TS - Ethics Domain Quiz

Question 1

Which statement about the Buckley Amendment is false?
Select one:

A.
The law includes provisions for limiting the disclosure of records.

B.
The Buckley Amendment is a state statute that protects the privacy of student school records.

C.
The law gives eligible students over age 18 and parents of minor students the right to inspect their own or their child’s educational records.

D.
Schools can release educational records to parents with written consent.

Answer 1

The correct answer is B.

This statement is false, as the Buckley Amendment is not a state statute but a federal law. Answers A, C, and D are all true statements.

Question 2

Which of the following is an acceptable means of advertising for psychologists?
Select one:

A.
Asking clients to refer others in order to receive a friends and family discount.

B.
Handing out brochures that accurately describe their services at a local health fair.

C.
Paying a local physician a finder’s fee to refer clients.

D.
Soliciting a testimonial from a current client.
Feedback

Answer 2

The correct answer is B.

Answer B contains nothing objectionable. Answer A requires some thought, as this is not prohibited in Section 5 of the APA Ethics Code, which covers advertising; however, this would create a harmful multiple relationship in which the client receives help from the therapist and facilitates the therapist’s practice at the same time. Kickbacks (answer C) are unethical according to Section 6.07 of the APA Ethics Code. Finally, psychologists cannot ethically solicit testimonials from current clients (answer D), given the power differential that exists in the therapeutic relationship; such solicitation would likely be coercive in nature.

Question 3

When it comes to standard of care, any clinician could make an error involving his or her judgment. However, what step is important concerning the clinician’s judgment?
Select one:

A.
That the clinician-client relationships are appropriate.

B.
To document how the judgment was made.

C.
Seeking consultation in regards to the judgment.

D.
Using judgment to make a proper diagnosis.

Answer 3

The correct answer is B.

All of these are especially important for a clinician to do; however, it is documentation of how the judgment was derived that is critical when it comes to the standard of care. All of the other answers are essential but if these are not documented, this can leave the clinician liable for not giving the standard of care to the client, which makes answers A, C, and D false.

Question 4

Dr. Hyde plans to conduct a study on the effects of social facilitation on college basketball players. He does not want the players to know the true nature of the study during participation. Which statement is most accurate?
Select one:

A.
This is an example of deception and could be ethical if the results have significant value and informing participants would negate the results.

B.
This is an example of uninformed consent and could be ethical under certain circumstances.

C.
This is an example of deception and is always considered unethical.

D.
This is an example of deception and could be ethical if no harm comes to the participants.

Answer 4

The correct answer is A.

Deception is a term used to describe a research study in which the true nature of the study is kept from the participants. This is ethical only when the results will bring significant value to psychology and informing participants would negate results. Uninformed consent (answer B) does not accurately describe deception. Though it could be unethical to use deception in research if it leads to the client being harmed (answer D), this is not the only deciding factor regarding whether the use of deception is considered ethical. As explained, there are times when deception could be ethical (answer C).

Question 5

You are contacted by the parents of one of your clients to release treatment records. In which of the following cases would the parent or guardian hold privilege for the client?
Select one:

A.
A 16-year-old male who is paying for his own therapy.

B.
A 19-year-old female college student who is seeking therapy through her parents’ insurance.

C.
An 18-year-old male who was referred for psychological testing by his mother.

D.
A 30-year-old with an IQ of 100, who still lives at home with his parents.

Answer 5

The correct answer is A.

The only issue that deserves attention here is the age of the client. A minor (i.e., under 18 years of age) does not hold privilege, which falls to the parent or guardian.

Question 6

Which standard includes the protection of the individual’s status of health, health care provisions, or payment for health care?
Select one:

A.
Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).

B.
Private Health Information (PHI).

C.
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS).

D.
Protected Health Information (PHI).

Answer 6

The correct answer is D.

Protected health information, or PHI, includes any information “about health status, provision of health care, or payment for health care that can be linked to an individual.” HIPAA is the first comprehensive rule for the privacy of personal health information where the PHI includes any information “about health status, provision of health care, or payment for health care that can be linked to an individual”, which makes answer A false. Answer B is incorrect, as PHI is described as “protected health information,” not “private health information.” The Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) is an organization of the federal government that protects the health of all Americans and provides essential human services, especially for those who are unable to help themselves, which makes answer C false.

Question 7

When psychologists have reason to suspect that a child is being abused or neglected, they should:
Select one:

A.
Report the suspected abuse or neglect only after obtaining consent from the victim.

B.
Report the suspected abuse or neglect only if the suspected perpetrator is not the client.

C.
Report the suspected abuse or neglect regardless of whether a client consents to the disclosure.

D.
Use their discretion and clinical judgment in determining whether reporting the suspected abuse or neglect will make the situation worse.

Answer 7

The correct answer is C.

When there is reasonable cause to suspect the occurrence of child abuse, the threshold for mandatory reporting has been reached. Answer A is incorrect, as consent is not needed to report child abuse. Answer B is incorrect, as child abuse must be reported regardless of who the perpetrator is. Answer D may be tempting, but the law is clear that if there is reason to suspect child abuse, it must be reported.

Question 8

Regarding animal research, the APA Ethics Code outlines standards for all of the following EXCEPT:
Select one:

A.
Care and housing of animals.

B.
Training of animal researchers.

C.
Experimental procedures involving animals.

D.
Acquisition of animals.

Answer 8

The correct answer is B.

There are specific guidelines in the APA Ethics Code relevant to answers A, C, and D. The code mentions that animal researchers should be adequately trained, but does not outline the standards for meeting this requirement.

Question 9

Vicky, a clinician, had a client confess to her that she had authorized the plug be pulled from her spouse’s life support because her spouse’s pain was excruciating. This was all done at the request of the client’s husband. Based on this confession, the therapist is obligated to:
Select one:

A.
Do nothing. The therapist is not obligated to report this incident.

B.
Break confidentiality with client and report this incident of assisted suicide.

C.
Convince the client to report the incident of assisted suicide, in order to maintain confidentiality.

D.
Obtain client consent so the therapist can talk to the facility where the incident of assisted suicide took place.

Answer 9

The correct answer is A.

A therapist is not obligated to report assisted suicide if the act has already occurred (for example, a man seeing a therapist after he assisted his wife, diagnosed with incurable cancer, with suicide). Given that the incident has already occurred, there is no present threat to self or others. Since there is no threat of suicide and it has already occurred, answers B, C, and D are all false.

Question 10

With respect to the APA Ethical Principles of Psychologists and Codes of Conduct, Standard 4, regarding privacy and confidentiality, which of the following is mostly incorrect regarding when a psychologist may disclose information?
Select one:

A.
Without consent under certain circumstances, unless prohibited by law.

B.
To protect the client/patient or other people, including the psychologist, from harm.

C.
To obtain payment for services but only if delinquent for at least one year.

D.
To obtain appropriate consultation, with minimal disclosure of identifying information.

Answer 10

The correct answer is C.

There are no provisions within Standard 4 that specify length of time or amount of money owed as criteria for disclosing information due to nonpayment. Answers A, B, and D are all statements from the Ethics Code.

Question 11

In the absence of a superseding requirement, the APA Record Keeping Guidelines (2007) suggest that full records should be retained for:
Select one:

A.
Seven years after the date of treatment completion for adults or three years after a minor reaches the age of majority, whichever is longer.

B.
Ten years after the date of treatment completion for adults or five years after a minor reaches the age of majority, whichever is longer.

C.
Six years after the record was created or six years after the record was last in effect, whichever is longer.

D.
Five years after the last date of treatment completion for adults or three years after a minor reaches the age of majority, whichever is longer.

Answer 11

The correct answer is A.

This is a challenging question simply because there are a variety of guidelines to consider. The 2007 APA guidelines are reflected in answer A. In reconciling different guidelines, remember to choose the most stringent applicable requirement.

