Ethics And Professional Issues - Domain Quiz Flashcards
Dr. Everett Ernest, a licensed psychologist, has recently started a practice in a small town. He learns from a mutual friend that Dr. Cathy Chatty (also a psychologist) has been revealing confidential information about some of her clients to members of the community. Dr. Ernest should:
Select one:
a. contact the clients to let them know what he has heard.
b. obtain consents from the clients and file a complaint with the Ethics Committee.
c. consult with a colleague about the situation.
d. do nothing since the information about Dr. Chatty is hearsay.
Ethical guidelines require psychologists to take some action in situations in which a fellow professional is believed to have acted unethically. However, a psychologist can choose from several alternatives when doing so.
Answer C is correct: Of the answers given, this is the best one. If Dr. Ernest felt comfortable with discussing the issue with Dr. Chatty, that would probably be the best course of action. Since this is not given as an alternative, consulting with a colleague is the best answer.
Answer A is incorrect: Contacting the clients wouldn’t be appropriate.
Answer B is incorrect: Filing a complaint is always an option, but given the way that Dr. Ernest found out about the problem, this would probably not be the best course of action. It also wouldn’t be appropriate to contact Dr. Chatty’s clients.
Answer D is incorrect: It is because the information is “hearsay” that consulting with a fellow professional might be the best initial course of action.
The correct answer is: consult with a colleague about the situation.
Dr. Marla Martin is asked to provide crisis intervention services to community members who were recently affected by a tornado that destroyed their homes. Dr. Martin does not have experience providing assistance to people who have been traumatized by a natural disaster, but there is no one else in the area who has experience and is available to see these individuals. As an ethical psychologist, Dr. Martin should:
Select one:
a. provide services only if she is supervised by another professional who has experience with victims of a natural disaster.
b. provide services to these individuals but use only interventions that she has experience using.
c. provide services to these individuals but stop when the crisis has ended or other services become available.
d. refuse to provide the services.
This issue is addressed in Standard 2.02 of the Ethics Code.
Answer C is correct: Standard 2.02 states: “In emergencies, when psychologists provide services to individuals for whom other mental health services are not available and for which psychologists have not obtained the necessary training, psychologists may provide such services in order to ensure the services are not denied. The services are discontinued as soon as the emergency has ended or appropriate services are available.”
The correct answer is: provide services to these individuals but stop when the crisis has ended or other services become available.
Dr. Samantha Stern is a psychologist who assists with hiring and promotion decisions at a mental health clinic. She recommends that one of the psychologists NOT be considered for promotion because of an unresolved charge of sexual harassment against him. Dr. Stern’s recommendation is:
Select one:
a. consistent with the provisions of the Ethics Code.
b. a violation of the provisions of the Ethics Code.
c. ethical as long as the clinic considers the psychologist if he is acquitted of the charge.
d. not addressed by the Ethics Code.
This situation is explicitly addressed in Standard 1.08 of the APA’s Ethics Code.
Answer B is correct: Standard 1.08 states: “Psychologists do not deny persons employment, advancement, admission to academic or other programs, tenure, or promotion, based solely upon their having made or their being the subject of an ethics complaint.”
The correct answer is: a violation of the provisions of the Ethics Code.
Dr. Stan Sanchez is not getting along with his neighbor and finds that he has little patience and tends to get angry easily with therapy clients who resemble the man. To be consistent with the requirements of the APA’s Ethics Code, Dr. Sanchez should:
Select one:
a. refer clients who resemble his neighbor to another therapist.
b. inform clients who resemble his neighbor about his current situation and discuss their options with them.
c. consult with another professional to determine the best course of action.
d. monitor his behavior for signs of impaired objectivity and peformance.
This situation is addressed in Standard 2.06 of the Ethics Code.
Answer C is correct: Standard 2.06 states that, when psychologists become aware that “personal problems may interfere with their performing work-related duties adequately, they take appropriate measures, such as obtaining professional consultation or assistance.”
Answer A is incorrect: Referral may be appropriate but, before doing so, Dr. Martin would want to discuss this situation with a colleague to determine if that is the best course of action.
Answer B is incorrect: Informing the client about his personal problem would not be an appropriate course of action.
Answer D is incorrect: Monitoring his activity would not be sufficient since Dr. Martin is already aware that his problem with his neighbor is having an adverse impact on his effectiveness with some of his clients.
The correct answer is: consult with another professional to determine the best course of action.
Pro bono services are ________ by the APA’s Ethics Code.
Select one:
a. required
b. encouraged
c. prohibited
d. not addressed
Although the term “pro bono” is not used in the Ethics Code, General Principle B (Fidelity and Responsibility) states that psychologists “strive to contribute a portion of their professional time for little or no compensation or personal advantage.”
Answer B is correct: Since the General Principles are aspirational (rather than mandatory), an implication of the above requirement is that pro bono services are encouraged or recommended – but not required – by the Ethics Code.
The correct answer is: encouraged
“Vicarious liability” is most likely to be a concern when a psychologist is acting in the role of:
Select one:
a. supervisor.
b. advocate.
c. faculty member.
d. radio talk show host.
Under certain circumstances, supervisors may be legally responsible for the actions of their supervisees.
Answer A is correct: The determination of vicarious liability ordinarily rests on the disparity in training and experience between the supervisor and supervisee and the level of responsibility the supervisor has for the supervisee’s actions.
The correct answer is: supervisor.
You receive a letter from the Ethics Committee asking for information about a former client who has filed a complaint against her current therapist. You stopped seeing the client over seven years ago. You should:
Select one:
a. cooperate with the Committee’s request by sending it a copy of the client’s file.
b. cooperate with the Committee’s request by sending it the information you believe is relevant to the case.
c. cooperate with the Committee’s request by sending it the information you believe is relevant to the case after confirming the client has signed a release.
d. inform the Committee that the information you have about the client is seven years old and that you’re ethically obligated not to forward it to them.
Psychologists must cooperate fully with requests from the Ethics Committee.
Answer C is correct: This issue is addressed in Standard 1.06 of the Ethics Code, which notes that, when responding to a request for information from the Ethics Committee, psychologists must “address any confidentiality issues.” Therefore, this answer is most consistent with the requirements of the Ethics Code.
The correct answer is: cooperate with the Committee’s request by sending it the information you believe is relevant to the case after confirming the client has signed a release.
Your new client is a 37-year-old woman whose symptoms meet the diagnostic criteria for Major Depressive Disorder. After your third session with her, she tells you that she was in treatment with another psychologist but terminated therapy six weeks ago after the psychologist made sexual advances toward her. She does not want you to discuss this matter with anyone. The best course of action in this situation would be to:
Select one:
a. inform the client of the limits of confidentiality in this situation and report the unethical behavior.
b. inform the client of the limits of confidentiality in this situation and contact the other psychologist.
c. discuss the client’s options with her and maintain her confidentiality unless she signs a release.
d. tell the woman that the psychologist’s behavior was unethical and suggest that she file a complaint against him.
The APA’s Ethics Code requires psychologists to take action when they learn of an ethical violation by another psychologist but only after considering the client’s confidentiality.
Answer C is correct: This answer is most consistent with the requirements of the Ethics Code and also addresses the best interests of the client – i.e., it is often in the best interests of a client to allow him or her to determine what action should be taken. In addition, Answers A and B can be eliminated because they do not take client confidentiality into consideration, and Answer D is not the best answer because it imposes your preference on the client rather than allowing the client to make her own decision.
The correct answer is: discuss the client’s options with her and maintain her confidentiality unless she signs a release.
You want to start treating clients who believe they have been abducted by aliens, but you have never worked with members of this population before. Your best course of action would be to:
Select one:
a. start seeing these clients and consult with someone who is familiar with this population if you encounter any problems.
b. start seeing these clients after establishing a consultative relationship with someone who is familiar with this population.
c. take a continuing education course related to the treatment of members of this population before you begin seeing these clients.
d. see these clients only in emergency situations or if no one else is available in the community to see them.
This issue is addressed by Standard 2.01 of the Ethics Code.
Answer B is correct: Standard 2.01 requires psychologists to provide services only within the boundaries of their competence and to seek education, training, or supervision when necessary. When working with a new population, the best course of action is often obtaining consultation.
The correct answer is: start seeing these clients after establishing a consultative relationship with someone who is familiar with this population.
In most situations, the “holder of the privilege” is the:
Select one:
a. client.
b. therapist.
c. client and therapist jointly.
d. court.
Privilege is a legal requirement that prohibits (with some exceptions) confidential client information from being disclosed in legal proceedings.
Answer A is correct: In most circumstances, the client is the holder of the privilege, which means that only the client can determine when confidential information may be disclosed in court, a deposition, or other legal proceeding. See the Ethics and Professional Issues chapter in the written study materials for additional information on privilege.
The correct answer is: client.
