs in a private nursing home or other private long-term care facility, a report of abuse is made to which of the following?

a. State Department of Mental Health or Adult Protective Services Agency
b. Adult protective services agency or local law enforcement agency
c. Local ombudsperson and/or local law enforcement agency
d. State Department of Mental Health

Answer 14

c. Local ombudsperson and/or local law enforcement agency

Question 15

All of the following are exceptions for parental consent for minors to receive treatment, EXCEPT:

a. Emancipated minors
b. Self-sufficient minors
c. At-risk minors in which parental consent might discourage necessary treatment
d. Parental consent is always required for treating minors

Answer 15

d. Parental consent is always required for treating minors

Question 16

Which of the following is NOT a reason for disciplinary action against a psychologist in California?

a. Conviction of a crime related to the duties of a psychologist.
b. Expressing personal opinions on social media that contradict professional guidelines.
c. Fraudulently misrepresenting one’s license.
d. Having one’s license suspended or revoked by another state.

Answer 16

b. Expressing personal opinions on social media that contradict professional guidelines.

Question 17

What should a psychologist do when faced with a conflict between ethical guidelines and the law?

a. Always follow the law, even if it contradicts ethical guidelines.
b. Prioritize ethical guidelines over legal requirements.
c. Clarify the nature of the conflict, make known their commitment to the Ethics Code, and take reasonable steps to resolve the conflict in a manner consistent with the Ethics Code.
d. Consult with a lawyer to determine the best course of action.

Answer 17

c. Clarify the nature of the conflict, make known their commitment to the Ethics Code, and take reasonable steps to resolve the conflict in a manner consistent with the Ethics Code.

Question 18

A psychologist is treating a minor whose parents are divorced and share legal custody. Which of the following is considered best practice for obtaining consent to treatment?

a. Obtain consent from the parent with whom the child primarily resides.
b. Obtain consent from either parent, as they both have legal custody.
c. Obtain consent from both parents, even though it might not be legally required.
d. Seek a court order to determine which parent can provide consent.

Answer 18

c. Obtain consent from both parents, even though it might not be legally required.

Question 19

Which of the following statements about bartering in a therapeutic relationship is true?

a. Bartering is never ethically permissible.
b. Bartering is permissible as long as it is not clinically contraindicated and not exploitative.
c. Bartering is only acceptable in rural communities where access to mental health services is limited.
d. Bartering is considered ethical if the client initiates the arrangement.

Answer 19

b. Bartering is permissible as long as it is not clinically contraindicated and not exploitative.

Question 20

When reporting child abuse, what information should a mandated reporter provide?

a. Detailed evidence to support the suspicion of abuse.
b. A thorough analysis of the family dynamics contributing to the abuse.
c. The minimum extent of information necessary for DCFS to initiate an investigation.
d. A written statement from the child disclosing the abuse.

Answer 20

c. The minimum extent of information necessary for DCFS to initiate an investigation.

Question 21

Which of the following is NOT an exception to the requirement of informed consent for research?

a. Normal educational practices.
b. Anonymous questionnaires.
c. Research involving the use of deception.
d. The study of a job or organization’s effectiveness.

Answer 21

c. Research involving the use of deception.

Question 22

A client reveals to their therapist that they have been physically abusing their elderly parent. The therapist reasonably believes the abuse occurred. Is the therapist required to report this?

a. No, because the client is the one who revealed the abuse.
b. No, if the client’s mental illness may have led them to falsely report the abuse.
c. Yes, even if the client has a mental illness, if there is reason to believe the abuse happened.
d. Only if the abuse results in serious bodily injury.

Answer 22

c. Yes, even if the client has a mental illness, if there is reason to believe the abuse happened.

Question 23

What is the legal definition of “insanity”?

a. A general term for any mental disorder.
b. A legal term that argues a mental disease or defect prevented the defendant from understanding the difference between right and wrong.
c. A psychiatric term for a psychotic disorder with an unknown etiology.
d. A psychiatric term for an organic mental disorder.

Answer 23

b. A legal term that argues a mental disease or defect prevented the defendant from understanding the difference between right and wrong.

