Week 1 - Ethics

Question 1

Define Ethics

Answer 1

The formulation of principles to guide behaviour (psychological testing and assessment) with respect to clients, colleagues and the general public

Question 2

Ethical Dilemma

Answer 2

Where there is conflict between two or more ethical principles

Question 3

Mixed Dilemma

Answer 3

When there is conflict between an ethical and non-ethical principle

Question 4

Deontological

Theoretical Perspectives

Answer 4

Focuses on the concepts of duty and moral obligation

• suggests that some human actions are intrinsically right or wrong, irrespective of outcome
• good intention trumps consequences

Question 5

Consequentialist

Theoretical Perspectives

Answer 5

Focuses on the consequences or outcome of actions, not the underlying intention

Question 6

Personality Based

Theoretical Perspectives

Answer 6

Focuses on virtues as a measurement of morality

• Virtuous characteristics such as: wisdom, forgiveness, respectfulness
• Difficult to uphold and difficult to teach

Question 7

Ethical Trap: The “Commonsense, Objectivity” Trap

Answer 7

The belief that commonsense and objective solutions are easy to come by because helping professionals are ethical people who will use this personal characteristic as a guide
- objectivity is difficult to achieve

Question 8

Ethical Trap: The “Values” Trap

Answer 8

Confusion on the part of many helping professionals about what professional ethical codes are and are not
- They are not personal values, moral standards or religious convictions

Question 9

Ethical Trap: The “Circumstantiality” Trap

Answer 9

Belief that there are no right or wrong answers to any ethical questions because the circumstances under which they occurred must be taken into consideration

Question 10

Ethical Trap: The “Who Will Benefit” Trap

Answer 10

A decision may result in both a winner and a loser, where resolving an ethical dilemma often means taking sides from among two or more conflicting interests

Question 11

Ethical Hierarchy

Answer 11

• The Professional
• Society (if applicable to the situation)
• The Client

Question 12

Ethical Decision-Making Process

Steps

Answer 12

Step 1 - Identify the ethical standard involved
Step 2 - Determine ethical trap possibilities
Step 3 - Frame a preliminary response
Step 4 - Consider the consequences
Step 5 - Prepare ethical resolution
Step 6 - Get feedback
Step 7 - Take action