Sandy S. is considering filing a claim of sexual harassment against her boss, Bertrand B., because he frequently comments on her physical appearance by telling her how “great she looks” and often tells her that, “if I weren’t your boss, I’d be chasing after you.” Sandy decides to tell Bertrand that she finds his comments offensive and, when she does so, he apologizes and says he’ll stop if that’s what she wants. This situation:
Select one:
a. does not represent a legal claim for sexual harassment because Bertrand’s comments are not sufficiently severe to be considered abusive.
b. does not represent a legal claim for sexual harassment as long as Bertrand actually stops making offensive comments.
c. represents a legal claim for sexual harassment because Sandy found Bertrand’s behavior to be offensive.
d. represents a legal claim for sexual harassment because a “reasonable woman” would find Bertrand’s behavior to be offensive.
Sexual harassment laws and policies vary somewhat from jurisdiction to jurisdiction but Bertrand’s comments are likely to be grounds for a sexual harassment suit if he continues to make them.
Answer B is correct: If the comments are not severe and the harasser stops when asked to do so, it is unlikely that they would be found sufficient for a legal claim of sexual harassment. For additional information, see the discussion on sexual harassment in the Ethics and Professional Issues chapter of the written study materials.
Answer A is incorrect: Sexual comments do not have to be “sufficiently severe to be considered abusive” for a claim of sexual harassment.
Answer C is incorrect: Although Bertrand’s comments are likely to be considered offensive, it is unlikely that Sandy would have grounds for a legal claim against him if he stops making those comments when asked to do so.
Answer D is incorrect: If Bertrand does not stop making offensive comments when asked to do so, the court might use the “reasonable woman” standard to determine if the comments represent sexual harassment.
The correct answer is: does not represent a legal claim for sexual harassment as long as Bertrand actually stops making offensive comments.
The term “privilege” is:
Select one:
a. a general term referring to the right to privacy.
b. an ethical term referring to an obligation not to reveal confidential information.
c. the legal equivalent of the ethical concept of confidentiality.
d. a legal term referring to the protection of confidential information in legal proceedings.
For the exam, you want to be familiar with the terms “privilege” and “holder of the privilege.” These are discussed in the chapter on ethics and professional issues in the written study materials.
Answer D is correct: Privilege is a legal concept that protects a client’s confidentiality in the context of a legal proceeding.
The correct answer is: a legal term referring to the protection of confidential information in legal proceedings.
Which of the following accurately describes the requirements of the APA’s Ethics Code with regard to informed consents?
Select one:
a. An informed consent must be in writing.
b. An informed consent must be in writing and signed by the client.
c. A written or oral consent must be documented.
d. An oral consent is never acceptable.
Informed consents are addressed in Standards 3.10, 8.02, 9.03, and 10.01 of the Ethics Code. Additional information about informed consents is provided in the discussion of Standard 3.10 in the Ethics and Professional Issues chapter of the written study materials.
Answer C is correct: Standard 3.10(d) states that “psychologists appropriately document written or oral consent, permission, and assent.”
The correct answer is: A written or oral consent must be documented.
Which of the following is an example of a psychologist’s obligations with regard to the Tarasoff decision?
Select one:
a. A psychologist has a duty to warn or protect a therapy client’s neighbor when the client says he is planning to murder the neighbor.
b. A psychologist has a duty to protect a therapy client when the client says he is planning to kill himself and has a plan for doing so.
c. A psychologist has a duty to protect a therapy client when the client says his wife has been threatening to kill him and he thinks her last threat was “really serious.”
d. A psychologist has a duty to inform the authorities when a therapy client says he “put someone in the hospital” in a physical fight at a local bar last weekend.
For the exam, you want to be familiar with the history and implications of the Tarasoff ruling. This case is described in the Ethics and Professional Issues chapter of the written study materials.
Answer A is correct: The Tarasoff decision established a psychologist’s duty to warn or protect an identifiable third party who is at risk for serious injury from a therapy client.
The correct answer is: A psychologist has a duty to warn or protect a therapy client’s neighbor when the client says he is planning to murder the neighbor.
While treating a client, you decide that you want to consult with a colleague to discuss a specific aspect of the case that is giving you trouble. According to the Ethics Code:
Select one:
a. you must obtain a release from the client before talking to a consultant.
b. you must obtain a release from the client only if you will be revealing the client’s identity to the consultant.
c. you do not have to obtain a release from the client as long as he or she has already signed a general waiver of confidentiality.
d. you do not have to obtain a release from the client under any circumstances since the consultant is “clearly connected” with the case.
This issue is addressed in Standard 4.06 of the Ethics Code.
Answer B is correct: Standard 4.06 states that, “when consulting with colleagues … psychologists do not disclose confidential information that reasonably could lead to the identification of a client or patient … unless they have obtained the prior consent of the person.” It is not, however, necessary to obtain a consent when the client’s identity will not be revealed.
The correct answer is: you must obtain a release from the client only if you will be revealing the client’s identity to the consultant.
You have been seeing Sal Smythe in individual therapy for several months, and the work-related issues he originally sought therapy for are nearly resolved. During your current session with Sal, he mentions that his 14-year-old son has been getting into trouble in school lately and asks if you would be willing to see the boy in individual therapy. You should:
Select one:
a. agree to see his son in therapy if you have experience working with adolescents.
b. agree to see his son in therapy only after discussing issues related to confidentiality with Sal and his son.
c. agree to see his son in therapy only after determining that the boy’s problems are unrelated to Sal’s issues.
d. tell Sal that you cannot see his son in therapy and provide him with several referrals.
Seeing your client’s son in therapy would constitute a multiple relationship unless doing so is for the purpose of continuing to work with Sal on his issues.
Answer D is correct: In most circumstances, you would want to avoid seeing the family members of a client you are seeing in individual therapy since doing so would represent a multiple relationship. No information is given in this question or the answers to suggest that this situation represents an exception to this general rule.
The correct answer is: tell Sal that you cannot see his son in therapy and provide him with several referrals.
Your new clients are a family that consists of a husband, wife, and two adolescent girls. They began therapy because one of the girls has started using drugs and the other has signs of an eating disorder. You realize during the first session that you and the parents belong to the same country club. You should:
Select one:
a. terminate therapy with this family and provide them with referrals.
b. ask the parents to decide if they want to continue therapy with you.
c. consider the situation to determine if you can maintain your objectivity with this family.
d. continue seeing the family and join a different country club.
This question describes a multiple relationship.
Answer C is correct: Multiple relationships are addressed in several Standards of the Ethics Code, including Standard 3.05, which prohibits multiple relationships that “could be reasonably expected to impair the psychologist’s objectivity, competence, or effectiveness … otherwise risks exploitation or harm to the person.” In this case, you would want to determine if the parents’ membership in the country club is likely to have an adverse effect on your effectiveness before proceeding with treatment. Additional information on multiple relationships is provided in the Ethics and Professional Issues chapter of the written study materials.
The correct answer is: consider the situation to determine if you can maintain your objectivity with this family.
According to the APA’s Ethics Code, psychologists should discuss fees and other financial arrangements with clients:
Select one:
a. during the initial phone contact.
b. during the first therapy session.
c. as early as is feasible.
d. at the psychologist’s discretion.
Fees and other financial arrangements are addressed in Standard 6.0 of the Ethics Code.
Answer C is correct: This answer is the best one of those given because it contains the exact language of Standards 6.04 and 10.01, which both address the discussion of fees with clients.
The correct answer is: as early as is feasible.
A client’s insurance company pays 75% of a client’s therapy fee, while the client is required to pay the remaining 25%. The client asks you to bill the insurance company at a higher hourly rate so that he will not have to pay his 25% co-payment. If you do so, you will be acting:
Select one:
a. illegally and unethically.
b. illegally but ethically.
c. legally but unethically.
d. legally and ethically.
Billing the insurance company at a higher rate so that the client does not have to make his co-payment would be insurance fraud (unless, of course, the insurance company has approved this arrangement which it is not likely to do).
Answer A is correct: Misrepresentation of your fee to the insurance company represents fraud and is, therefore, both illegal and unethical.
The correct answer is: illegally and unethically.
A client you had been seeing in therapy for two months suddenly stopped coming to her sessions. You have been unable to contact her and she owes you for the last three sessions. You are thinking about using a collection agency to collect her outstanding fees. In terms of the requirements of the APA’s Ethics Code, the use of a collection agency is:
Select one:
a. always unacceptable.
b. acceptable only as a “last resort.”
c. acceptable as long as you discussed your policy with her at the beginning of therapy and she agreed to it.
d. acceptable as long as you inform her of your intent and give her an opportunity to pay her outstanding fee before doing so.
The use of a collection agency to obtain outstanding fees is addressed in Standard 6.04(e) of the Ethics Code.
Answer D is correct: This answer is most consistent with Standard 6.04(e), which states that, “if the recipient of services does not pay for services as agreed, and if psychologists intend to use collection agencies or legal measures to collect the fees, psychologists first inform the person that such measures will be taken and provide that person an opportunity to make prompt payment.”