Question 12

When working in military settings, psychologists should be aware that:
Select one:

A.
There is no expectation of privacy for military personnel receiving psychological services.

B.
Confidential information may be disclosed without a client’s consent in order to assist in lawful military investigations.

C.
Psychologists need not obtain informed consent when a member of the military has been referred by his or her superior for psychological assessment.

D.
Application of confidentiality is the same in military settings as it is in civilian settings.

Answer 12

The correct answer is B.

Although clients from the military have an expectation of privacy, they should be aware that there may be certain limitations to confidentiality. In particular, psychologists may be mandated to reveal confidential information to assist in lawful military investigations. Answer A is incorrect; although confidentiality is more limited, it is honored. Answer C is incorrect, as it is necessary to obtain informed consent. Further, informed consent becomes particularly important when working with clients from the military. Answer D is incorrect, as confidentiality is more limited in military settings than it is in civilian settings.

Question 13

Which of the following approaches would best ensure the ethical use of deception?
Select one:

A.
Do not use deception when the research study involves human participants.

B.
Use deception only when the benefits the research offers society greatly outweigh the harm it may cause participants.

C.
If deception is used, begin with informed consent and debrief the participants at the end of the research study.

D.
Only use deception when the study is likely to be of significant value to psychology and non-deceptive alternatives are infeasible.

Answer 13

The correct answer is D.

The APA Ethics Code allows for the use of deception only when the deceptive technique is justified by the study’s significant prospective scientific, educational, or applied value, and effective non-deceptive alternative procedures are not feasible (answer D). This allows for deception of human participants (answer A), but not if this leads to participants being harmed (answer B). Deception that leads to harm is always unethical (answer B). When deception is used, true informed consent is not obtained; therefore, answer C is not valid.

Question 14

According to the Ethics Code, psychologists may only barter for their services when:
Select one:

A.
The client cannot afford monetary remuneration.

B.
It is culturally sanctioned by the community in which the psychologist practices.

C.
The barter arrangement is not exploitative.

D.
It is clear that the bartered goods are payment for services rendered rather than a gift from the client.

Answer 14

The correct answer is C.

The major concern regarding bartering is exploitation. Answers A, B, and D are also important factors in accepting bartering as an arrangement, but answer C is the most important factor.

Question 15

According to the APA’s Ethical Principles of Psychologists and Code of Conduct (2002), which of the following statements about informed consent is least true?
Select one:

A.
Informed consent should always be obtained prior to beginning any therapeutic intervention.

B.
When an assessment is mandated by law, psychologists are not required to obtain informed consent from the individual being evaluated.

C.
When obtaining informed consent for research, psychologists should explain that a participant may withdraw from the research once participation has begun.

D.
Psychologists need not obtain informed consent for assessment from a client when the assessment is to evaluate the client’s competency to stand trial.

Answer 15

The correct answer is A.

Answer A is the least true, although generally psychologists should obtain informed consent before initiating therapy. Answers B and C are true and directly reflect standards in the Ethics Code. Answer D is also true; the rationale for this finding is explained in answer B, given that competency evaluations are legally mandated.

Question 16

According to the Ethics Code, refusing to cooperate with an ethics investigation is:
Select one:

A.
Permissible only if the matter under investigation could result in criminal charges and consultation with a lawyer is necessary.

B.
Automatic grounds for losing one’s license to practice psychology.

C.
An ethical violation.

D.
Acceptable if the person under investigation is a student or supervisee.

Answer 16

The correct answer is C.

This is clearly an ethical violation, but a process would be followed prior to loss of licensure.

Question 17

Employing a collection agency to recuperate delinquent fees from a former client is:
Select one:

A.
Unethical and not recommended by the APA.

B.
Legal but unethical, as it constitutes a misrepresentation of the psychologist’s fees.

C.
Ethical if the fees are more than six months overdue.

D.
Ethical if the client is informed that such measures will be taken and provided with the opportunity to make a prompt payment.

Answer 17

The correct answer is D.

It is ethical to use collection agencies if the client has been given the opportunity to correct the financial delinquency and steps are taken to maintain as much client confidentiality as possible.

Question 18

Dr. Fey’s client has been suffering from severe attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and asked Dr. Fey to provide neurofeedback therapy for him. Dr. Fey has never been trained in this area. What should he do?
Select one:

A.
Order the necessary equipment, read the manuals, and provide the therapy.

B.
Convince the client that other forms of therapy are more successful for treating ADHD.

C.
Search the Internet for neurofeedback training sites.

D.
Refer the client to a nearby clinic that is known for its specialization in neurofeedback.

Answer 18

The correct answer is D.

Dr. Fey should proceed with practicing outside his boundaries of competence only if no other resources are available. Otherwise, he must refer the client to an appropriate provider. Obtaining training to increase one’s competence while proceeding with a client (answer A) is acceptable only if no other viable option exists. Answers B and C are not actions that Dr. Fey should do in light of ADHD and biofeedback, making these answers false.

Question 19

Which of the following cases was the original basis of the insanity defense?
Select one:

A.
Tarasoff v. Regents of University of California.

B.
M’Naghten.

C.
Machine Gun Kelly.

D.
Protection and Advocacy for the Mentally Ill Individuals Act of 1986.

Answer 19

The correct answer is B.

The M’Naghten case in 1843 involved an individual with paranoid schizophrenia who killed the secretary of England’s prime minister. The defendant was deemed insane and thus not criminally responsible because of his mental illness. Answer A is incorrect, as it refers to a psychologist’s duty to warn an intended victim of a violent crime as well as the police, if such an intention to hurt has been revealed to the psychologist by his or her patient. Answer C is a distractor; Machine Gun Kelly is a famous forensic case from the Prohibitionist era. In the summer of 1933, he and an accomplice kidnapped oil magnate Charles Urschel, asking for and obtaining the largest ransom in history. Answer D is also incorrect, as it refers to an important act that defined disability criteria and established anti-discriminatory policies for mentally ill persons.

Question 20

Dr. Eberlein is a faculty member in the psychology department at State University. She wishes to date a male graduate student in the physics department at the same university. Is this ethical according to the APA Ethics Code?
Select one:

A.
Yes, as long as she has no evaluative role over this student.

B.
No, as the APA Ethics Code considers it unethical for a professor to date any student.

C.
Yes, as the APA Ethics Code does not dictate the private life of a psychologist.

D.
No, given the power differential between a faculty member and a student.

Answer 20

The correct answer is A.

The relevant standard is that sexual relationships are prohibited between psychologists and students over which they have evaluative authority. Hence, answer B is incorrect, as it is untrue. The APA Ethics Code does regulate private behavior regarding sexual relationships with clients, students, and supervisees; therefore, answer C is incorrect. Answer D is incorrect, as the crucial issue here is whether a power differential exists in this particular faculty-student pairing.

Question 21

The APA Ethics Code (2002) places an absolute prohibition on all of the following relationships EXCEPT:
Select one:

A.
A therapeutic relationship with a former sex partner.

B.
A sexual relationship with a current client.

C.
A sexual relationship with a former client.

D.
A sexual relationship with a close relative of a current client.

Answer 21

The correct answer is C.

All of these are strictly prohibited, except for a sexual relationship with a former client two years after termination (under very limited circumstances). Therefore, answers A, B, and D are incorrect.

Question 22

After a 28-year-old female client commits suicide, her bereaved mother asks to see her daughter’s therapy records so that she can try to understand what compelled her daughter to kill herself. You should:
Select one:

A.
Decline to provide any information, as confidentiality continues after death.

B.
Decline to provide information unless the mother is the executor of her daughter’s estate and she signs a release of information form.

C.
Provide information only if the mother signs an affidavit stating that she is the closest relative and signs a release of information.

D.
Provide information only if the mother provides a court order from a judge.

Answer 22

The correct answer is B.

