Exam Questions and CORRECT Answers
APA 2002 Ethics Code - Standards v. Principles - CORRECT ANSWER - The general
principles are aspirational and set forth underlying principles that should direct the behavior of
psychologists. The 10 ethical standards are enforceable and provide the specific guidelines for
the ethical behavior of psychologists.
T or F: the Ethics Code applies only to psychologists' professional and scientific activities -
CORRECT ANSWER - True, the Ethics Code applies only to psychologists' professional and
scientific activities
What is stated in the Preamble? / What are the goals of the Ethics Code? - CORRECT
ANSWER - The goal of the Ethics code are the "welfare and protection of the individuals and
groups with whom psychologists work" and " the education of members, students and the public
re: ethical standards of the discipline."
Ethics Principle A- Beneficence and Nonmaleficence - CORRECT ANSWER - Psychs should
strive to benefit others and minimize harm. Includes the welfare of patients, students, animals
and human subjects.
Ethics Principle B - Fidelity and Responsibility - CORRECT ANSWER - Psychs should
clarify roles and manage conflicts; consultation and cooperation with others professionals is
encouraged; concern for ethical compliance of others
Ethics Principle C - Integrity - CORRECT ANSWER - Psychs should promote accuracy,
honesty, and truthfulness; uphold commitments; use deception with care
Ethics Principle D - Justice - CORRECT ANSWER - All persons should benefit from
psychology and should be treated equally; psychologists are cautioned to ensure their limitations
don't result in injustice
, Ethics Principle E - Repsect for people's rights and dignity - CORRECT ANSWER - Includes
respect for the rights of privacy, confidentiality, self-determination and autonomy. Mandates
sensitivity to cultural diversity.
Ethical Standards - RESOLVING ETHICAL ISSUES: Conflict between ethics and law. What
does a psych do? - CORRECT ANSWER - When conflicts arise between ethics and the law,
psychologists should "clarify the nature of the conflict, make known their commitment to the
Ethics Code and take reasonable steps to resolve the conflict." consistent with the Ethics code.
This standard may not be used to justify violating human rights.
Ethical Standards - RESOLVING ETHICAL ISSUES: Informal resolution of ethical violations--
What does psychologist do if she knows of an ethical violation by another psychologist
colleague? - CORRECT ANSWER - If a psychologist knows of an ethical violation by
another psychologist colleague, the psychologist should speak directly to the colleague,
assuming an "informal resolution" seems appropriate and confidentiality will not be violated
Ethical Standards - RESOLVING ETHICAL ISSUES: Reporting ethical violations - What
happens if a psych's attempt at informal resolution fails? - CORRECT ANSWER - If the
psychologist's attempt at an informal resolution is unsuccessful or if the violation is inappropriate
for an informal resolution, the psychologist should take further action, such as referral to an ethic
committee or licensing board; such action should not be taken if confidentiality rights would be
violated
Ethical Standards - Competence - Boundaries of competence - What are psychs supposed to do?
What if they want to practice in new areas? - CORRECT ANSWER - Psychs should be aware
of and practice within the boundaries of their competence; to practice in new areas, psychs must
seek appropriate training, supervision or consultation;
Ethical Standards - Competence - Boundaries of competence- What are psychs to do in emerging
areas? - CORRECT ANSWER - In emerging areas, psychs should take "reasonable steps to
ensure competence" ;
Ethical Standards - Competence - Boundaries of competence- Can psychs ever provide services
in an area for which they are not fully competent? - CORRECT ANSWER - Psychs may
provide services for which they are not fully competent if an individual would otherwise be