The correct answer is: acceptable as long as you inform her of your intent and give her an opportunity to pay her outstanding fee before doing so.
Dr. Terry Tawlk includes two testimonials in a brochure describing his weekend communications workshop for couples. The first is from a colleague and states, “Communication is a key to a happy marriage and Dr. Tawlk is one of the leading experts on communication. If you feel you can’t talk to your partner, I’d recommend Dr. Tawlk’s workshop. It’s likely to have a positive effect on your relationship.” The second testimonial is from a former workshop participant who said Dr. Tawlk could use an excerpt from a letter she sent him following the workshop that she and her husband attended. It states, “It worked! I can now tell my husband what I need without it turning into a major argument!” Which of the following is true about the testimonials included in Dr. Tawlk’s brochure?
Select one:
a. They are both unethical since testimonials are prohibited under any circumstances.
b. The testimonial from the colleague is unethical but the testimonial from the former client is acceptable.
c. The testimonial from the former client is unethical but the testimonial from the colleague is acceptable.
d. The testimonials do not seem to violate the provisions of the Ethics Code and are acceptable.
Standard 5.05 of the Ethics Code does not prohibit the use of testimonials but prohibits psychologists from soliciting them from “current therapy clients or patients or other persons who … are vulnerable to undue influence.”
Answer D is correct: The testimonials described in this question do not violate the provisions of Standard 5.05. In addition, they do not appear to be false, deceptive, or misleading and, therefore, do not violate other requirements of the Ethics Code.
The correct answer is: The testimonials do not seem to violate the provisions of the Ethics Code and are acceptable.
When attempting to expand your private practice, it is important to keep in mind that in-person solicitation of business:
Select one:
a. is unethical in all circumstances.
b. is unethical only when the solicitation includes misleading or coercive information.
c. is ethical only when the person being solicited is not receiving similar services from another professional.
d. may be ethical if the person being solicited is not susceptible to undue influence.
This issue is addressed in Standard 5.06 of the APA’s Ethics Code.
Answer D is correct: Standard 5.06 states that “psychologists do not engage, directly or through agents, in uninvited in-person solicitation of business from actual or potential therapy clients or patients or other persons who because of their particular circumstances are vulnerable to undue influence. However, this does not preclude (1) attempting to implement appropriate collateral contacts for the purpose of benefiting an already engaged therapy client or patient or (2) providing disaster or community outreach services.” Of the answers given, this one is most consistent with Standard 5.06.
The correct answer is: may be ethical if the person being solicited is not susceptible to undue influence.
Which of the following best describes the requirements of the APA’s Ethics Code for bartering?
Select one:
a. Bartering for goods (but not services) is acceptable.
b. Bartering for services (but not goods) is acceptable.
c. Bartering for goods or services may be acceptable under certain conditions.
d. Bartering for goods or services is prohibited in all circumstances.
Bartering is addressed in Standard 6.05 of the Ethics Code.
Answer C is correct: Standard 6.05 states that “psychologists may barter only if (1) it is not clinically contraindicated, and (2) the resulting arrangement is not exploitative.” For additional information about bartering, see the discussion of Standard 6.05 in the Ethical and Professional Issues chapter of the written study materials.
The correct answer is: Bartering for goods or services may be acceptable under certain conditions.
You have made an arrangement with another psychologist to exchange a nominal payment of $25.00 for referrals to each other. In terms of the requirements of the APA’s Ethics Code, this is:
Select one:
a. ethical since the Ethics Code does not prohibit referral fees.
b. ethical as long as the clients are informed of this practice at the outset of therapy.
c. unethical if the payment of $25.00 is based on the referral only.
d. unethical if the payment for the referral represents more than 25% of the fee paid by the client.
Referral fees are addressed in Standard 6.07 of the Ethics Code.
Answer C is correct: Standard 6.07 states: “When psychologists pay, receive payment from, or divide fees with another professional … the payment to each is based on the services provided (clinical, consultative, administrative, or other) and is not based on the referral itself.”
The correct answer is: unethical if the payment of $25.00 is based on the referral only.
Your former client, Caleb Cash, has failed to pay the balance of an unpaid bill. Although you have given Caleb numerous opportunities to respond to your written requests for payment and have informed him of your intention to turn this matter over to a collection agency, he has not made any attempt to resolve this matter. One day, you receive a call from another therapist who is currently working with Caleb. She asks you to forward a copy of Caleb’s records and faxes you a copy of a signed release from Caleb. According to the APA’s Ethics Code, you:
Select one:
a. must comply with the therapist’s request since Caleb has signed a release.
b. may withhold Caleb’s records until he pays his outstanding bill.
c. may withhold Caleb’s records as long as they are not needed for emergency treatment.
d. should explain the situation to the therapist and ask her to tell Caleb to contact you.
This issue is addressed in Standard 6.03 of the APA’s Ethics Code.
Answer C is correct: Standard 6.03 states that “psychologists may not withhold records under their control that are requested and needed for client’s or patient’s emergency treatment solely because payment has not been received.”
The correct answer is: may withhold Caleb’s records as long as they are not needed for emergency treatment.
A psychologist sets up a private practice in a lower middle-class urban neighborhood. After several months, he realizes that his lack of clients is due primarily to the fact that most of the residents of the neighborhood cannot afford his hourly fee. He therefore decides that he will include in future advertisements a statement indicating that his services are provided on a "sliding scale." This practice is: Select one:
a. clearly unethical since sliding scale fees are prohibited by ethical guidelines.
b. clearly unethical since including information on fees in advertisements is prohibited by ethical guidelines.
c. clearly unethical since advertising professional services is prohibited by ethical guidelines.
d. in accord with ethical guidelines.
This question addresses two issues - advertising and fees.
Answer D is correct: Sliding scale fees are ethically acceptable as long as fee arrangements are made clear from the onset of treatment and the fee policy is fair and non-exploitative. Advertising one’s professional services and fee policy are also acceptable.
The correct answer is: in accord with ethical guidelines.
A graduate student designed and conducted a research project for her dissertation and subsequently wrote a journal article describing the study and its results. The original idea for the study was derived from the work of the student’s faculty advisor who also provided the facilities for the student’s research and provided the student with some guidance while she conducted her study. The faculty advisor wants to be listed as first author on the article. In this situation:
Select one:
a. the student should be listed as the sole author.
b. the student should be listed as the first author and the advisor as the second author.
c. it is up to the advisor to determine authorship credit.
d. it is up to the journal to determine authorship credit.
Publication credit is addressed in Standard 8.12 of the Ethics Code.
Answer B is correct: Standard 8.12 states that publication credits “accurately reflect the relative scientific or professional contributions of the individuals involved, regardless of their relative status…. Except under exceptional circumstances, a student is listed as principal author on any multiple-authored article that is substantially based on the student’s doctoral dissertation.” While the student should be listed as first author, the advisor’s contribution appears to be sufficient to warrant being listed as the second author.
The correct answer is: the student should be listed as the first author and the advisor as the second author.
Dr. Betty Black’s ad for her seminar on relaxation techniques invites the public to “come and hear an in-depth lecture on techniques to help reduce the stress of daily living.” The advertised cost for her two-hour seminar is $35.00. While preparing her lecture the night before the presentation, Dr. Black decides it would be valuable to demonstrate her techniques with the group. She decides that, instead of lecturing for the full two hours, she will have attendees divide into groups for the second hour to experiment with the techniques. With regard to the requirements of the APA’s Ethics Code, this is:
Select one:
a. ethical if she allows participants to leave after the lecture portion of the seminar.
b. ethical if the demonstration is well executed and educational.
c. unethical since she advertised the seminar as a “lecture.”
d. unethical because she plans to spend one hour lecturing when the most beneficial part will probably be the experiential portion.
This issue is addressed in Standard 7.02 of the Ethics Code.
Answer C is correct: Standard 7.02 requires psychologists to “take reasonable steps to ensure that there is a current and accurate description of the program content.” Altering the program content on the night before its presentation would violate this requirement.
The correct answer is: unethical since she advertised the seminar as a “lecture.”
Dr. Billie Bloom requires students in his introductory psychology class to participate in a university-sponsored research project as a requirement for the course. This is: Select one:
a. unethical under any circumstances.
b. ethical as long as the resarch exposes students to “minimum risk.”
c. ethical as long as students are given a choice of completing an alternative assignment.
d. ethical as long as students are made aware of this requirement before they enroll in his class.
This issue is addressed in Standard 8.04(b) of the APA’s Ethics Code.
Answer C is correct: Standard 8.04(b) states that, “when research participation is a course requirement or an opportunity for extra credit, the prospective participant is given the choice of equitable alternative activities.”
The correct answer is: ethical as long as students are given a choice of completing an alternative assignment.