After a client’s death, confidentiality is maintained (answer A), although access to records may be requested by the executor of the client’s estate. When there is no executor or administrator of the estate, therapy records may only be released to properly appointed legal representatives. Being a family member is insufficient reason to release records (answer C) and though a judge may have the authority to order therapy records (answer D), this is the not only means by which to release therapy records.

Question 23

You provide therapy to Jacob, a severely depressed 11-year-old boy, at the request of his mother. Prior to initiating therapy, you obtain informed consent for treatment from his mother. You later learn that Jacob’s parents are divorced and it is his father, not his mother, who is his legal guardian. In order to behave most ethically, you should:
Select one:

A.
Terminate therapy immediately because Jacob’s mother cannot legally provide consent for your services.

B.
Attempt to obtain informed consent from Jacob’s father.

C.
Continue to provide therapy without consent from Jacob’s father, as you believe that doing so is in Jacob’s best interest.

D.
Continue seeing Jacob for a brief length of time until he can be transferred to a therapist the father approves of.

Answer 23

The correct answer is B.

Answer C is clearly out of bounds, as this would mean that you are providing therapy to a minor without parental consent. Answer D is incorrect, as you still do not have consent and the father may not approve of therapy. Clinically speaking, it is important to preserve the therapeutic relationship if possible. Answer B leaves this possibility open.

Question 24

Which statement regarding a fact witness is accurate?
Select one:

A.
When a psychologist is called as a fact witness regarding a current or former client, he or she may release information only when the client waives confidentiality.

B.
Confidentiality is waived when a psychologist is ordered to appear in a court as a fact witness.

C.
A fact witness is always under oath and must give an accurate account of what he or she factually knows about the case.

D.
A fact witness is expected to share information that is relevant to finding the truth about the case he or she is testifying for.

Answer 24

The correct answer is C.

As it is the only answer that is completely accurate. By definition, a fact witness is under oath (answer A), regardless of whether he or she testifies before a court, writes a deposition, etc. A fact witness may release information when the client waives confidentiality (answer A) or when there is a court order to do so; therefore, answer A is incomplete. The client must waive confidentiality; it is not automatically waived just because the psychologist is called as a fact witness in a case (answer B). A fact witness is expected to share what he or she factually knows about the case and nothing more. This may or may not help to lead to the “truth” (answer D).

Question 25

A psychologist who violates a standard set by the APA Ethics Code can expect legal prosecution. This statement is: Select one: A. Never true. B. Sometimes true. C. Always true. D. Not applicable to the Ethics Code.

Answer 25

The correct answer is B. Ethical standards are not laws, but some laws duplicate ethical standards. Therefore, answers A, C, and D are incorrect.

Question 26

Dr. Vernon was ordered by the court to determine whether Melissa, a 25-year-old woman convicted of robbing a video store, is competent to stand trial. Dr. Vernon asks Melissa if she committed the crime, and Melissa replies that she did. Which of the following statements is most accurate? Select one: A. Dr. Vernon should reveal to the courts that Melissa admitted guilt in the evaluation. B. Dr. Vernon should assess whether Melissa is being truthful in her confession. C. Dr. Vernon should inform only the defending attorney and notify Melissa of this disclosure. D. Dr. Vernon's question was inappropriate.

Answer 26

The correct answer is D. Determining guilt or innocence is not the psychologist's responsibility. A competency evaluation must assess only whether the client is able to assist in his or her own defense. This question was inappropriate and could have legal repercussions for Dr. Vernon. Therefore, answers A, B, and C are incorrect.

Question 27

You are a clinical psychologist who begins seeing a 23-year-old woman for therapy. During your third session, the client reveals that she had a year-long sexual relationship with her previous therapist. Although the client knows that her previous therapist acted inappropriately, she feels ashamed for continuing the relationship for so long. Your most ethical course of action would be to: Select one: A. Confront the client's previous therapist about his ethical violation. B. Anonymously report the sexual relationship to the state licensing board. C. Discuss with the client whether she wishes to report the ethical violation. D. Process the issue with the client and investigate the extent of the trauma she experienced.

Answer 27

The correct answer is C. There are two things to bear in mind: This is something that should be reported to the ethics board, and the confidentiality of the client's disclosure must be maintained. In this discussion, the client may need your assistance in processing this relationship in order to reach the point of being empowered enough to file a complaint. Answers A and B violate the client's confidentiality. Answer D does not address the situation in its entirety, as answer C does. The client must be asked whether she wishes to report the abuse prior to receiving support to process its emotional effects.

Question 28

Dr. Savvy is conducting an evaluation of Mr. Shank to determine his competency to stand trial. Mr. Shank is facing homicide charges after killing a sheriff's deputy two weeks ago. Mr. Shank discloses that he has hidden a homemade wooden knife under his pillow in his jail cell and plans on killing a warden at the jail that night. Which of the following is true? Select one: A. Mr. Shank is competent to stand trial. B. Mr. Shank is not competent to stand trial. C. Mr. Shank is criminally insane. D. The psychologist should notify the prison officers, warn the intended victim, and/or take other reasonable steps to protect the threatened individual.

Answer 28

The correct answer is D. Although the psychologist is meeting the inmate to perform a competency to stand trial evaluation, this is a clear Tarasoff case. Based on this, the psychologist should take the necessary steps to protect the intended victim. All else is secondary. Hence, answers A and B are not relevant at this point. Answer C is not pertinent, as that is not what the psychologist was asked to determine in the evaluation.

Question 29

Dr. Leno and Dr. Kane are partners at a private practice in Nebraska. They met last week to discuss a case of Dr. Leno's that has recently become more complicated. Which of the following is true? Select one: A. Due to confidentiality laws, therapists must protect their client's information and may not discuss the case. B. They may discuss specific details as long as the name of the client is not shared. C. They may discuss only information relevant to treating the case, and they may not use identifying information. D. They may discuss the case only after an informed consent is signed.

Answer 29

The correct answer is C. In consulting about a case, confidentiality must be maintained by, at minimum, not providing identifying information. To ensure this, only information relevant to the consultation issue should be shared. Thus, answer B is close, but it neglects the fact that identifying information includes more than the client's name. Answers A and D are not relevant to consulting cases with counseling partners, but are practices that are relevant to clients, which makes answers A and D incorrect.

Question 30

A psychologist calls you to discuss a specific issue that has come up with one of their clients in therapy. This call is: Select one: A. Ethical only if you are the psychologist's supervisor and the client has been previously notified about the process of supervision. B. Unethical due to confidentiality laws. C. Ethical if no personally identifying information and extraneous details are given. D. Unethical if the client is unaware of the consultation and has not signed a release of information for you.

Answer 30

The correct answer is C. Consultation is a good practice but must not violate confidentiality. If no personally identifying information or extraneous details are given (answer C) during the consultation, then confidentiality is upheld and consultation is ethical. It would be ethical for a supervisee to consult with a supervisor (with proper agreements signed and notification given to the client), but this is not the only ethical means to consult and therefore answer A is not the best answer. The phone call could be ethical if it upholds confidentiality laws (answer B), even if a release of information is not signed (answer D) and therefore answers B and D are not the best answers.

Question 31

Terry has a client who is a minor and who has just confessed to her that he wants to commit suicide. What should be Terry's response to her client's confession? Select one: A. Convince her client to call the police and tell them that he is threatening suicide. B. To quickly call the police and make preparations for a 5150 to watch her client for 24 hours. C. Not take this adolescent's threat of suicide seriously. D. Call his parents and tell them about their son's threat.

Answer 31

The correct answer is D. If the patient who threatens to commit suicide is a minor, then his or her parents must be notified of the threat immediately. Police are an authority figure but they are not the parental guardian of the son, which would make answer A false. To quickly call the police and conduct a 5150 would be unethical to do for a minor, which makes answer B incorrect. Every suicide threat, irrespective of an adult or adolescent, should be taken seriously and due to the adolescent confessing suicide ideation, the parents should be notified, which makes answer C incorrect.