Question 24

A psychologist receives a subpoena for their client’s therapy records. What is the first step the psychologist should take?

a. Immediately release the records to the court.
b. Contact the client to discuss the implications of the subpoena and potential options.
c. Assert privilege and refuse to release the records.
d. Contact the attorney who issued the subpoena to negotiate the release of information.

Answer 24

b. Contact the client to discuss the implications of the subpoena and potential options.

Question 25

Which of the following is NOT considered a “non-disciplinary action” by the Board of Psychology?

a. Mediation.
b. Educational letter.
c. Letter of Reprimand.
d. Citation and fine.

Answer 25

c. Letter of Reprimand.

Question 26

According to the Ethics Code, can a psychologist withhold records necessary for a client’s emergency treatment due to unpaid fees?

a. Yes, the Ethics Code allows for withholding records in this situation.
b. No, the Ethics Code prohibits withholding records necessary for emergency treatment.
c. It depends on the specific circumstances of the case.
d. The Ethics Code defers to HIPAA regulations in this situation.

Answer 26

b. No, the Ethics Code prohibits withholding records necessary for emergency treatment.

Question 27

When can a psychologist disclose confidential information without a client’s consent?

a. To obtain payment for services.
b. To consult with colleagues about a case, as long as identifying information is disguised.
c. To protect the client or others from harm.
d. To share information with the client’s family members.

Answer 27

c. To protect the client or others from harm.

Question 28

Which of the following situations would most likely constitute a “dual relationship” that could be ethically problematic?

a. A psychologist providing therapy to a client who is also a member of their religious community.
b. A psychologist attending a social event where a former client is also present.
c. A psychologist referring a client to another therapist for a specialized treatment.
d. A psychologist engaging in a sexual relationship with a former supervisee.

Answer 28

d. A psychologist engaging in a sexual relationship with a former supervisee.

Question 29

What are the primary purposes of supervision in psychology training?

a. Ensuring the supervisee’s personal growth and development.
b. Protecting the welfare of the client and providing training to the supervisee.
c. Evaluating the supervisee’s competence and recommending them for licensure.
d. Addressing any ethical concerns arising in the supervisee’s practice.

Answer 29

b. Protecting the welfare of the client and providing training to the supervisee.

Question 30

What is a “fact witness” in a legal proceeding?

a. An individual who provides expert testimony based on their specialized knowledge.
b. An individual appointed by the court to represent the best interests of a child.
c. An individual who testifies about events they have personally observed or witnessed.
d. An individual who provides an objective evaluation of the defendant’s mental state.

Answer 30

c. An individual who testifies about events they have personally observed or witnessed.

Question 31

Which of the following is considered an ethical violation related to publication credit?

a. Acknowledging minor contributions to research in a footnote.
b. Failing to give appropriate credit to a student who contributed significantly to a research project.
c. Publishing a dissertation as an article with the student as the first author.
d. Discussing publication credit with students early in the research process.

Answer 31

b. Failing to give appropriate credit to a student who contributed significantly to a research project.

Question 32

What is the “Tarasoff duty”?

a. The duty to report suspected child abuse to the authorities.
b. The duty to maintain client confidentiality, even in legal proceedings.
c. The duty to warn or protect an individual who is being threatened by a client.
d. The duty to provide pro bono services to low-income clients.

Answer 32

c. The duty to warn or protect an individual who is being threatened by a client.

Question 33

Which of the following is a required element of informed consent for research?

a. A guarantee of favorable research outcomes.
b. The purpose of the research, its duration, and procedures.
c. The researchers’ curriculum vitae and professional affiliations.
d. The names and contact information of all research participants.

Answer 33

b. The purpose of the research, its duration, and procedures.

Question 34

A psychologist is subpoenaed to testify in a court case involving their client. What is their ethical obligation regarding privileged information?

a. The psychologist must release all information requested by the court.
b. The psychologist can refuse to testify based on the client’s right to confidentiality.
c. The psychologist should assert privilege and only disclose information if required by law or with the client’s consent.
d. The psychologist should consult with the attorney who issued the subpoena to determine the best course of action.

Answer 34

c. The psychologist should assert privilege and only disclose information if required by law or with the client’s consent.