Dr. Cecelia Cooper, a licensed psychologist, is planning a longitudinal study to identify environmental contributors to drug abuse. Her study will involve interviewing drug and non-drug users and their families several times over a five-year period and will require that she maintain participants’ names, addresses, and phone numbers in her files. Dr. Cooper is concerned about the confidentiality of her participants, especially if she is ever called to testify about any of them in court. Dr. Cooper:
Select one:
a. need not be concerned about confidentiality since it will be both legal and ethical for her to refuse to testify about the participants in court.
b. should not be concerned about confidentiality since the participants’ privilege will be waived in this situation.
c. should inform her participants of the possible limits of confidentiality as part of the informed consent process.
d. should always obtain an informed consent from a participant prior to testifying about him or her in court.
Confidentiality of research participants is addressed by Standard 8.02 of the APA’s Ethics Code and Principle I.24 of the Canadian Code of Ethics.
Answer C is correct: This answer is most consistent with the provisions of Standard 8.02(a) of the Ethics Code and Principle I.24 of the Canadian Code of Ethics, which stress the importance of informing research participants of potential limits to confidentiality during the informed consent process.
Answer D is incorrect: This answer is incorrect because it refers to an informed consent rather than to a waiver (release) of confidentiality. In addition, a waiver may not be necessary if the situation is one in which privilege is waived.
The correct answer is: should inform her participants of the possible limits of confidentiality as part of the informed consent process.
Which of the following best describes the provisions of the Ethics Code with regard to sexual relationships with students?
Select one:
a. The Code prohibits relationships with current or former students under any circumstances.
b. The Code prohibits relationships with current students but permits relationships with past students.
c. The Code prohibits relationships with students over whom a psychologist has or is likely to have evaluative authority.
d. The Code prohibits relationships with current or past students who are vulnerable to undue influence.
Sexual relationships with students and supervisees are addressed in Standard 7.07 of the APA’s Ethics Code.
Answer C is correct: This answer is most consistent with the actual language of Standard 7.07, which states: “Psychologists do not engage in sexual relationships with students or supervisees who are in their department, agency, or training center or over whom psychologists have or are likely to have evaluative authority.”
The correct answer is: The Code prohibits relationships with students over whom a psychologist has or is likely to have evaluative authority.
Which of the following best describes the requirements of the APA’s Ethics Code with regard to the use of animals in research?
Select one:
a. Animals should never be used as research subjects.
b. Animals may be used as research subjects only when an alternative procedure is unavailable and the goal of the study is justified by its prospective value.
c. Animals may be used as research subjects only when the procedures used will not cause them pain or stress.
d. Animals may be used as research subjects when they will be subjected to pain or stress but only when an alternative procedure is not available and the goal of the study is justified by its prospective value.
The use of animals in research is addressed in Standard 8.09 of the Ethics Code.
Answer D is correct: The Ethics Code permits the use of animals in research under certain conditions, and this answer best describes those conditions.
The correct answer is: Animals may be used as research subjects when they will be subjected to pain or stress but only when an alternative procedure is not available and the goal of the study is justified by its prospective value.
You have been hired as a research assistant for a study investigating the effectiveness of various forms of therapy for Social Anxiety Disorder. The procedures and methods used in the study are ethically sound; however, your supervisor is not informing participants that they can withdraw from the study at any time if they desire to do so. Your best course of action would be to:
Select one:
a. quit your job.
b. inform the participants yourself of their right to withdraw.
c. discuss the possible ethical violation with the supervisor.
d. do nothing since this is an acceptable practice.
Guidelines for conducting research are provided in Standard 8 of the APA’s Ethics Code.
Answer C is correct: In most circumstances, it is necessary to obtain an informed consent from research participants and one requirements for an informed consent is letting potential participants know that they can withdraw from the study at any time. Discussing this issue with the supervisor is consistent with Standard 1.04 (Informal Resolution of Ethical Violations) and would be the best initial course of action.
The correct answer is: discuss the possible ethical violation with the supervisor.
You have just completed a research study but have not yet published its results. A colleague of yours who is familiar with your study requests the data you have collected. Which of the following best describes the requirements of the APA’s Ethics Code with regard to this situation?
Select one:
a. You are required to comply with the colleague’s request only if her purpose in requesting the data is to re-analyze it.
b. You are required to comply with the colleague’s request only if she agrees to protect the confidentiality of the study’s participants.
c. You are not required to comply with the colleague’s request since the results of the study have not yet been published.
d. You are not required to comply with the colleague’s request unless she has a “legitimate concern” about the accuracy the data.
This issue is addressed in Standard 8.14 of the APA’s Ethics Code.
Answer C is correct: Standard 8.14 states the following: “After research results are published, psychologists do not withhold the data on which their conclusions are based from other competent professionals who seek to verify the substantive claims through reanalysis and who intend to use such data only for that purpose, provided that the confidentiality of the participants can be protected and unless legal rights concerning proprietary data preclude their release.” Since you have not yet published your study, you are not obligated to comply with the colleague’s request.
The correct answer is: You are not required to comply with the colleague’s request since the results of the study have not yet been published.
A 40-year-old therapist becomes attracted to a 38-year-old client and soon realizes that the feelings are mutual. They discuss the situation and agree to terminate therapy and begin dating immediately. This is:
Select one:
a. ethical since they terminated therapy before beginning to date.
b. ethical since the client is an adult and voluntarily agreed to stop therapy.
c. unethical because the therapist began dating a former client immediately after terminating therapy.
d. unethical unless the therapist and client received counseling related to this issue when they began dating.
Sexual relationships with former therapy clients are addressed in Standard 10.08 of the APA’s Ethics Code, and additional information about this issue is provided in the Ethics and Professional Issues chapter of the written study materials.
Answer C is correct: Standard 10.08 prohibits psychologists from becoming sexually involved with former therapy clients within two years of terminating the professional relationship and, even then, the relationship may be acceptable only in “the most unusual circumstances.”
The correct answer is: unethical because the therapist began dating a former client immediately after terminating therapy.
A client you have been seeing in therapy for seven weeks tells you that her ex-husband is threatening to kill you because he blames you for her unwillingness to get back together with him. From your conversations with the client, you know that the man has a history of violent behavior and that his threat against you must be taken seriously. As an ethical psychologist:
Select one:
a. you must continue seeing the client and should contact the police to obtain protection only with the client’s consent to do so.
b. you must continue seeing the client but may contact the police to obtain protection with or without the client’s consent to do so.
c. you may terminate therapy with the client and may contact the police to obtain protection with or without the client’s consent to do so.
d. you may terminate therapy with the client but should contact the police to obtain protection only with the client’s consent to do so.
Terminating therapy with a client in this situation is addressed in Standard 10.10(b) of the APA’s Ethics Code.
Answer C is correct: Standard 10.10(b) states that “psychologists may terminate therapy when threatened or otherwise endangered by the client or patient or another person with whom the client or patient has a relationship.” In addition, prohibitions against breaching client confidentiality do not apply if the psychologist needs to contact the police or others to obtain protection for him or herself (see, e.g., C. B. Fisher, Decoding the Ethics Code: A practical guide for psychologists, Thousand Oaks, CA, Sage Publications, 2003).
The correct answer is: you may terminate therapy with the client and may contact the police to obtain protection with or without the client’s consent to do so.
As defined in the APA’s Ethics Code, a psychologist would be violating test security when he:
Select one:
a. shows a client the questions from a standardized test when discussing the results of the test with the client.
b. discusses a client’s responses to several test items to help the client understand why she received a low score.
c. provides a client with the exact scale and subscale scores she obtained on a standardized test.
d. engages in any of the activities described in the above answers.
Test security is addressed in Standard 9.11 of the APA’s Ethics Code.
Answer A is correct: Standard 9.11 defines “test materials” as manuals, instruments, protocols, and test questions and states that “psychologists make reasonable efforts to maintain the integrity and security of test materials and other assessment techniques.” The Code also distinguishes between test materials and test data, which include raw and scaled scores, client responses to test items, and the psychologist’s notes about the client’s responses and behaviors during testing. In most circumstances, providing test data to a client is acceptable and does not represent a breach of test security.
The correct answer is: shows a client the questions from a standardized test when discussing the results of the test with the client.
Dr. Lisa Lopez has been treating Glenn G. for depression for three weeks. During their most recent session, Glenn disclosed that he has also been seeing another therapist for several months. As an ethical psychologist, Dr. Lopez should:
Select one:
a. tell Glenn he cannot continue seeing him in therapy since he is receiving services from another professional.
b. tell Glenn that he will need to decide which therapist he wishes to continue seeing with the next few weeks.
c. discuss this issue with Glenn and consult with the other therapist after getting Glenn’s approval to do so.
d. continue therapy with Glenn since he has not expressed a desire to stop.
Standard 10.04 of the APA’s Ethics Code applies to this situation.
