EPPP Ethics Exam Questions with
100% Correct Answers
What is the primary value underlying the existence ofEthical Principles? - Answer-The
advancement and protection of the welfare of the patients and clients of psychologists
If an ethical issue is not addressed in the Ethics Code; it indicates what about any
related conduct? - Answer-It may be ethical or unethical
You're contacted by the APA Ethics Committee in regards 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-Cooperate fully with the Committee's request. Confidentiality
is not an issue since the committee must obtain a signed waiver of confidentiality from
thecomplainant before it takes any action
As a psychologist; what would you do if you arrived early to the office one morning to
find acolleague having sex with one of his/her current clients? - Answer-Report him to
the ethics committee; as this violation is not amenable to informal resolution;making
sure to protect the client's confidentiality rights
What is a psychologist to do if a clientinforms them that s/he had sex with a previous
therapist? - Answer-Outline the client's rights and options regarding legal actions and
ethical complaints
What is a psychologist's best option if s/he wants to work with clients from an ethnic
group s/hehas not worked with before? - Answer-Seek supervision and/or consultation
before taking on such clients and while working with them
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-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
When might the use of interpreters in psychotherapy be ethical? - Answer-When steps
have been taken to avoid a multiple relationship between the interpreter and the client
True or False: It is unethical to utilize an interpreter without first having them sign a
confidentiality agreement? - Answer-False. While a good idea to discuss the importance
, of maintaining confidentiality; there is no ethical standard requiring an interpreter to sign
such an agreement
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-
Unethical; regardless of whether sex is involved; because it is a dual relationship with
clear potential for harm or exploitation
What should a psychologist to do if a client they are seeing on condition of probation
says s/he wants to terminate therapy? - Answer-Tell the client s/he has the right to
leave; but explain the legal ramifications of doing so
In your capacity as an Industrial Psychologist you observe repeatedincidents of sexual
harassment. What is your best course of action? - Answer-"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"""
"A psychologist is seeing a family and notices bruises on the son's body. The parents
say a pediatrician saw him; but they forgot to mention the bruises to her. When asked
how the child got inured; the parents say he ""fell down the stairs"" and provide no
further details. The boy issilent and withdrawn. What should the psychologist do?" -
Answer-File a child abuse report with the appropriatestate agency; as there is
reasonable suspicion of ongoing child abuse
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-"Warn the police and attempt
to warn theex-girlfriend; per""duty to protect"""
A client who is HIV+ claims that s/he has been engaging in casual unprotected sex with
various partners. Is this sufficient ground to break confidentiality and notify the
authorities? - Answer-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
As an Army psychologist; a General asks you questions about a Colonel you have
evaluated. What is the ethical way to respond? - Answer-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
According to ; psychologists must notify their clients how they may use the clients'
personal health information. - Answer-Health Insurance Portability and Accountability
Act of 1996 (HIPAA)
"According to HIPPA; when might a psychologist be considered a ""covered entity?""" -
Answer-If they transmit certain client information electronically
100% Correct Answers
What is the primary value underlying the existence ofEthical Principles? - Answer-The
advancement and protection of the welfare of the patients and clients of psychologists
If an ethical issue is not addressed in the Ethics Code; it indicates what about any
related conduct? - Answer-It may be ethical or unethical
You're contacted by the APA Ethics Committee in regards 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-Cooperate fully with the Committee's request. Confidentiality
is not an issue since the committee must obtain a signed waiver of confidentiality from
thecomplainant before it takes any action
As a psychologist; what would you do if you arrived early to the office one morning to
find acolleague having sex with one of his/her current clients? - Answer-Report him to
the ethics committee; as this violation is not amenable to informal resolution;making
sure to protect the client's confidentiality rights
What is a psychologist to do if a clientinforms them that s/he had sex with a previous
therapist? - Answer-Outline the client's rights and options regarding legal actions and
ethical complaints
What is a psychologist's best option if s/he wants to work with clients from an ethnic
group s/hehas not worked with before? - Answer-Seek supervision and/or consultation
before taking on such clients and while working with them
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-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
When might the use of interpreters in psychotherapy be ethical? - Answer-When steps
have been taken to avoid a multiple relationship between the interpreter and the client
True or False: It is unethical to utilize an interpreter without first having them sign a
confidentiality agreement? - Answer-False. While a good idea to discuss the importance
, of maintaining confidentiality; there is no ethical standard requiring an interpreter to sign
such an agreement
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-
Unethical; regardless of whether sex is involved; because it is a dual relationship with
clear potential for harm or exploitation
What should a psychologist to do if a client they are seeing on condition of probation
says s/he wants to terminate therapy? - Answer-Tell the client s/he has the right to
leave; but explain the legal ramifications of doing so
In your capacity as an Industrial Psychologist you observe repeatedincidents of sexual
harassment. What is your best course of action? - Answer-"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"""
"A psychologist is seeing a family and notices bruises on the son's body. The parents
say a pediatrician saw him; but they forgot to mention the bruises to her. When asked
how the child got inured; the parents say he ""fell down the stairs"" and provide no
further details. The boy issilent and withdrawn. What should the psychologist do?" -
Answer-File a child abuse report with the appropriatestate agency; as there is
reasonable suspicion of ongoing child abuse
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-"Warn the police and attempt
to warn theex-girlfriend; per""duty to protect"""
A client who is HIV+ claims that s/he has been engaging in casual unprotected sex with
various partners. Is this sufficient ground to break confidentiality and notify the
authorities? - Answer-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
As an Army psychologist; a General asks you questions about a Colonel you have
evaluated. What is the ethical way to respond? - Answer-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
According to ; psychologists must notify their clients how they may use the clients'
personal health information. - Answer-Health Insurance Portability and Accountability
Act of 1996 (HIPAA)
"According to HIPPA; when might a psychologist be considered a ""covered entity?""" -
Answer-If they transmit certain client information electronically