Question 35

When are psychologists allowed to use deception in research?

a. Whenever it is necessary to ensure the validity of the research findings.
b. Only when alternative procedures without deception are not feasible.
c. When it is justified by the study’s significant value and alternative procedures are not available.
d. Deception is never allowed in psychological research.

Answer 35

c. When it is justified by the study’s significant value and alternative procedures are not available.

Question 36

According to California law, which of the following professionals is NOT a mandated reporter of child abuse?

a. Teachers
b. Physicians
c. Psychologists’ administrative assistants
d. Therapists

Answer 36

c. Psychologists’ administrative assistants

Question 37

What is the time frame for filing a written report of suspected child abuse in California?

a. Within 24 hours of learning about the abuse.
b. Within 36 hours of making the initial telephone report.
c. Within 72 hours of observing signs of abuse.
d. There is no specific time frame for filing a written report.

Answer 37

b. Within 36 hours of making the initial telephone report.

Question 38

What is the primary ethical concern regarding the use of testimonials in advertising psychological services?

a. Testimonials are inherently misleading and deceptive.
b. Testimonials can create unrealistic expectations for potential clients.
c. Testimonials may be solicited from individuals who are vulnerable to undue influence.
d. Testimonials violate client confidentiality.

Answer 38

c. Testimonials may be solicited from individuals who are vulnerable to undue influence.

Question 39

Which of the following statements about record keeping in California is true?

a. Therapists are required to keep records for all clients for a minimum of 10 years.
b. Therapists are not required to keep records for clients who pay out of pocket for services.
c. California law specifies different record-keeping requirements for adults and minors.
d. Therapists can destroy client records once treatment has ended

Answer 39

c. California law specifies different record-keeping requirements for adults and minors.

Question 40

What is the role of an Institutional Review Board (IRB)?

a. To investigate ethical complaints against psychologists.
b. To provide legal advice to researchers conducting psychological studies.
c. To review and approve applications for psychology licenses.
d. To review and approve research proposals to ensure the ethical treatment of human participants.

Answer 40

d. To review and approve research proposals to ensure the ethical treatment of human participants.

Question 41

A psychologist learns that their supervisee has been engaging in unethical behavior with clients. What is the psychologist’s ethical responsibility?

a. The psychologist is not responsible for the supervisee’s actions.
b. The psychologist should report the supervisee to the ethics committee.
c. The psychologist should provide additional supervision to the supervisee to correct the unethical behavior.
d. The psychologist is vicariously liable for the supervisee’s work and must take appropriate action to address the unethical behavior and protect clients.

Answer 41

d. The psychologist is vicariously liable for the supervisee’s work and must take appropriate action to address the unethical behavior and protect clients.

Question 42

Which of the following is an example of plagiarism?

a. Citing sources properly in a research paper.
b. Using another author’s ideas but expressing them in your own words.
c. Copying and pasting text from a source without attribution.
d. Paraphrasing a source accurately and citing it appropriately.

Answer 42

c. Copying and pasting text from a source without attribution.

Question 43

What steps should a psychologist take to protect the confidentiality of client records in case of their death or incapacity?

a. Psychologists are not required to make arrangements for their records in case of death or incapacity.
b. Psychologists should inform clients that their records will be destroyed upon the psychologist’s death.
c. Psychologists should make advance arrangements for the secure storage and disposal of records, ensuring client confidentiality.
d. Psychologists should instruct their families to destroy all client records upon their death.

Answer 43

c. Psychologists should make advance arrangements for the secure storage and disposal of records, ensuring client confidentiality.

Question 44

.
What is the ethical guideline regarding psychologists engaging in sexual relationships with former clients?

a. Sexual relationships with former clients are always prohibited.
b. Sexual relationships with former clients are permissible after a minimum of two years has passed since the termination of therapy.
c. The Ethics Code does not specifically prohibit sexual relationships with former clients, but cautions against potential exploitation and harm.
d. Sexual relationships with former clients are only permissible if the client initiates the relationship.

Answer 44

c. The Ethics Code does not specifically prohibit sexual relationships with former clients, but cautions against potential exploitation and harm.

Question 45

When can psychologists disclose confidential information to obtain appropriate professional consultations?

a. Psychologists can disclose confidential information freely when consulting with colleagues.
b. Psychologists can disclose confidential information when consulting with other professionals only if they take reasonable steps to disguise the client’s identity.
c. Psychologists are prohibited from disclosing any confidential information, even when consulting with other professionals.
d. Psychologists must obtain written consent from the client before disclosing any information to other professionals.

