Ethics and Professional Issues

Question 1

Dr. Lee A. Sonn, a 50 year old psychology professor at a small private college, begins a sexual relationship with one of his seminar student, a 45 yeear old woman who has recently returned to college to get a masters degree in psychology after a 20 year absence. The professor has told the woman that he and his wife are separated and in the process of getting a divorcee. Dr. Sonn’s behavior:

a. may be ethical as long as he has determined that the woman is not “vulnerable to undue influence.”
b. is unethical and represents a violation of the Ethics Code’s prohibition against sexual intimacies with students
c. is unprofessional but is not directly addressed by the Ethics code
d. is ethical since the woman is not a minor and has been told about the professor’s marital status

Answer 1

b. This issue is addressed in standard 7.07 of the Ethics Code, which clearly prohibits psychologists from having sexual relationships with students over whom they have or are likely to have evaluative authority

Question 2

You plan to conduct a research study that will involve testing and interviewing psychiatric inpatients. Before doing so, you must obtain:

a. an informed consent from the hospital’s administrator
b. an informed consent from each patient’s legal guardian
c. assent from each patient
d. an informed consent from each patient’s legal guardian and assent from each patient

Answer 2

d. The only way to choose the best answer to this question is to assume that the patients have legal guardians since none of the answers are correct if you do not make this assumption.

Question 3

The Preamble and General Principles are ________________ and _________________, which means that they provide general guidelines for ethical decision-making but will not serve as the basis for ________________________________________.

Answer 3

aspirational; nonenforceable; disciplinary action against a psychologist

Question 4

The Ethical Standards are ______________, ________________, and it is usually one or more Ethical standards that are cited in a charge of ethical misconduct by the Ethics Committee.

Answer 4

aspirational; nonenforceable

Question 5

What is the goal of the Ethics code?

Answer 5

The Ethics code is intended to provide specific standards to cover most situations encountered by psychologists. It has as its goals the welfare and protection of the individuals and groups whom psychologists work and the education of members, students, and the public regarding ethical standards of the discipline.

Question 6

General principles, as opposed to Ethical standards, are _________ in nature.

Answer 6

aspirational

Question 7

What are the 5 general principles intended to guide and inspire psychologists toward the very highest ethical ideals of the profession?

Answer 7

A. Beneficence and nonmalaficence (do no harm)
B. Fidelity and responsibility (establish relationships of trust with those with whom they work)
C. Integrity
D. Justice
E. Respect for People’s Rights and Dignity

Question 8

Although APA is able to enforce adherence to the Ethics Code for APA members only, vilation of its provisions may result in action by the _______________, court, or other authority.

Answer 8

state licensing board

Question 9

The Introduction states that the Ethics Code applies only to activities that are relevant to a psychologist’s professional roles but also states that “APA may take action against a member after his or her conviction of a ____________.”

Answer 9

felony

Question 10

The Introduction notes that, when there is a conflict between ethical and legal requirements, psychologists must resolve it in a way that is “in keeping with basic principles of _________.”

Answer 10

human rights

Question 11

General Principle B states that “psychologists strive to contribute a portion of their professional time for little or no compensation or personal advantage,” which implies that providing pro bono services is _____________ by the Code.

Answer 11

recommended

Question 12

If psychologists learn of misuse or misrepresentation of their work, they take reasonable steps to ________ or ____________ the misuse or misrepresentation. (Standard 1.01)

Answer 12

correct; minimize

Question 13

If psychologists’ ethical responsibilities conflict with law, regulations, or other governing legal authority, psychologists __________ the nature of the conflict, _____________ their commitment to the Ethics Code, and take reasonable steps to resolve the conflict consistent with the General Principles and Ethical Standards of the Ethics Code. (Standard 1.02)

Answer 13

clarify; make known

Question 14

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 after the psychologist made sexual advances toward her. She does not want to discuss this matter with anyone. The best course of action would be:

a. inform the client of limits of confidentiality in this situation and report the unethical behavior.
b. inform the clients 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. contact the Ethics Committee to determine what the appropriate steps would be.