Answer C is correct: This answer is most consistent with the requirements of Standard 10.04. Dr. Lopez should discuss the issue with Glenn, determine if there is a duplication of services (e.g., Glenn may be seeing a behavioral therapist who is helping him stop smoking), and, if appropriate, consult with the other therapist after obtaining Glenn’s permission to do so. Of course, if the two therapists are providing duplicate services, Glenn will have to eventually choose between them, but that is not the best initial action.
The correct answer is: discuss this issue with Glenn and consult with the other therapist after getting Glenn’s approval to do so.
Dr. Blitz has been seeing a client for four months. The client mentioned that he is very dissatisfied with the progress of therapy in the last two sessions. Dr. Blitz should:
Select one:
a. tell the client that he can’t expect major changes in only four months.
b. encourage the client to schedule more frequent sessions.
c. help the client work through his resistance.
d. discuss the matter with the client and provide him with referrals if he desires.
Standard 10.10(a) of the APA’s Ethics Code applies to this situation.
Answer D is correct: Standard 10.10(a) states that psychologists must terminate therapy when it is reasonably clear that the client is no longer benefiting from it. Even though four months is not a long duration for therapy in many situations, the client should not be pressured to continue.
The correct answer is: discuss the matter with the client and provide him with referrals if he desires.
Dr. Rita Ryan is a psychotherapist in a small town. She receives a phone call from a man she was sexually involved with several years ago. The relationship lasted for only four months and ended amicably. The man is now married and is having problems unrelated to his relationship with Dr. Ryan. He has called to see if he can begin seeing her in therapy. Dr. Ryan should:
Select one:
a. see the man in therapy only if she determines that their past relationship will not impair her objectivity.
b. see the man only if their relationship ended more than two years ago and she determines that it will not impair her objectivity.
c. see the man but discuss the potential for conflicts with him before beginning treatment.
d. refer the man to a colleague.
This situation is addressed by Standard 10.07 of the APA’s Ethics Code.
Answer D is correct: Standard 10.07 states that “psychologists do not accept as therapy clients or patients persons with whom they have engaged in sexual intimacies.” There is no time limit on this prohibition.
The correct answer is: refer the man to a colleague.
Part of your job at a mental health clinic is to administer intelligence, personality, and other tests to child, adolescent, and adult clients. To reduce your workload, you train an employee of the clinic to administer many of the tests and to write interpretive reports. The employee is one semester away from a B.A. in psychology and has already been accepted into a Psy.D. program for the following year. Which of the following is true about this situation?
Select one:
a. You are acting ethically since it is up to you to decide if the employee is sufficiently competent to administer tests and interpret their results.
b. You are acting ethically as long as you supervise the employee’s work.
c. You are acting unethically because only people who have completed some graduate-level work should administer psychological tests.
d. You are acting unethically because the employee is not qualified to interpret many commonly-used psychological tests.
Standard 9.07 of the APA’s Ethics Code prohibits psychologists from promoting the use of tests by unqualified persons unless it is being done for training purposes under appropriate supervision.
Answer D is correct: A person who is working on a B.A. in psychology may be qualified to administer some psychological tests but is clearly not qualified to interpret their results. Although it is true that it is up to the psychologist to decide when an employee is qualified to administer tests, in this case, this employee is clearly not qualified to interpret them.
The correct answer is: You are acting unethically because the employee is not qualified to interpret many commonly-used psychological tests.
Which of the following best describes a psychologist’s ethical requirements with regard to the use of computer-assisted psychological test scoring and interpretation services?
Select one:
a. These services are acceptable but the psychologist is responsible for their appropriate application and use.
b. These services are acceptable and the publisher is responsible for ensuring they provide accurate information.
c. These services are acceptable only when the interpretations are based on objective data.
d. These services are acceptable only in the “most unusual circumstances.”
The use of computer-assisted scoring and interpretation services is addressed in Standard 9.09 of the APA’s Ethics Code.
Answer A is correct: This Standard states: “(b) Psychologists select scoring and interpretation services (including automated services) on the basis of the validity of the program and procedures as well as on other appropriate considerations…. (c) Psychologists retain responsibility for the appropriate application, interpretation, and use of assessment instruments, whether they score and interpret such tests themselves or use automated or other services.”
The correct answer is: These services are acceptable but the psychologist is responsible for their appropriate application and use.
You have been seeing Alonzo Alvarez in therapy for over six months and believe he is no longer benefitting from his sessions with you. However, when you discuss the possibility of ending therapy, he says he’s very happy with the progress he is making and wants to continue. As an ethical psychologist, you:
Select one:
a. agree to continue seeing Alonzo since he is satisfied with the progress of therapy.
b. agree to continue seeing Alonzo for a specified period of time but, at the end of that period, insist on ending therapy.
c. explain to Alonzo that these are normal reactions to the end of therapy and set a date for termination.
d. see if additional goals for treatment can be identified but, if not, set a date for termination and provide Alonzo with referrals if appropriate.
Termination of therapy is addressed in Standard 10.10 of the Ethics Code.
Answer D is correct: Standard 10.10 states that “psychologists terminate therapy when it becomes reasonably clear that the client or patient no longer needs the service, is not likely to benefit, or is being harmed by continued service…. Except where precluded by the actions of clients or patients or third-party payors, prior to termination psychologists provide pretermination counseling and suggest alternative service providers as appropriate.”
The correct answer is: see if additional goals for treatment can be identified but, if not, set a date for termination and provide Alonzo with referrals if appropriate.
A couple who recently moved to the United States from Mexico brings their 9-year-old son for assessment to determine if he meets the diagnostic criteria for ADHD. The child speaks very little English but his mother speaks both Spanish and English fluently. You do not speak Spanish and are unable to find an interpreter for the boy. You should:
Select one:
a. refuse to conduct the assessment and provide the family with appropriate referrals.
b. conduct the assessment using only informal measures that do not depend on language.
c. conduct the assessment but explain the limitations of the results in your report.
d. conduct the assessment with the mother acting as the interpreter.
In this situation, you are not qualified to conduct the assessment since you cannot communicate directly with the child in Spanish and are unable to find an interpreter.
Answer A is correct: This issue is addressed directly and indirectly in several APA documents. For example, the Guidelines for Providers of Psychological Services to Ethnic, Linguistic, and Culturally Diverse Populations states that, when the linguistic skills of the psychologist do not match those of the client, the psychologist obtains an appropriate translator or refers the client to another professional.
Answer B is incorrect: Using only measures that do not depend on language would not be the best course of action since doing so would limit your ability to conduct a thorough evaluation.
Answer C is incorrect: Explaining the limitations in the report would not be adequate in this situation.
Answer D is incorrect: The Guidelines also state that, when translation is necessary, psychologists do not retain the services of a translator who has a dual role with the individual in order to avoid jeopardizing the validity of the assessment.
The correct answer is: refuse to conduct the assessment and provide the family with appropriate referrals.
An organizational psychologist with a Ph.D. wants to become a clinical psychologist. According to APA guidelines, he must:
Select one:
a. complete appropriate coursework.
b. complete appropriate coursework and clinical supervision.
c. obtain supervision from a licensed psychologist.
d. obtain a Ph.D. or Psy.D. in clinical psychology from an accredited school.
This issue is addressed in Section 1.7 of the APA’s General Guidelines for Providers of Psychological Services.
Answer B is correct: Section 1.7 states that “psychologists who change or add a specialty meet the same requirements with respect to subject matter and professional skills that apply to doctoral education, training, and experience in the new specialty.” In other words, the psychologist would have to complete relevant courses and requirements for supervised practice.
The correct answer is: complete appropriate coursework and clinical supervision.
Dr. Paula Pang is hired to perform a court-ordered evaluation of a defendant in a criminal case. After describing the purpose of the evaluation to the defendant, he says that he is not willing to cooperate. According to the APA’s Specialty Guidelines for Forensic Psychology, Dr. Pang should:
Select one:
a. remind the defendant that he has no choice since the evaluation is court-ordered.
b. refuse to conduct the evaluation unless she obtains a signed consent from the defendant’s attorney.
c. obtain as much information from the defendant as possible and, in her report, explain why it is incomplete.
d. postpone the evaluation and inform the defendant that he should discuss this matter with his attorney.
This situation is addressed in the Specialty Guidelines for Forensic Psychology (APA, 2012).
Answer D is correct: Paragraphs 6.03.02 of the Specialty Guidelines states: “If the examinee is ordered by the court to participate, the forensic practitioner can conduct the examination over the objection, and without the consent, of the examinee…. If the examinee declines to proceed after being notified of the nature and purpose of the forensic examination, the forensic practitioner may consider a variety of options including postponing the examination, advising the examinee to contact his or her attorney, and notifying the retaining party about the examinee’s unwillingness to proceed.”
The correct answer is: postpone the evaluation and inform the defendant that he should discuss this matter with his attorney.