Answer 45

b. Psychologists can disclose confidential information when consulting with other professionals only if they take reasonable steps to disguise the client’s identity.

Question 46

What is a “guardian ad litem”?

a. An attorney appointed by the court to represent a defendant in a criminal case.
b. A person appointed by the court to make decisions for someone who is incapable of doing so.
c. A therapist specializing in the treatment of children and adolescents.
d. A social worker who investigates allegations of child abuse.

Answer 46

b. A person appointed by the court to make decisions for someone who is incapable of doing so.

Question 47

What is the ethical guideline regarding psychologists providing public advice through media presentations?

a. Psychologists can provide specific treatment recommendations to individuals through media platforms.
b. Psychologists are prohibited from providing any type of advice or information through media presentations.
c. Psychologists must ensure their statements are consistent with the Ethics Code, based on psychological literature, and clarify that no therapeutic relationship is established.
d. Psychologists can use media presentations to advertise their private practice services.

Answer 47

c. Psychologists must ensure their statements are consistent with the Ethics Code, based on psychological literature, and clarify that no therapeutic relationship is established.

Question 48

Which of the following is an example of a situation where a psychologist may be required to provide court-ordered treatment?

a. A parent requests therapy for their child who is exhibiting behavioral problems.
b. An individual seeks treatment for depression after a job loss.
c. A defendant is ordered to receive treatment as a condition of probation.
d. A couple requests couples therapy to address communication issues.

Answer 48

c. A defendant is ordered to receive treatment as a condition of probation.

Question 49

Which of the following is an example of “general neglect” of a child?

a. A parent repeatedly hitting their child with a belt, leaving bruises.
b. A parent leaving their young child unattended at home.
c. A parent failing to provide adequate food or clothing for their child, although no physical injury has occurred.
d. A parent exposing their child to domestic violence.

Answer 49

c. A parent failing to provide adequate food or clothing for their child, although no physical injury has occurred.

Question 50

What is the psychologist’s responsibility when working with a client who is participating in research?

a. The psychologist must ensure that the client’s participation does not interfere with their therapy.
b. The psychologist must disclose all details of the research to the client before they consent to participate.
c. The psychologist must protect the client from any adverse consequences due to declining or withdrawing from the research.
d. The psychologist must obtain informed consent from the client’s legal guardian before they can participate in research.

Answer 50

c. The psychologist must protect the client from any adverse consequences due to declining or withdrawing from the research.

Question 51

When a psychologist believes that an informal resolution of an ethical violation is not appropriate, what further action should they take?

a. They should attempt to mediate the situation between the parties involved.
b. They should confront the colleague publicly to deter future violations.
c. They should consider filing a formal complaint with an ethics committee or licensing board.
d. They should take no further action to avoid potential retaliation.

Answer 51

c. They should consider filing a formal complaint with an ethics committee or licensing board.

Question 52

When are psychologists allowed to offer inducements to encourage research participation?

a. Inducements are never allowed, as they can be coercive.
b. Inducements are allowed as long as they are not excessive and do not create undue influence.
c. Inducements are allowed if they are clearly described, including potential risks, and are not excessive.
d. Inducements are only allowed for research studies that involve minimal risk to participants.

Answer 52

c. Inducements are allowed if they are clearly described, including potential risks, and are not excessive.

Question 53

Which of the following statements about a psychologist’s responsibility for public statements made by others about their work is true?

a. Psychologists are not responsible for statements made by others, even if those statements are inaccurate or misleading.
b. Psychologists are only responsible for statements made by employees they have directly hired to promote their practice.
c. Psychologists must attempt to prevent others from making deceptive statements about their work and correct them when possible.
d. Psychologists are only responsible for statements made in formal, published settings, such as academic journals or books.

Answer 53

c. Psychologists must attempt to prevent others from making deceptive statements about their work and correct them when possible.