Question 32

Dr. Spessard is conducting an experiment on the effects of excess dopamine on receptors in a rat's brain. Before beginning his experiment, which of the following should be consulted to establish standards for his research? Select one: A. His university's Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee, state and federal laws and regulations governing the treatment of animals, and the APA Ethics Code. B. The Institutional Review Board (IRB). C. The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA). D. Previous findings on excess dopamine in rats' brains.

Answer 32

The correct answer is A. The Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee, relevant laws, and the APA Ethics Code must all be consulted prior to commencement of animal research. Answer B is incorrect because IRBs are federally established to govern research with humans, whereas the IACUCs are established for animal care. Answer C is incomplete and incorrect. The results of previous findings on excess dopamine in rats' brains are not necessary to submit as standards of research, making answer D incorrect.

Question 33

Sarah, a 17-year-old girl, reveals to her therapist that for the last two months she has been engaging in sexual activities with her math teacher. She states that she is in love with the teacher and that she has both consented to and suggested the sexual activities. Sarah begs the therapist not to tell anyone, especially her parents, about the relationship. The therapist should: Select one: A. Inform Sarah's parents about the relationship, as Sarah is a minor. B. Keep the relationship confidential because Sarah is a consenting participant. C. Report the math teacher for sexual abuse. D. Contact the math teacher and clarify the validity of the report.

Answer 33

The correct answer is C. This is clearly an instance of child abuse; a minor cannot legitimately consent to sexual activities with an adult. The therapist may very well also need to inform the parents, but this is a clinical judgment; thus, answer A is not as appropriate as answer C. Answer B is incorrect, as confidentiality does not apply in these circumstances. Answer D is incorrect, as one should not ask a child abuse recipient for the permission to talk with his or her perpetrator.

Question 34

Which of the following would NOT be considered a public statement by a psychologist? Select one: A. A membership account on Facebook. B. A grant application. C. An appearance as a "featured psychologist" on a talk show. D. Process notes.

Answer 34

The correct answer is D. Process notes are not accessible to the public. Public statements include paid or unpaid advertising, product endorsements, grant applications (answer B), licensing applications, other credentialing applications, brochures, printed matter, directory listings, personal resumes or curricula vitae, comments for use in media such as print or electronic transmission, statements in legal proceedings, lectures and public oral presentations (answer C), and published materials. A membership account on Facebook would not be considered a public statement by a psychologist (answer A); however, an advertising service on Facebook would be considered a public statement.

Question 35

Dr. Burke is asked to conduct a court-ordered custody evaluation of a six-year-old boy, which will require an evaluation of the child, mother, and father. He has been the mother's therapist for six months. Which of the following is his best course of action? Select one: A. Assess only the child and the father and allow another therapist to evaluate the mother. B. Conduct the custody evaluation. C. Decline the request to conduct the custody evaluation. D. Conduct the custody evaluation and note his role as the mother's therapist in the report.

Answer 35

The correct answer is C. Child custody evaluations must be objective and include an assessment of all three family members. Multiple relationships, including being a therapist to anyone in the family, make it impossible to conduct an objective assessment. The psychologist should not proceed with the evaluation under any circumstances. This rationale invalidates answers A, B, and D.

Question 36

Which of the following statements about psychologists who enter therapist-client sexual relationships is the least true? Select one: A. These psychologists are likely to enter sexual relationships with significantly younger clients. B. These psychologists are more likely to have lower levels of professional achievement. C. These psychologists are more likely to engage in nonsexual multiple relationships. D. These psychologists are likely using the sexual relationship to fulfill unmet needs in their personal lives.

Answer 36

The correct answer is B. There is no evidence to suggest that such psychologists are underachievers. The statements in answers A, C, and D are supported by research.

Question 37

According to Haley et al. (2008), certain psychiatric conditions appear to be more suited than others for treatment via telemental health (TMH) services. Which mental condition was NOT found to benefit from TMH services as much as others? Select one: A. Schizophrenia. B. Childhood psychiatric conditions. C. Obsessive-compulsive disorder. D. Panic attacks.

Answer 37

The correct answer is C. Haley et al. (2008) investigated the effectiveness of telemental health (TMH). They reviewed sixty-five "good to high quality" clinical studies and noted successful outcomes in child psychiatry as well as in the treatment of depression, schizophrenia, posttraumatic stress, panic disorders, substance abuse, suicide prevention, eating disorders, and dementia. Evidence was weaker with regard to managing obsessive-compulsive disorder. Hence, answers A, B, and D are incorrect, as all of these conditions are among those found to have benefited from TMH interventions.

Question 38

Which of the following is NOT required to gain licensure as a psychologist? Select one: A. Completion of doctoral training in psychology. B. Passing the EPPP. C. Passing the state jurisprudence exam. D. Passing the ethics exam.

Answer 38

The correct answer is D. There is no official "ethics exam," though some states may assess ethics through the state jurisprudence exam or oral exam. Answers A, B, and C are all requirements for licensure.

Question 39

Dr. Livewell has always provided pro bono psychological evaluations for certain clients whom he encounters in his "Coping with ADHD" workshop for parents. Which of the following clients would he most likely choose for this pro bono service? Select one: A. Eddie, a 12-year-old boy being raised by a single mother after his father was killed in military service. B. Jose, who has recently been prescribed Adderall for his ADHD. C. Mike, a 15-year-old with a very complex clinical presentation that intrigues Dr. Livewell. D. Liam, who requires a child custody evaluation, as his parents are currently undergoing divorce proceedings.

Answer 39

The correct answer is A. Pro bono work is designed to serve the public good, and scenario A best represents this aspiration. Answer B is a distractor; the client's medication status is not a central issue here. In answer C, conducting an evaluation of this client would satisfy Dr. Livewell's interest in the case; therefore, this is a type of personal compensation that goes against the spirit of pro bono work. Having a child evaluation for divorce custody proceedings is not considered therapeutic in a literal sense; therefore, answer D is false.

Question 40

A therapist receives a subpoena to testify about a client regarding a worker's compensation claim. The therapist knows the client may not be as "sick" as to warrant disability support, but believes the time off work would benefit the client's overall health. What is the ethical action to take? Select one: A. The therapist must follow the order of the subpoena and must tell the truth to the court. B. If the subpoena is not a court order, the therapist could refuse to testify. C. If the subpoena is a court order, the therapist should require a signed consent from the client. D. The therapist should do what is in the best interest of the client to ensure protection of the client's mental health status.

Answer 40

The correct answer is B. A subpoena is a legal command to testify about a client or to turn over client records to the court. A subpoena that is also a court order must be followed, but if it is not a court order (answer A), the therapist should refuse to give anything to the requesting party and should not even disclose whether the person is a client (answer B). If the subpoena is a court order, the clinician does not need a client release of information signed (answer C). Though a therapist should consider the best interests of the client, he or she must also uphold laws, even if the consequences are negative for the client (answer D). If a therapist is ordered by a judge to share in court, the therapist must share honestly, although he or she should share only minimum information and nothing more than what was requested.

Question 41

State licensing boards govern a psychologist's: Select one: A. Professional and personal behavior. B. Professional fees. C. Professional behavior. D. Involvement in legal cases.

Answer 41

The correct answer is C. State boards primarily govern professional behavior. At times, if personal behavior interferes with appropriate professional behavior, that may be governed as well (answer A), but this is a rare occurrence. State boards govern neither professional fees or legal cases, which makes answers B and D incorrect.