During a court-ordered evaluation of a defendant to determine her competence to stand trial, she reveals information to you that confirms her guilt. As an ethical psychologist, you should:
Select one:
a. use your discretion in determining what to include in your evaluation report.
b. include information about the defendant’s confession in the report since privilege is waived in this situation.
c. include only information relevant to the defendant’s competence in the evaluation report.
d. not provide the court with any information obtained in the evaluation without a release from the defendant.
This situation is addressed in the Specialty Guidelines for Forensic Psychology (APA, 2012).
Answer C is correct: This answer is most consistent Paragraph 10.01 of the Specialty Guidelines. It states: “Forensic examiners seek to assist the trier of fact to understand evidence or determine a fact in issue, and they provide information that is most relevant to the psycholegal issue. In reports and testimony forensic practitioners typically provide information about examinees’ functional abilities, capacities, knowledge, and beliefs, and ADDRESS THIER OPINIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS TO THE IDENTIFIED PSYCHOLEGAL ISSUES.”
The correct answer is: include only information relevant to the defendant’s competence in the evaluation report.
When hired as an expert witness by the attorney for a plaintiff in a criminal case, a psychologist:
Select one:
a. may provide his or her services on the basis of contingent fees only if permitted to do so by the court.
b. may provide his or her services on the basis of contingent fees only when doing so does not interfere with his or her objectivity.
c. may provide his or her services on the basis of contingent fees as long the plaintiff consents to this arrangement.
d. should ordinarily avoid providing his or her services on the basis of contingent fees.
This issue is addressed in Paragraph 5.02 of APA’s Specialty Guidelines for Forensic Psychology (APA, 2012).
Answer D is correct: This answer is most consistent with Paragraph 5.02, which states: “Forensic practitioners seek to avoid undue influence that might result from financial compensation or other gains. Because of the threat to impartiality presented by the acceptance of contingent fees and associated legal prohibitions, forensic practitioners strive to avoid providing professional services on the basis of contingent fees.”
The correct answer is: should ordinarily avoid providing his or her services on the basis of contingent fees.
You are asked by an attorney to evaluate the woman he is representing in a custody case and then recommend that she be granted custody in court. As an ethical psychologist, you should:
Select one:
a. evaluate the woman only if you can do a thorough assessment before making a recommendation on her behalf.
b. evaluate the woman only if you can do a thorough assessment and then make a recommendation on her behalf only if the results indicate that she is a good parent.
c. evaluate the woman and testify about the results but do not make specific recommendations about custody without evaluating the husband and children.
d. refuse to make a recommendation about which parent should be granted custody under any circumstances.
This issue is addressed in APA’s Guidelines for Child Custody Evaluations in Family Law Proceedings.
Answer C is correct: Any conclusions or recommendations about custody must be based on adequate information, which means that all parties should be evaluated before a recommendation is made. You could, however, evaluate the woman only and provide a summary of your results without making specific recommendations.
The correct answer is: evaluate the woman and testify about the results but do not make specific recommendations about custody without evaluating the husband and children.
You have been seeing 11-year-old Debbie in therapy for conduct problems at school for the past three months. Both of her parents are pleased with Debbie’s progress in therapy but are now getting a divorce and Debbie’s mother asks you to conduct a child custody evaluation of Debbie for the custody hearing. You should:
Select one:
a. refer Debbie to another psychologist for the evaluation.
b. request that the judge decide if you should perform the evaluation.
c. perform the evaluation if you are able to obtain consent from both parents.
d. perform the evaluation since you are the best person to do so since you have been working with Debbie.
This issue is addressed in APA’s Guidelines for Child Custody Evaluations in Family Law Proceedings, which is one of the APA documents that you want to be familiar with for the exam.
Answer A is correct: The Guidelines state that psychologists must avoid multiple relationships. For example, they should avoid an evaluative role in custody cases when they have already established a therapeutic relationship with the child and/or the child’s parent(s).
The correct answer is: refer Debbie to another psychologist for the evaluation.
You recently evaluated the defendant in a murder trial at the request of her attorney. The purpose of the evaluation was to support the defendant’s claim that she was insane at the time she committed the crime. The case received a great deal of public attention and you would now like to write a book about it and include information about the results of your evaluation. According to the Specialty Guidelines for Forensic Psychology:
Select one:
a. you may do so only with the consent of the defendant or the defendant’s legal representative.
b. you may do so as long as the information you include in your book is in the public record or, if not, as long as you have obtained the consent of the defendant.
c. you may do so only with the consent of the court.
d. you may not do so under any circumstances.
Because you conducted an evaluation of the defendant for the purpose of her defense, you may use information obtained from that evaluation for other purposes only under certain conditions.
Answer B is correct: This situation is addressed in Paragraphs 8.04 and 11.07 of the Specialty Guidelines. Paragraph 11.07 states: “Forensic practitioners strive to address particular legal proceedings in publications or communications only to the extent that the information relied upon is part of a public record, or when consent for that use has been properly obtained from any party holding any relevant privilege.”
The correct answer is: you may do so as long as the information you include in your book is in the public record or, if not, as long as you have obtained the consent of the defendant.
A psychologist has received a subpoena duces tecum requesting that she testify in court about a former client and provide the court with records related to the client’s treatment. The psychologist does not have a release from the client to do so. She should:
Select one:
a. appear in court and release the records as requested.
b. appear in court but claim the privilege on behalf of the client.
c. appear in court but release only those records she believes to be relevant to the case.
d. refuse to appear in court until she obtains a release from the client.
When a psychologist receives a subpoena to appear at a legal proceeding, he or she must appear but should not provide information about the client without a release from the client or a court order.
Answer B is correct: The appropriate action in this case is to appear as requested but, without a release from the client, to assert the privilege on the client’s behalf.
The correct answer is: appear in court but claim the privilege on behalf of the client.
A psychologist is subpoenaed to testify at a deposition about a current therapy client. This means that the psychologist:
Select one:
a. must testify about the client as requested.
b. must appear at the deposition as requested.
c. must provide the requested documents.
d. can expect to receive a court order within 60 days.
A subpoena is a legal document that requests the recipient to appear and testify at legal proceeding.
Answer B is correct: As noted by R. I. Simon (Clinical psychiatry and the law, Washington, DC, American Psychiatric Publishing, 2003), a subpoena by itself is not “proper legal compulsion” and only requires the psychologist to appear at a deposition or trial, not to testify. After receiving a subpoena, a psychologist should determine if the client has signed a release; if not, the psychologist should assert the privilege rather than provide the information requested in the subpoena when he/she appears at the deposition.
The correct answer is: must appear at the deposition as requested.
For a client to bring a claim of malpractice against his or her therapist, which of the following conditions is NOT necessary?
Select one:
a. The therapist must have had a professional relationship with the client that established a legal duty of care.
b. The harm or injury experienced by the client must be due to deliberate action or inaction on the part of the therapist.
c. There is a demonstrable standard of care that the therapist has breached.
d. The therapist’s breach of duty within the standard of care was the proximate cause of the harm or injury.
For the exam, you want to be familiar with the four conditions for a claim of malpractice. Malpractice is addressed in the chapter on Ethics and Professional Practice in the written study materials.
Answer B is correct: “Deliberate action or inaction on the part of the therapist” is not one of the four conditions for a claim of malpractice.
Answer A is incorrect: This is one of the conditions for a claim of malpractice.
Answer C is incorrect: This is one of the four conditions for a claim of malpractice.
Answer D is incorrect: This is another condition for a claim of malpractice.
The correct answer is: The harm or injury experienced by the client must be due to deliberate action or inaction on the part of the therapist.
Pope and Vetter (1992) found that psychotherapists encountered ethical dilemmas related to which of the following most frequently in their work?
Select one:
a. confidentiality
b. multiple relationships
c. competence
d. financial arrangements
Pope and Vetter (1992) surveyed over 690 APA members to obtain information on ethical dilemmas faced by these practitioners.
Answer A is correct: Results of the the survey found that confidentiality was the most frequently encountered “ethically troubling issue” by respondents.
The correct answer is: confidentiality
Research by Lamb and Catanzaro (1998) on sexual misconduct by psychotherapists found that:
Select one:
a. therapists who had sex with their clients often had sexual relations in the past with their own therapist, a professor, or supervisor.
b. therapists who had sex with their clients were more likely than those who did not to have been involved in nonsexual dual relationships with clients.
c. therapists who had sex with their clients were, in general, less experienced and younger than those who did not.
d. there were no consistent differences between therapists who did and did not have sex with their clients in terms of other dual relationships or sexual relations with their own therapist, professor, or supervisor.
The studies have found some differences in the characteristics of therapists who do and do not become sexually involved with clients. The results of this research are summarized in the Ethics and Professional Issues chapter of the written study materials.