Question 54

What is the time frame for reporting elder abuse in a home setting when serious bodily injury has occurred?
○
a. Within 2 hours
b. Within 24 hours
c. Immediately, or as soon as possible
d. Within two working days

Answer 54

c. Immediately, or as soon as possible

Question 55

When working with clients involved in legal proceedings, what is the psychologist’s ethical responsibility?

a. Psychologists must advocate for their client’s legal goals, even if it means bending ethical guidelines.
b. Psychologists must maintain strict confidentiality, refusing to disclose any information to the court.
c. Psychologists must balance their obligation to the client with the ethical guidelines of their profession.
d. Psychologists must defer to the attorney’s judgment regarding ethical considerations.

Answer 55

c. Psychologists must balance their obligation to the client with the ethical guidelines of their profession.

Question 56

What information should be included in informed consent for forensic evaluations when the parties involved are able to consent?

a. A guarantee that the evaluation will support their legal case.
b. Only the procedures that are favorable to their legal case.
c. The purpose of the evaluation, limitations of confidentiality, and the possibility of unfavorable results.
d. The psychologist’s personal opinions about the legal case.

Answer 56

c. The purpose of the evaluation, limitations of confidentiality, and the possibility of unfavorable results.

Question 57

Which of the following scenarios would require a psychologist to report elder abuse?

a. An elder client reports being financially exploited by their family, but the psychologist believes the client may be misremembering due to cognitive decline.
b. An elder client residing in a long-term care facility sustains a minor injury during a fall, and the psychologist determines that the facility’s care plan was properly executed.
c. A psychologist observes signs of physical abuse on an elder client and the client confirms that their caregiver has been hitting them.
d. An elder client expresses fear and anxiety about their caregiver, but there is no evidence of physical harm or neglect.

Answer 57

c. A psychologist observes signs of physical abuse on an elder client and the client confirms that their caregiver has been hitting them.

Question 58

What is the ethical guideline regarding psychologists’ fees?

a. Psychologists are free to set their fees as high as they wish.
b. Psychologists must provide services pro bono to a certain number of clients each year.
c. Psychologists must disclose their fees and billing arrangements at the beginning of the professional relationship.
d. Psychologists can adjust their fees based on the client’s ability to pay, as long as they inform the client of the fee change.

Answer 58

d. Psychologists can adjust their fees based on the client’s ability to pay, as long as they inform the client of the fee change.

Question 59

Which of the following is considered a disciplinary action by the Board of Psychology?

a. Education Letter
b. Letter of Warning
c. Suspension
d. Educational Review

Answer 59

c. Suspension

Question 60

What is the minimum age at which a minor in California can petition for a Declaration of Emancipation?

a. 14
b. 16
c. 12
d. 18

Answer 60

a. 14

Question 61

What is the psychologist’s role in a court-ordered competency evaluation?

a. To advocate for the defendant’s right to a fair trial.
b. To determine if the defendant is guilty or innocent of the crime.
c. To provide treatment to the defendant to restore their competency.
d. To evaluate the defendant’s ability to understand the legal proceedings and assist their attorney.

Answer 61

d. To evaluate the defendant’s ability to understand the legal proceedings and assist their attorney.

Question 62

Which of the following is NOT a type of abuse that mandated reporters are required to report when it involves an elder or dependent adult?

a. Physical abuse
b. Abandonment
c. Isolation
d. Verbal abuse

Answer 62

d. Verbal abuse

Question 63

A client of Dr. William Wong who has been in therapy for six months is currently the defendant in a court case. The client’s attorney contacts Dr. Wong, requesting that he provide her with information regarding diagnosis and treatment progress. Dr. Wong should __________.

A. release the information as requested since privilege is waived in this situation
B. release only the information he believes is relevant to the client’s case
C. release the information since the request came from the client’s attorney
D. discuss the release with the client before taking any additional action

Answer 63

D. discuss the release with the client before taking any additional action

Question 64

The term “insanity” is a __________.

A. Popular term for mental disorder
B. Legal, nonpsychiatric term for certain types of mental disorders
C. Psychiatric term that refers to a psychotic disorder with an unknown etiology
D. Psychiatric term that refers to an organic mental disorder

Answer 64

B. Legal, nonpsychiatric term for certain types of mental disorders

Question 65

A client is in therapy with you as part of the requirements for her probation. During the third therapy session, she tells you that she wants to quit therapy. You should __________.