Question 42

You are a school psychologist conducting research on the effectiveness of a program aimed at increasing self-esteem in fifth-grade girls. You have obtained informed consent for participation in the program and the study from all of the fifth-grade girls' parents. However, one of the fifth-grade girls tells you that she does not want to be a part of the study. Ethically, the best course of action would be to: Select one: A. Ask the girl's parents to convince her to participate in the study. B. Include the girl in the study since you have consent from her legal guardians. C. Provide the girl with an incentive to remain in the study. D. Allow the girl to withdraw from the study.

Answer 42

The correct answer is D. Even if a participant provides informed consent to participate in a study, he or she is free to withdraw from the study without penalty or attempts at coercion.

Question 43

An expert witness is defined as: Select one: A. One who testifies about facts relevant to the particular case. B. One who can testify because of his or her special knowledge about a subject related to the case. C. One who has undergone extensive training in forensic psychology. D. A legal term for a psychologist who testifies in court.

Answer 43

The correct answer is B. Answer A refers to a fact witness. Expert witnesses often have extensive training in forensic psychology, but not every psychologist with expert training in forensic psychology proceeds to testify as an expert witness (answer C). Answer D is not entirely correct for two reasons: 1) Expert witnesses refer to other professionals as well as psychologists, and 2) psychologists may also testify as fact witnesses in court.

Question 44

Dr. Smiley is an intern at the XYZ Training Clinic. Which of the following should she be sure to mention to her clients in their first meeting? Select one: A. She is being supervised by a licensed psychologist. B. She is not a "real psychologist" yet and will be receiving consultation from other psychologists. C. The name of her doctoral training program. D. She will be at the clinic on a time-limited basis and that therapy will be short-term in nature.

Answer 44

The correct answer is A. All supervisees must disclose the fact that they are being supervised and the name of their supervisor. Answer B constitutes very poor clinical judgment, as it creates very low expectations on the part of the client. There is nothing wrong with disclosing the name of her doctoral program (answer C) but it is not critical information. As many clients do not consider several months of therapy to be "short term," perhaps this sort of discussion will need to take place if the internship is only one year long.

Question 45

Online clinicians must abide by the same set of ethics and professional principles that guide their in-office practice, plus additional principles that do NOT include: Select one: A. Informing the client of issues related to confidentiality when communicating via the Internet. B. Making sure that the clinician is competent in the use of the computer and Internet prior to treatment delivery. C. Implementing online-specific treatment approaches. D. Informing the client that insurance reimbursement for online therapy is not a guarantee.

Answer 45

The correct answer is C. Online-specific treatments do not exist. All of the other answers are valid, ethical principles that guide the practice of psychotherapy and mental health services. However, answer C is not considered an additional, specific "online practice" principle. The emergence of telemental health may actually fill in the gaps by providing specific, specialized services in areas that have limited access to medical and mental health services.

Question 46

Your client has arrived for an assessment. During preparation, you realize that you are missing some of the TAT cards; however, you happen to have a photocopy of the entire set. As an ethical psychologist, you should: Select one: A. Supplement from the photocopied set. B. Use another projective test or reschedule with the client so that you can purchase a new set of TAT cards. C. Refer the client to another professional. D. Use the photocopied set.

Answer 46

The correct answer is B. None of the answers are ideal because an error has already occurred, but answer B minimizes the damage. Answers A and D are very poor; using a photocopy of projective testing materials invalidates the test. Answer C is potentially acceptable but most likely problematic; abrupt termination with a client with no attempt to reconcile the problem could be considered abandonment at worst and poor clinical practice at best.

Question 47

When a client makes a serious suicidal threat, a breach of confidentiality is: Select one: A. Imperative. B. Unethical, unless waived by the patient. C. Illegal. D. Unnecessary.

Answer 47

The correct answer is A. Confidentiality must be broken if the client is at risk of imminent harm.

Question 48

A therapist who testifies as a fact witness in a case involving a client is: Select one: A. Ethical if he or she has not treated the client for two years. B. Ethical only if privilege is waived by the client, or under court order. C. Unethical because this would constitute a multiple relationship. D. Unethical unless the testimony would benefit the client.

Answer 48

The correct answer is B. The ethical issue here is whether the client maintains privilege over the contents of the therapeutic exchange. Length of time (answer A) is not relevant. Testifying as a fact witness does not constitute a multiple relationship (answer C). Answer D seems reasonable, but psychologists may be required by the court to disclose information that could be unfavorable to the client. Complying with such orders would be ethical.

Question 49

Molly Sue, a 16-year-old, coming to Dr. Ash for her first appointment, begins to talk about how she "wants to die" and describes how she cuts herself with razors at night. Which of the following actions should Dr. Ash take? Select one: A. Call the suicide and crisis team to assist with assessing the degree of threat. B. Call her mother first and disclose the suicidal threat made by Molly Sue. C. Keep Molly Sue in session longer so that she can talk about her feelings in more depth. D. Encourage Molly Sue to sign a contract for safety, and then explore the roots of her suicidal tendency.

Answer 49

The correct answer is B. Psychologists working with minors who are at a risk of suicide must contact the minor's parents. The police may also need to be called if the minor needs to be hospitalized involuntarily, but this would be a subsequent step. Confidentiality is waived in such emergency situations. Answer C is inappropriate; given the urgency and seriousness of the situation, the parents must be contacted right away. Answer D may be advisable at a later point, but the issue at hand is the minor's immediate safety.

Question 50

A supervisor's role is best described as: Select one: A. Mentor, teacher, and evaluator. B. Teacher, counselor, and friend. C. Advisor, mentor, and evaluator. D. Mentor, evaluator, and therapist.

Answer 50

The correct answer is A. Although a supervisor plays many roles for the trainee, including being a cheerleader for their growth, the supervisor's primary roles are those of mentor, teacher, and evaluator. Therefore, answers B, C, and D are incorrect.

Question 51

Dr. Warbucks is seeing Annie for a pro bono psychological evaluation. Which of the following does NOT require discussion at their initial appointment? Select one: A. Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act laws. B. Fee for services. C. Informed consent. D. The no-show policy held by the doctor's office.

Answer 51

The correct answer is B. Pro bono work does not involve payment for services. HIPAA laws (answer A) must be explained to all clients, and informed consent (answer C) must be obtained from all clients. One may decide that a no-show policy (answer D) is unnecessary, as no fee is being charged; however, it is good business practice to request that clients provide advance notice of cancelations, regardless of whether fees are involved.

Question 52

After 10 sessions with a client, you see the client at your church and realize that you both go to the same church. You decide to continue seeing the client because your church is so large that you would rarely have contact with the client in that setting. This decision is ethical if: Select one: A. You have received your client's understanding and acceptance of this situation. B. Your client continues to make progress in therapy. C. There is no risk of impaired objectivity for the therapist or exploitation of the client. D. You do not bring up church events, people, or topics in therapy.

Answer 52

After 10 sessions with a client, you see the client at your church and realize that you both go to the same church. You decide to continue seeing the client because your church is so large that you would rarely have contact with the client in that setting. This decision is ethical if: Select one: A. You have received your client's understanding and acceptance of this situation. B. Your client continues to make progress in therapy. C. There is no risk of impaired objectivity for the therapist or exploitation of the client. D. You do not bring up church events, people, or topics in therapy.

Question 53

Which of the following psychologists conducted a study involving deception that is now considered unethical? Select one: A. Milgram. B. Freud. C. Maslow. D. Kahneman.

Answer 53

The correct answer is A. Stanley Milgram conducted a study in which participants believed that they were delivering electric shocks to fellow participants, but no shocks were actually delivered. The individual they believed they were delivering shocks to was a confederate. This study was a major reason for the discipline adopting standards for the use of deception in research. Answers B, C, and D are incorrect, as these psychologists did not conduct such experiments.

Question 54

Which of the following was created to set standards for the privacy, use, and dissemination of health care information? Select one: A. State mental health laws. B. HIPAA. C. FERPA. D. Tarasoff.