Answer B is correct: Lamb and Catanzaro (1998) looked specifically at sexual and nonsexual boundary violations of psychotherapists and found that those reporting sexual boundary violations were also more likely to report nonsexual boundary violations and to rate nonsexual boundary violations as less negative or problematic than those who did not report sexual boundary violations.
The correct answer is: therapists who had sex with their clients were more likely than those who did not to have been involved in nonsexual dual relationships with clients.
The Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology (EPPP) is best described as:
Select one:
a. a way to protect the public from incompetent psychologists.
b. a measure of basic knowledge of psychology.
c. a predictor of job performance as a psychologist.
d. a way of determining if psychologists need additional training before being licensed.
The EPPP is a requirement for licensure in the United States and Canada.
Answer B is correct: As described by the ASPPB, the EPPP is designed “to evaluate the knowledge that should have been acquired by any candidate who is seeking licensure to practice psychology.” It has not been validated as a predictor of actual job performance or as a method for determining the need for additional training.
The correct answer is: a measure of basic knowledge of psychology.
The primary purpose of the state and provincial licensing boards is to:
Select one:
a. protect the profession of psychology.
b. protect the public.
c. define ethical standards of conduct.
d. define standards of care.
The primary purpose of the licensing boards is to protect the public.
Answer B is correct: To achieve this goal, the boards establish minimum standards of competence for psychologists including degree, supervision, and examination requirements.
The correct answer is: protect the public.
To compare the impact of two or more interventions on patients’ duration and quality of life, you would conduct which of the following types of cost analysis?
Select one:
a. cost-utility
b. cost-effectiveness
c. cost-minimization
d. cost-benefit
For the exam, you want to be familiar with the types of cost analysis described in the Ethics and Professional Issues chapter of the written study materials.
Answer A is correct: A cost-utility analysis is conducted to compare the effects of two or more treatments on duration and quality of life.
Answer B is incorrect: Cost-effectiveness analysis is used to compare the costs and benefits of different treatments in terms of specific nonmonetary outcomes (e.g., symptom severity, premature dropout rate) to identify the treatment that produces the best outcomes at the least cost.
Answer C is incorrect: As its name implies, a cost-minimization analysis is conducted to determine the least costly option among several options.
Answer D is incorrect: A cost-benefit analysis involves determining the relative costs and benefits of a particular treatment in monetary terms.
The correct answer is: cost-utility
To serve as an expert witness in a court case, you:
Select one:
a. must have the consent of the person you will be testifying about.
b. must testify only with regard to what you have personally observed.
c. must be qualified by the court to offer opinions and conclusions.
d. must be qualified by the attorneys for the plaintiff and defendant to offer opinions and conclusions.
An expert witness is allowed to draw conclusions from available data, even if the data were not personally observed or obtained.
Answer C is correct: Expert witnesses are qualified by the court to offer opinions and conclusions.
The correct answer is: must be qualified by the court to offer opinions and conclusions.
At the beginning of therapy with Mark M., you discussed the possible duration of treatment and estimated that therapy would not extend beyond his insurance coverage of your fee. You also informed Mark that you would be unable to reduce your fee when his therapy was no longer covered by insurance. Unfortunately, that time has arrived: Mark’s insurance will cover only the next three sessions, many of Mark’s problems are still unresolved, and he cannot afford your full fee. In terms of ethical responsibilities, you are:
Select one:
A. required to see Mark at a reduced or deferred fee until his problems are adequately resolved.
B. required to see Mark at a reduced or deferred fee until he feels ready to terminate treatment.
C. required to discuss the matter with Mark and make a referral at the end of the three sessions if necessary.
D. not required to continue seeing Mark since you discussed this matter at the beginning of therapy.
Standard 6.04 of the APA’s Ethics Code and Principle II.32 of the Canadian Code of Ethics apply to this situation.
a. Incorrect See explanation for response c.
b. Incorrect See explanation for response c.
c. CORRECT You are not required to continue seeing a client if the client cannot pay your fee. However, to avoid abandoning the client when insurance coverage has ended, you should either offer services at a reduced or deferred fee or, if that is not feasible, make appropriate referrals.
d. Incorrect Discussion of this issue at the beginning of therapy is a good practice but does not eliminate your responsibility to the client when his insurance runs out.
The correct answer is: required to discuss the matter with Mark and make a referral at the end of the three sessions if necessary.
After a year in private practice, you hire a newly-licensed psychologist whom you will provide with an office and secretarial services. You will also refer clients to the psychologist and pay him 50% of the fees he collects from those clients. This arrangement is:
Select one:
A. unethical because it involves barter.
B. unethical because it involves being paid for client referrals.
C. ethical as long as the psychologist is being compensated in an equitable way.
D. ethical because, as an employer, you can determine the conditions of employment.
The arrangement described in this question seems somewhat dubious in terms of acceptability, but the facts presented do not clearly indicate an ethical violation.
a. Incorrect See explanation for response c.
b. Incorrect See explanation for response c.
c. CORRECT Of the responses given, this one is the best. Referral fees are not entirely prohibited by ethical guidelines, which rules out responses a and b; and response d is not an accurate description of an employer’s ethical responsibilities. This issue is addressed in Standard 6.07 of the Ethics Code and is discussed in the Ethics Manual of the written study materials.
d. Incorrect See explanation for response c.
The correct answer is: ethical as long as the psychologist is being compensated in an equitable way.
An “informed consent” from a client:
Select one:
A. must always be in writing.
B. must always be in writing and in the client’s native language.
C. may be either verbal or in writing.
D. may be either verbal or in writing but must be documented.
The issue of informed consent is addressed in Standard 3.10 of the APA’s Ethics Code and Principle I.22 of the Canadian Code of Ethics.
a. Incorrect See explanation for response d.
b. Incorrect See explanation for response d.
c. Incorrect See explanation for response d.
d. CORRECT Standard 3.10 of the APA’s Ethic Code states that consents must be “appropriately documented,” and Principle I.22 of the Canadian Code of Ethics states that it is acceptable to “accept and document oral consents” when there is a good reason not to obtain a signed written consent. Therefore, this is the best answer of those given.
The correct answer is: may be either verbal or in writing but must be documented.
A client whom Dr. Oliver Olivetti has been seeing for several months has recently changed jobs, and the client has learned that her new insurance plan does not begin covering pre-existing conditions for 12 months. The client asks Dr. Olivetti if he could write his bills so that it appears that she has just started therapy. If Dr. Olivetti complies with the client’s request, he is acting:
Select one:
A. ethically since he is taking the client’s welfare into consideration.
B. ethically only if not to do so would require the client to quit therapy.
C. ethically only if the insurance forms do not require him to sign a statement saying that treatment began after the effective date of the insurance.
D. unethically.
The client in this situation is asking Dr. Olivetti to commit insurance fraud and, if Dr. Olivetti does so, he will be acting both unethically and illegally.
a. Incorrect Although Dr. Olivetti should consider his client’s welfare (by, for example, offering a reduced fee so that the client doesn’t have to terminate therapy), he would be acting unethically and illegally if he agrees to the arrangement requested by the client.
b. Incorrect This arrangement would be illegal and unethical regardless of the ramifications for the client.
c. Incorrect This would still represent insurance fraud since the client and therapist are well aware of the insurance provisions.
d. CORRECT As noted above, complying with the client’s request would represent insurance fraud, which would be both unethical and illegal. See, e.g., Standard 6.04 of the APA’s Ethics Code.
The correct answer is: unethically.
Which of the following best describes the status of professional (therapy) records?
Select one:
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.
The laws regarding professional records are complex and vary somewhat from jurisdiction to jurisdiction. Keep in mind that, when answering questions like this one, you’ll want to pick a general answer that is likely to apply to most (or all) jurisdictions.
a. Incorrect See explanation for response c.
b. Incorrect See explanation for response c.
c. CORRECT While the actual physical record is the property of the therapist, laws require therapists to make the information contained in them available to the client in most situations. This does not mean that a therapist must release the physical record to a client but, instead, that the therapist may be required to show the client the record or provide the client with a summary or copy of it.
d. Incorrect See explanation for response c.
The correct answer is: The physical record belongs to the therapist, but the information contained therein belongs to the client.
Dr. Bettina Browne, a licensed psychologist, undertakes a child custody evaluation at the request of the child’s mother. The father agrees to be evaluated also, and Dr. Browne obtains signed informed consents from both parents before beginning her assessment. Dr. Browne administers the MMPI and Rorschach tests to both parents. The mother obtains significantly elevated scores on the MMPI’s K and L scales, suggesting that she tends to lie and to be excessively defensive, and these tendencies are confirmed by her Rorschach responses. No significant abnormality is suggested by the father’s MMPI and Rorschach results. On the basis of these test results, Dr. Browne recommends that the mother not be awarded custody of the child. Dr. Browne:
Select one:
A. has acted ethically because her evaluation included both parents.
B. has acted ethically because the parents signed informed consents before the evaluation.
C. has acted unethically because of her use of the MMPI and Rorschach tests as methods of evaluating the mothers parental suitability.