A. Tell her that she cannot do so
B. Tell her that she can quit but she needs to consider the legal ramifications of doing so
C. Tell her that her desire to quit is normal resistance and that she should come to therapy for at least two more sessions before making a decision
D. Call her probation office immediately

Answer 65

B. Tell her that she can quit but that she needs to consider the legal ramifications of doing so

Question 66

Lucille Bluth, age 48, is a new client. In your first session with her, she admitted to stealing money from her 72-year-old mother two years ago. She tell you that her previous therapist reported the financial abuse to Adult Protective Services already and an investigation was done. What do you do?

A. Report to Adult Protective Services
B. Maintain confidentiality because it is not reportable
C. Call the previous therapist to be sure that the abuse was reported
D. No need to report because the abuse was already reported

Answer 66

A. Report to Adult Protective Services

Question 67

You are treating a child who tells you that his parents frequently discipline him by hitting with with a belt. He shared that a couple of times, they have hit him on the back and the neck, leaving a bruise. You know that the client comes from a cultural background where corporal discipline is common. You also know that if you make the report to DCFS, the parents might pull the child out of much needed treatment. What do you do?

A. Report to child protective services
B. Educate the parents about proper ways of disciplining children
C. Don’t make the report because it could damage rapport and lead to the child not receiving much needed treatment
D. Wait until you have better rapport before making the report

Answer 67

A. Report to child protective services

Question 68

Gandalf is a 83-year-old client who reported that the nursing home staff have been hitting him and not giving him his medication. You noted that Gandalf was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease and has a history of being combative with the staff. In your last visit, you notice that Gandalf seems more sedated than usual and has odd discoloration on his wrists. What should you do?

A. Report to Adult Protective Services or local law enforcement
B. Report to State Department of Developmental Services and local law enforcement agency
C. Report to the Ombudsman and local law enforcement agency
D. Do not report since the client has Alzheimer’s disease and might be mistaken

Answer 68

C. Report to the Ombudsman and local law enforcement agency

Question 69

A psychology intern administers psychological tests for a community mental health clinic, but her supervisor always scores the tests and interprets the results. When preparing the psychological report for these clients, the supervisor does not indicate that the intern administered the tests. This is ___________.

A. Ethical because the supervisor scored and interpreted the tests
B. Ethical because the supervisor is responsible for the accuracy of the psychological report
C. Unethical because an intern should not be administering psychological tests
D. Unethical because the intern should be listed as the examiner in the report

Answer 69

D. Unethical because the intern should be listed as the examiner in the report

Question 70

Dr. Jimmy Laird 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. Laird 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

Answer 70

C. Unethically because his request is exploitative and violates ethical guidelines

Question 71

Dr. Sharon Fieldstone, a licensed psychologist, is preparing a brochure for her weekend workshop on “Effective Coaching Strategies for Football Managers.” Included in the brochure are several testimonials from former workshop participants. According to ethical guidelines, the use of testimonials is _________.

A. Clearly ethical
B. Ethical if certain conditions are met
C. Unethical only when the testimonials are false or misleading
D. Clearly unethical

Answer 71

B. Ethical if certain conditions are met

Question 72

Dr. Aaron Hotchner’s long-term client is suddenly fired from her job and can no longer afford Dr.Hotchner’s fee. The client suggests that she babysit for Dr. Hotchner’s children in exchange for therapy. In terms of ethical guidelines, this exchange would be __________.

A. ethical
B. ethical only if Dr. Hotchner discusses the potential for conflict with the client
C. ethical only if a fair market value is established for the client’s babysitting services.
D. unethical

Answer 72

D. unethical

Question 73

Which of the following best describes the status of professional (therapy) records?

A. The physical record belongs to the client.
B. The physical record belongs to the therapist.
C. The physical record belongs to the therapist, but the information contained therein belongs to the client.
D. The physical record and the information contained therein belong jointly to the therapist and the client.

Answer 73

C. The physical record belongs to the therapist, but the information contained therein belongs to the client.

Question 74

In general, which of the following is considered the “best defense” for a psychologist who is being sued for malpractice?

A. adequate records
B. a signed informed consent
C. providing state-of-the-art services
D. good malpractice insurance

Answer 74

A. adequate records