Answer 54

The correct answer is B. HIPAA was designed to set the standard for the privacy and use of health care information. Answer A is incorrect; state laws also regulate this but vary and are not designed to set a federal standard in the way that HIPAA does. FERPA (answer C) is incorrect, as it deals with educational records, and Tarasoff (answer D) involves the "duty to protect," in which psychologists and other mental health professionals must disclose threats made by a client against a reasonably identifiable third party.

Question 55

A "no suicide" contract is used: Select one: A. As a legal document. B. In lieu of calling the police. C. When a client expresses ideation but no plan or serious intent to harm him or herself. D. When a client has expressed ideation and serious intent but no plan.

Answer 55

The correct answer is C. Answer C is the appropriate situation for the use of a "no suicide" contract. "No suicide" contracts are a clinical tool but are not legally enforceable, making answer A incorrect. Answer B is incorrect; if the police must be called due to an imminent risk, such a contract would be inadvisable. Answer D is also incorrect, as these types of contracts are used clinically when clients have suicidal thoughts but no serious intent. If there is intent, with or without a plan, more stringent precautions must be taken.

Question 56

``` Nathan is an undergraduate student taking an introductory psychology class. As a class requirement, all students are expected to volunteer as research participants in a study being conducted by the professor's graduate students. Nathan is uncomfortable with this and asks the professor if he may be excused from the requirement. The professor tells Nathan that participating in a research study is an important part of the learning experience and that he will not receive full credit for the class if he refuses to act as a research participant. In this situation, Nathan's professor has acted: Select one: ``` A. Ethically because all students must be held to the same standards as outlined in the syllabus. ``` B. Unethically, as a student should not be pushed into volunteering as a research participant by means of withholding class credits. ``` ``` C. Ethically, as the professor should have the academic freedom and authority to teach her class as she thinks is best. ``` D. Unethically because the professor should have provided an equitable alternative activity to students who did not wish to act as research participants.

Answer 56

The correct answer is D. Answers A and C miss the ethical problem involved. Answer B is true but is not as comprehensive as answer D.

Question 57

When consulting with another psychologist on a specific case, how would you decide what information to share and what not to share? Select one: A. Do not share personal identifying information about your client or details not specifically related to the reason for consultation. B. Share only what is needed to receive appropriate consultation. C. Share only information indicated in the release of information signed by the client. D. Do not share information that could incriminate the client.

Answer 57

The correct answer is A. Consultation is ethical, even without a release of information from the client (answer C), as long as one does not share personally identifying information or information unrelated to the topic of consultation. Answers B and D are logical but are not specific guidelines for psychologists to follow.

Question 58

Brian has a testing session with Dr. Score, who has been hired by Brian's psychotherapist, Dr. Care, to help clarify Brian's psychological diagnosis. Dr. Score administers the MMPI-2 and writes his report. In the report, Dr. Score writes that, according to the results of the test, Brian's diagnosis is schizoaffective disorder. Which of the following choices is correct? Select one: A. Dr. Score and Dr. Care should consult to discuss the test results in order to give Brian an appropriate diagnosis. B. The diagnosis is not likely to be correct, as it is based on only one test. C. Dr. Score should have used a more comprehensive testing approach to develop a diagnostic impression. D. Given that the MMPI is a widely used reliable test, the diagnosis is likely to be correct.

Answer 58

The correct answer is C. Dr. Score needs to use a more comprehensive testing battery and appropriate clinical interviews to effectively discern a diagnosis for Brian. For his part, Dr. Care will formulate his diagnostic impression based on his intake, client's reports, clinical interviews, and observation. Answer B is possibly true but is not as good a choice as answer C. Answer A is great but unlikely; realistically, it is much more likely that Dr. Score will send the results to Dr. Care rather than meet and discuss them with him. Answer D is not the best choice either; the MMPI is indeed a very established instrument, but other sources need to be used to corroborate its scores and confirm a diagnostic impression. Per the APA, when using psychological testing to diagnose mental disorders, it is unethical to provide a diagnosis based on one score. Instead, multiple methods should be used and the results should converge in supporting the diagnosis. In addition, in most cases, psychologists do not provide opinions on the psychological characteristics of an individual unless they have personally examined him or her (APA, 2002).

Question 59

The APA Ethics Code consists of: Select one: A. Introduction, preamble, five specific principles, and general ethical standards. B. Introduction, preamble, five general principles, and specific ethical standards. C. Introduction, preamble, five distinct principles, and general ethical standards. D. Introduction, preamble, five overall principles, and specific ethical standards.

Answer 59

The correct answer is B. The American Psychological Association (APA) Ethical Principles of Psychologists and Code of Conduct, or the "Ethics Code," consists of an introduction, preamble, five general principles, and specific ethical standards. Therefore, answers A, C, and D are incorrect.

Question 60

Kelly has been seeing a therapist for talk therapy regarding her recurrent depression for approximately one year. Her therapist recently offered to provide hypnotherapy to explore possible subconscious aspects of her mood disorder. Her therapist has never been professionally trained in this area but recently read an article hailing the efficacy of hypnotherapy and depression. The therapist's offer was: Select one: A. Ethical because the therapist has undertaken research on the subject and can seek training and consultation as the therapy progresses. B. Unethical because it is beyond the therapist's boundaries of competence. C. Ethical if the technique works, but unethical if the treatment puts the client at risk. D. Ethical if he is the only therapist in a rural town.

Answer 60

The correct answer is B. Reading one article does not provide sufficient knowledge to establish professional competence with the technique. Practicing outside of one's area of competence is unethical, which makes answer A incorrect. The therapist should not initiate such activity; therefore, the outcome of the intervention is a moot point, which makes answer C wrong. Practicing in rural areas presents a challenge with respect to some ethical standards, but providing hypnotherapy for depression is not the only option available for this client; this makes answer D an incorrect choice.

Question 61

Dr. Riley recently spoke to a group of teachers at a local school about the symptoms of autism. She later realized that there was a misprint in her handout that may have led the group to think that the disorder is completely curable in all children. What should she do? Select one: A. Make every effort to correct the misprint before the next presentation without informing the previous group. B. Make every effort to inform the teachers about the false information (via a letter or email, for example). C. Make every effort to gather all of the teachers and apologize to them for the misprint. D. Make every effort to contact the principal and tell him or her to inform the teachers of the misprint.

Answer 61

The correct answer is B. When a mistake in public statements is discovered, all steps necessary to amend the false information must be taken. Answer A stops the future occurrence of the error but does not amend the previous error. Answer C is incorrect, as the focus should be on amending the false information rather than apologizing. Answer D is incorrect because the psychologist must take responsibility for clarifying and amending the false information rather than pass that responsibility to another person.

Question 62

The ability to stand trial refers to a legal decision as to whether a person can participate meaningfully in, or understand, his or her own defense in a criminal case. This ability is called: Select one: A. Competency to stand trial. B. Sanity. C. Privilege. D. Criminal responsibility.

Answer 62

The correct answer is A. Competency to stand trial deals with a person's ability to participate in his or her own defense. Answer B is incorrect, as insanity relates to whether a person could determine right from wrong at the time of a crime. Privilege (answer C) is a legal term referring to an individual's right to refuse to have his or her information revealed or released in legal proceedings. Criminal responsibility (answer D) refers to the assessment of a person's mental status at the time an alleged crime was committed.

Question 63

Haley et al. (2008) researched the effectiveness of telemental health (TMH) services. According to their results, which telecommunication methods were found to have produced better-quality results in the treatment of psychiatric conditions? Select one: A. Telephone and the Internet. B. Professional psychological forums. C. Email and chat rooms. D. Electronic social networks.

Answer 63

The correct answer is A. Haley et al. found that telemental health (TMH) interventions were of better quality when delivered via the Internet and telephone as opposed to other forms of telecommunication. This renders answers B, C, and D incorrect.