D. has acted unethically because she made specific recommendations regarding custody rather than simply reporting the results of the evaluation.
A psychologist is ethically required to use tests only for purposes for which they have been validated. See, e.g., Standard 9.02 of the APA’s Ethics Code.
a. Incorrect Although the psychologist acted appropriately by evaluating both parents prior to making a recommendation, response c is a better answer.
b. Incorrect Obtaining signed informed consents does not overcome the problem of using the MMPI and Rorschach as predictors of parental functioning, a purpose for which they have not been validated.
c. CORRECT Based on the information given, it appears that Dr. Browne has acted unethically by basing her custody recommendation on MMPI and Rorschach test results since these tests have not been validated for this purpose. Also, even if the tests had been validated for this purpose, Dr. Browne’s recommendation should have been based on more than the results of only two tests.
d. Incorrect Recommendations are acceptable as long as they are based on a thorough evaluation of all parties.
The correct answer is: has acted unethically because of her use of the MMPI and Rorschach tests as methods of evaluating the mothers parental suitability.
Miranda M., age 32, makes an appointment with you at the recommendation of her physician who has diagnosed her recurrent headaches as the result of stress. The woman tells you that a friend of hers was trained in self-hypnosis for tension headaches and says that she also wants training in self-hypnosis. You took a weekend workshop on hypnosis in graduate school but have not used it in your clinical practice. As an ethical psychologist, you should:
Select one:
A. admit your lack of expertise in the use of self-hypnosis and refer the woman to another therapist.
B. advise the woman that the underlying cause of her headaches would probably not be dealt with by self-hypnosis and suggest that she begin individual psychotherapy.
C. accept the woman for treatment and begin training her in self-hypnosis after reviewing your workshop notes.
D. accept the woman for treatment and begin training her in self-hypnosis but obtain consultation if you encounter any problems during the course of treatment.
Providing services within the boundaries of one’s competence is addressed by Standard 2.01 of the APA’s Ethic Code and Principle II.6 of the Canadian Code of Ethics.
a. CORRECT Of the responses given, this one is most consistent with the requirement to provide services that are within the boundaries of your professional competence. Note that, while it is up to you to determine your competence with regard to a particular service or technique, a weekend workshop in self-hypnosis is clearly inadequate.
b. Incorrect It would be unethical to try to convince the client to choose another course of treatment simply because you are not trained in the treatment she desires.
c. Incorrect Reviewing your workshop notes would not be adequate training.
d. Incorrect Although this response comes closer to fulfilling the requirements of the ethical guidelines than do responses b and c, it falls short of those requirements because it implies that consultation would not be sought unless you believe that you are having problems during the course of treatment. Consequently, response a is a better answer.
The correct answer is: admit your lack of expertise in the use of self-hypnosis and refer the woman to another therapist.
You have been hired to assist with a research project on process variables in group psychotherapy. The psychologist who is the principal investigator tells you to discourage participants from leaving the group prior to the end of the study because, if too many participants drop out, the study’s potential usefulness will be seriously compromised. As an ethical psychologist, you should:
Select one:
A. refuse to assist with the research project.
B. immediately file a complaint against the psychologist with the psychology licensing board or ethics committee.
C. write a letter to the psychologist, indicating the relevant ethical standards and offering to discuss the matter with him.
D. follow the psychologist’s instructions since, by “discouraging” participants from leaving the group, you are not actually coercing them to participate.
Standard 8.02 of the APA’s Ethics Code and Principle I.30 of the Canadian Code of Ethics apply to this situation. Both require psychologists to allow participants to withdraw from a research study at any time.
a. Incorrect Resigning from the project would not correct the ethical violation.
b. Incorrect Although a report may eventually be necessary, it is not the best first step since this matter may be amenable to an informal resolution (answer c).
c. CORRECT By offering to discuss the matter with the psychologist, you are attempting to resolve the matter informally, which is consistent with the requirements of the ethical guidelines.
d. Incorrect This would be unethical, and in so doing, you would be violating the provisions of Standards 1.04 and 1.05 of the Ethics Code and Principles II.40 and II.41 of the Canadian Code of Ethics, which require psychologists to take action when a colleague acts in an unethical way.
The correct answer is: write a letter to the psychologist, indicating the relevant ethical standards and offering to discuss the matter with him.
A psychologist is the supervisor of several interns at a community hospital in a small town and notices that one of the interns seems unenthusiastic and depressed. When he talks to her, she tells him that she’s been very unhappy lately and feels she has no one to turn to. The intern asks the psychologist to see her in therapy, and he agrees to do so. The psychologist has acted:
Select one:
A. unethically by agreeing to get involved in a dual relationship.
B. unethically by violating the intern’s right to privacy.
C. ethically because they are working in a community hospital in a small town.
D. ethically because the intern is in desperate need of help.
In most situations, psychologists should avoid multiple (dual) relationships. See, e.g., Standard 3.05(a) of APA’s Ethics Code and Principle III.33 of the Canadian Code of Ethics.
a. CORRECT Standard 3.05(a) of the Ethics Code states that “a psychologist refrains from entering into a multiple relationship if the multiple relationship could reasonably be expected to impair the psychologist’s objectivity, competence, or effectiveness in performing his or her functions as a psychologist, or otherwise risks exploitation or harm to the person with whom the professional relationship exists.” The psychologist in the situation described in this question is entering into a multiple relationship that may threaten his objectivity and effectiveness as a supervisor and therapist.
b. Incorrect There is no indication that privacy is an issue in this situation.
c. Incorrect In some circumstances, multiple relationships may be unavoidable. However, the fact that the intern and psychologist work in a community hospital in a small town does not necessarily mean that no other options are available.
d. Incorrect There is no indication that the intern is in such “desperate need of help” that she cannot wait to see another professional.
The correct answer is: unethically by agreeing to get involved in a dual relationship.
A psychologist decides to use a computerized test service to facilitate scoring and interpretation of the MMPI-2, which he frequently administers to his clients. The psychologist should be aware that:
Select one:
A. the use of computerized interpretations is prohibited by ethical guidelines.
B. computerized scoring and interpretation services are notoriously unreliable.
C. computerized interpretations should always be supplemented with other information obtained by the psychologist.
D. because of their objectivity, computerized interpretations are preferable to subjective interpretations.
Automated scoring and interpretation services are available for a number of psychological tests including the MMPI-2.
a. Incorrect The use of automated interpretation services is not prohibited by ethical guidelines as long as certain standards are met by both the service and the users of the service.
b. Incorrect The quality of computer interpretations varies from service to service, and it cannot be concluded that all computerized interpretations are “notoriously unreliable.”
c. CORRECT The information in a computerized interpretation is limited and, therefore, the best policy is to always supplement computerized interpretations with information from other tests, interviews, observations, etc. See, e.g., Standards 9.02 and 9.09 of the APA’s Ethics Code.
d. Incorrect The information provided by computerized interpretations is limited and the accuracy of the interpretation depends on the quality of the service. Therefore, it cannot be concluded that computerized interpretations are necessarily the preferred method of score interpretation.
The correct answer is: computerized interpretations should always be supplemented with other information obtained by the psychologist.
The term “insanity” is a:
Select one:
A. popular (lay) term for a 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.
Insanity is a legal term that varies somewhat in terms of its definition from jurisdiction to jurisdiction.
a. Incorrect See explanation for response b.
b. CORRECT The term “insanity” is used in the legal arena and is not a psychiatric term. Generally, a defendant who pleads not guilty by reason of insanity is contending that he was precluded by a mental disease or defect from understanding the difference between right and wrong.
c. Incorrect See explanation for response b.
d. Incorrect See explanation for response b.
The correct answer is: legal, nonpsychiatric term for certain types of mental disorders.
Alice A., who has a master’s degree in clinical psychology but is not licensed, is hired by a community mental health clinic to, among other things, administer several standard psychological tests to adult clients. According to ethical guidelines, this is:
Select one:
A. acceptable as long as a professional clinical psychologist co-signs Alice’s evaluations.
B. acceptable as long as a professional clinical psychologist supervises Alice’s activities.
C. unacceptable since Alice is not a licensed psychologist.
D. unacceptable since Alice does not have a doctoral degree.
Ethical (and legal) guidelines do not prohibit the provision of all psychological services by individuals who are not licensed clinical psychologists. However, they do require that such persons be supervised by a professional clinical psychologist.
a. Incorrect This would not be considered adequate supervision.
b. CORRECT This answer is most consistent with ethical and legal guidelines. Alice may administer some psychological tests as long as she has been adequately trained and is supervised by a professional clinical psychologist. See, e.g., Standard 9.07 of he APA’s Ethics Code.
c. Incorrect See explanation above.
d. Incorrect See explanation above.
The correct answer is: acceptable as long as a professional clinical psychologist supervises Alice’s activities.