Question 64

A psychologist is treating a client in severe distress who is currently unable to afford her health insurance co-payment. In order to act in the most ethical manner, the psychologist should: Select one: A. Continue to see the client, but waive the insurance co-payment. B. See the client on a pro bono basis and stop submitting claims to the insurance company. C. Postpone therapy until the client is able to afford the co-payment. D. Terminate therapy in a reasonable and planned manner and refer the client to a low-cost clinic.

Answer 64

The correct answer is B. It is the most ethical choice, albeit not financially rewarding. Answer A would constitute insurance fraud. Given that the client is in severe distress, postponement (answer C) or termination (answer D) are not options, as these constitute abandonment.

Question 65

Sarah's mother contacted her 10-year-old daughter's elementary school to request copies of her academic records. Under the Buckley Amendment (1974), the school must: Select one: A. Release the records to Sarah's mother. B. Release the records to Sarah. C. Withhold the records due to privacy issues. D. Release the records after petitioning the school administration.

Answer 65

The correct answer is A. Parents of minor children (under 18 years old) have the right to access the minor's educational records, as a result of the Buckley Amendment. Answer B is incorrect, as Sarah is too young for the records to be released to her. Answers C and D are distractors.

Question 66

Pretermination therapy is: Select one: A. Helpful for clients to process upcoming termination from therapy. B. Unethical because it causes undue stress to the client. C. Ethical and mandated in all circumstances. D. Based originally on a Gestalt technique.

Answer 66

The correct answer is A. Rather than placing stress on the client (answer B), it is an opportunity to appropriately process reactions to the termination. It is not mandated if a client or managed care company terminates the therapy unexpectedly (answer C). Answer D is irrelevant to pretermination therapy, as the therapy was never involved in the origins of Gestalt therapy.

Question 67

You are a civilian psychologist practicing in a town that is near a large army base. A young enlisted man comes to you for therapy, saying that he feels slightly depressed. He tells you that he wants to get help but is afraid of what would happen if his commanding officer discovered that he was undergoing therapy. The client tells you that he is willing to pay out-of-pocket and asks you not to keep any records of your sessions with him. Your best course of action would be to: Select one: A. Agree not to keep any records, as no third-party payers are involved and the client's job might be in jeopardy if his records were ever released. B. Tell the client that you will only keep psychotherapy notes to help you conceptualize his case but that you will not create a record that includes any identifying information. C. Inform the client that you have an ethical obligation to maintain accurate records and inform him of the limits of confidentiality associated with those records and the steps you can take to maintain his confidentiality. D. Refer the client to an army psychologist.

Answer 67

The correct answer is C. The best course of action is to explain your ethical responsibilities to maintain records and how confidentiality is upheld in the maintenance of said records. Referring him to the military psychologist (answer D) does not address the client's concern. Answers A and B are unacceptable because psychologists have an ethical duty to keep records of any services that are provided.

Question 68

You have a new psychotherapy client and you request records from the psychologist who conducted your client's psychological evaluation. The previous psychologist diagnosed the client with major depression based solely on his or her score on the BDI-II. What is the best initial step in this situation? Select one: A. Discuss your concerns about the evaluation with the previous psychologist. B. Re-administer the BDI-II to assess whether the client still has a diagnosis of major depression. C. Tell your client that the psychological evaluation was conducted improperly. D. Call the state's licensing board and file a formal complaint about the previous psychologist.

Answer 68

The correct answer is A. Diagnosis in psychological testing should be formed using multiple methods rather than one self-report measure. According to the APA Ethics Code, the first step to take in addressing a potential ethical issue is to discuss the matter with the colleague whose professional conduct you have concerns about (answer D skips this step). Administering the BDI-II again (answer B) is a good idea, but again, the score alone does not tell you whether the diagnosis is appropriate. Answer C may be tempting but much more consideration is necessary before resorting to this step, and it would help to speak with the previous psychologist first to understand the context of this report. One would need to be cautious about distress to the client resulting from hearing your opinion about the evaluation.

Question 69

Taj's tutor contacts the school Taj attends to request his recent report card. Taj is 18 years old. Under the Buckley Amendment, what is the best course of action the school should take? Select one: A. Obtain the school administration department's approval for the release of the report card, provide the tutor with a copy, and inform Taj that his tutor has received a copy of the report card. B. Provide the tutor with a copy of the report card in addition to Taj's entire academic file. C. Deny the tutor's request. D. Advise the tutor to speak directly with Taj's teachers.

Answer 69

The correct answer is C. There is nothing to indicate that the tutor has obtained written consent from Taj to view his records. Therefore, the school must deny this request. Answer B violates the Buckley Amendment, which makes it incorrect. Answers A and D are possible options, but not the preferred course of action according to the Buckley Amendment.

Question 70

You are a clinical psychologist working in a small group practice. You discover that one of your colleagues, Dr. Flemming, has been billing an insurance company for therapy sessions that never occurred. When you confront Dr. Flemming about the matter, he states that the issue is none of your business and that he plans on continuing his behavior. Your best course of action would be to: Select one: A. Let the matter drop so as not to violate Dr. Flemming's confidentiality. B. Report Dr. Flemming to the appropriate ethics committee. C. Have the administrative secretary at the practice double-check Dr. Flemming's insurance claims before they are submitted. D. Continue to monitor the situation and consult with a trusted colleague.

Answer 70

The correct answer is B. Your attempt at informal resolution was the correct first step. Given that this step did not produce any results, you have no choice but to report your colleague.

Question 71

Dr. Delphica is providing therapy to a 14-year-old female client. After several sessions, the client discloses that she has been contemplating suicide and has a stash of her mother's sleeping pills hidden beneath her bed. The client begs Dr. Delphica not to say anything to her parents because she does not want them to worry. Dr. Delphica should: Select one: A. Inform the client's parents that their daughter is suicidal and has a cache of sleeping pills. B. Agree not to reveal the client's suicidal thoughts to her parents only if she agrees to a no-suicide contract. C. Agree to the client's request but tell her parents about her suicidal thoughts without her knowledge. D. Maintain the client's confidentiality because, at age 14, she is considered an "emancipated minor."

Answer 71

The correct answer is A. Dr. Delphica's primary responsibility is to ensure the client's safety. Given the client's age, informing the parents is, in most cases, an essential part of treating the client's suicidal ideation. There may be an exception to this in cases in which informing a client's parents may be detrimental, such as those involving parents who generally act in a manner that is detrimental to the child. However, there is nothing in this scenario to suggest this, as the client notes that her parents are likely to worry about her. Answer B may help but is not decisive enough given the gravity of the situation and the fact that the client is a minor. Answer C is not acceptable, as lying to clients is unethical. Answer D is partly true, as in some states 14-year-olds are "mature minors" capable of consenting to treatment. However, the parents retain the right to information about their child's treatment, and this is certainly a situation in which they should be informed.

Question 72

What would be the most ethical action for an expert witness? Select one: A. Providing a professional opinion about the event in question. B. Sharing factual data on the witness stand in reference to his or her client. C. Giving the criteria for a diagnosis of schizophrenia to a jury. D. Being objective when testifying about the accuracy of a colleague's statement.

Answer 72

The correct answer is C. An expert witness is most ethical when acting as an impartial educator for the jury. Answer A is incorrect because an expert witness is typically not present at the event that is discussed (this is a fact witness). Answer B is incorrect because it is not recommended that a psychologist sit on the stand for a client, as it is difficult to remain objective. Answer D is incorrect because being an expert witness for an acquaintance, including a colleague, can impair a psychologist's objectivity.

Question 73

Which of the following terms is NOT related to a court-ordered child custody evaluation? Select one: A. Least restrictive environment. B. Informed consent. C. Limits of confidentiality. D. Best interests of the child.

Answer 73

The correct answer is A. Least restrictive environment is a term used in educational settings to determine classroom placements for students with disabilities. Answer B is incorrect; in child custody evaluations, informed consent must be obtained from adult participants and the limits of confidentiality (answer C) must be explained. Answer D is incorrect, as the court uses the evaluation results to determine which course of action is in the best interests of the child.

Question 74

Dr. Boncore is considering devoting some of her clinical hours to pro bono work. Which of the following activities would NOT be considered pro bono according to the definition in the Ethics Code? Select one: A. Accepting bartering in place of monetary payment. B. Visiting geriatric patients at a nursing home on Friday mornings. C. Accepting patients in private practice under arrangements other than payment of the regular fee. D. Accepting a patient who may have remunerative employment.

Answer 74

The correct answer is A. While all of the other choices could potentially entail pro bono work, bartering does not. Bartering is simply an alternative form of payment, but it is still payment. In contrast, pro bono work entails no compensation for the psychologist. Therefore, answers B, C, and D, as nebulous as they are (none of them clearly spell out the fact that there is no payment involved) could all potentially describe pro bono work. Visiting geriatric patients is the most obvious of these choices, as this is a likely circumstance for pro bono work. Accepting patients under arrangements other than payment of the regular fee may entail no payment at all, and taking on a patient who may have remunerative employment does not exclude the possibility of seeing him or her for free (e.g., he or she needs individual counseling support but his or her finances may be strained due to a family member's expensive medical treatment).

Question 75

Twelve-year-old Tommy lives with his mother, who obtained full custody after divorcing Tommy's father. Last March, Tommy's paternal grandfather passed away, and recently, his father recommended that Tommy receive therapy to address his issues of grief. Tommy's mother agreed, but only if the father paid for the sessions. Who should sign the informed consent? Select one: A. His mother. B. His father. C. Both parents. D. Tommy, his mother, and his father.

Answer 75

The correct answer is A. The scenario distracts by including an unusual request by the mother. Remember that the consent form (the only issue here) is signed by the custodial parent (answer A), not the parent paying for therapy (answers B and C). As a minor, Tommy is not able to consent to his own treatment (answer D).

Question 76

Dr. Hull is asked to perform an evaluation of a 20-year-old woman who has been accused of stealing merchandise from a local mall, to determine her competency to stand trial. During the evaluation, he will: Select one: A. Determine whether the woman is criminally insane. B. Determine whether the woman can assist in her own defense at trial. C. Determine whether an inpatient mental health facility or conservator is the best choice for her. D. Determine whether the woman was competent at the time the alleged crime was committed.

Answer 76

The correct answer is B. The sole issue is the woman's ability to assist in her own defense. Answer A is incorrect, as criminal insanity is a separate issue from competency to stand trial. Answer C is incorrect; if the woman was found not competent to stand trial, she may be placed in a mental health inpatient facility for treatment until found competent, but considering the full extent of answer C, answer B is the preferred choice. Answer D is incorrect because the issue is her mental status at present rather than when the crime was committed.

Question 77

Dr. Boswell receives a subpoena regarding her client Lilly's upcoming court case. Which of the following should Dr. Boswell do first? Select one: A. Contact the client to see if she wants to invoke or waive privilege. B. Take the records to court at the appointed time. C. Determine whether the subpoena constitutes a court order. D. Assert privilege on behalf of her client.

Answer 77

The correct answer is C. The first issue is to clarify whether the client has the right to refuse the release of information, in which case consent becomes an issue. Thus, one needs to determine whether the subpoena carries the weight of a court order. After determining whether the subpoena is a court order, then the client should be contacted (answer A) to find out if he/she would like to invoke or waive privilege. Generally, a psychologist will assert privilege on behalf of the client (answer D); however, this is done in the court and is the decision of the client, not in response to subpoena. The decision to take records to court (answer B) is premature at this time and would depend on the type of subpoena, that is, subpoena duces tecum, which is not indicated in this question.

Question 78

You are called to court to testify as a fact witness regarding your client's case. Which of the following would be a question that you would expect to be asked? Select one: A. Is there a correlation in child populations between autism and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder? B. Did your client mention taking a trip to Tahiti on June 10? C. Does your client seem to benefit more from psychodynamic or cognitive-behavioral therapy? D. Has your client shown improvement after taking Risperdal?

Answer 78

The correct answer is B. Fact witnesses cannot testify regarding their opinions as a psychologist. A fact witness is defined as someone who testifies in court because of his or her direct knowledge of an event. Thus, answers A, C, and D involve questions that are unwarranted.

Question 79

Dr. Sund was treating 11-year-old Cindy in therapy while she spent the summer with her father, who paid for all the sessions. When Cindy's mother, the custodial parent, found out, she was unhappy and asked Dr. Sund to stop the counseling. What should Dr. Sund do? Select one: A. Continue therapy with Cindy because her father was paying for it and she was making good progress. B. Ask Cindy's mother to let him have a last session with Cindy to terminate. C. Assess Cindy's maturity level to consent to her own treatment and whether the symptoms warrant an exception to receiving parental consent. D. Call Cindy's father and let him know that he must terminate immediately.

Answer 79

The correct answer is B. Answer A is the most inappropriate response, as the custodial parent must consent to the child's therapy. Of the remaining options, answer B makes the most sense; one can appeal to the custodial mother to have an appropriate goodbye with the client. An ideal response would be to attempt to involve the mother in Cindy's treatment so that she would be more likely to consent to a continuation of the therapy; this answer is the most likely to facilitate this eventual outcome. Some states allow for minors to consent to their own treatment, but never someone under the age of 12 (answer C). Answer D is an option but is too abrupt and does not attempt to negotiate a cooperative outcome for the case.

Question 80

What is the best course of action for a counselor who lacks competence in a certain area? Select one: A. Consult several counselors to decide the best course of treatment. B. Inform clients of his or her lack of competence, have them sign an informed consent form, and proceed with treatment. C. Provide the service as long as a "reasonable effort" is made to obtain the necessary competence through research, consultation, and training. D. Dismiss service and refer the client to another counselor.

Answer 80

The correct answer is D. The best course of action for a counselor who lacks competence is to dismiss or decline service and refer the client to another counselor. Answer A refers to counselors who may need assistance in how to proceed with a case. Answer B is incorrect; even though the counselor informed the client, failure to refer the client to a competent therapist is a sign of negligence and is therefore unethical. Answer C only applies when there are no suitably qualified therapists available.

Question 81

According to the APA Ethics Code (2002), psychologists may conduct a study involving deception when: Select one: A. The study requires participants to be naïve to the purpose of the research. B. Effective non-deceptive alternative procedures are more expensive or time-consuming. C. The use of deceptive techniques is justified by the study's significant prospective scientific value. D. Psychologists are certain that no aspect of the study will cause harm to the participants.

Answer 81

The correct answer is C. To justify the use of deception in a study, the scientific benefits of the study must outweigh the costs or harm of using deception but not necessarily eliminate them. Answer B is close to being correct; the other criterion for using deception is that alternate procedures are infeasible or ineffective. However, the fact that they are more expensive or time-consuming does not mean that they are infeasible or ineffective.

Question 82

Which of the following would NOT be an ethical reason to terminate therapy with a client? Select one: A. The therapist feels threatened by the client. B. The therapist does not feel that he or she can remain objective in therapy. C. The therapist believes that all therapy goals have been achieved. D. The therapist feels he or she is failing to effectively treat this client, although the client has shown significant improvement in several areas of his or her life.

Answer 82

The correct answer is D. The psychologist's subjective feelings of inefficacy regarding treating the client are disproved by the client's objective improvement in his or her life, so it would not be ethical for the psychologist to terminate. It sounds instead as if the psychologist may be dealing with personal issues that are perceived to be interfering with treatment. Perhaps he could use supervision, consultation, a vacation, or any combination of the above. Answers A, B, and C are ethical reasons to terminate therapy.