Answer 14

c. The Ethical Standards require psychologists to take action when they learn of an ethical violation by another psychologist only after considering the client’s confidentiality. This eliminates responses a and b since neither mentions the client’s confidentiality. In addition, it is often in the best interests of the client to allow him/her to determine what action should be taken.

Question 15

Vicarious liability is most likely to be a concern when a psychologist is acting in the role of:

a. supervisor
b. advocate
c. faculty member
d. talk show host

Answer 15

a Under certain circumstances, supervisors and employers may be legally responsible for the actions of their supervisees and employees. This is referred to as vicarious liability

Question 16

Pro bono work is:

a. required by the Ethics Code
b. encouraged by the Ethics Code
c. prohibited by the Ethics Code
d. not addressed by the Ethics code

Answer 16

b. 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. An implication of this statement is that the Ethics Code recommends pro bono services.

Question 17

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:

a. cooperate with the Committee’s request by sending them a copy of the client’s file.
b. cooperate with the Committee’s request by sending them the information you believe is relevant to the case
c. cooperate with the Committee’s request by sending them the information you believe is relevant to the case after confirming that the client has signed a release.
d. inform the Committee that the information you have about the client is obsolete and that you’re ethically obligated not to forward it to them

Answer 17

c. When contacted by the Ethics Committee, a psychologist must cooperate fully. However, as noted in Standard 1.06, a psychologist is also obligated to “address any confidentiality issues.”

Question 18

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:

a. start seeing these clients and consult with someone who is familiar with this population if you run into 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 class related to the treatment of members of this population
d. place an ad in the National Enquirer to let members of this population know about the availability of services

Answer 18

b. 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 to obtain supervision or consultation.

Question 19

Dr. Stern is a psychologist who assists with hiring and promotion decisions at a mental health clinic. She recommends that one of the psychologist not be considered for promotion because of an unresolved charge of sexual harassment against him. This is:

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 reconsiders the psychologist if he is acquitted of the charge
d. not addressed by the Ethics Code.

Answer 19

b. Dr. Stern’s action violates standard 1.08 which states that psychologists do not deny persons employment, advancement, admissions to academic or other programs, tenure, or promotion, based solely upon their having made or their being the subject of an ethics complaint.

Question 20

During her first therapy session, a client tells Dr. Goodwill that he wants to pay for therapy in cash and doesn’t want Dr. Goodwill to keep a record of the therapy sessions or his payments. If Dr. Goodwill agrees to this arrangement she has acted:

a. ethically as long as she ascertains that the client’s reasons for making this request are valid.
b. ethically since it is up to a psychologist to determine what to include in therapy records
c. ethically and legally as long as she includes the client’s payments as income on her income tax forms
d. unethically and possibly illegal

Answer 20

d. A psychologist’s ethical obligations regarding client records are addressed in standard 6.01 of the Ethics code and by the Record Keeping Guidelines which requires psychologists to maintain accurate records. These provisions are consistent with laws in many jurisdictions that not only mandate maintaining client records but also describe their minimum contentt.

Question 21

Standard 1.04 eencourages psychologistss to handle ethical violations by a colleague informally when an informal resolution appears appropriate, while Standard 1.05 states that psychologist make a formal report to the appropriate authority when the violation involves _______________ and is not appropriate for informal resolution. However, it is important to note that these Standards also require psychologists to take action only when the action does not violate the client’s _________________.

Answer 21

substantial harm; confidentiality rights

Question 22

Standard 1.06 states that failing to cooperate with APA’s investigation of an ethical complaint constitutes an _________________.

Answer 22

ethical violation

Question 23

Standard 1.08 states that it is unethical to discriminate against a person solely on the basis of being a ____________________. However, this prohibition applies only to a pending case and not to its _______________.

Answer 23

complainant or respondent; outcome

Question 24

What measures can a psychologist take when it becomes clear that their personal problems could interfere with their professional activities and possibly adversely impact their effectiveness?

Answer 24

Referring clients to other professionals, seeking therapy for themselves, and consulting with another professional to identify the most appropriate action

Question 25

When expanding his/her services, a psychologist must do so in a way that minimizes potential harm to clients. For example, Standard 2.01 states that, in emerging areas where standards of training do not exist, psychologists take ____________________ to protect the welfare of their clients.

Answer 25

reasonable steps

Question 26

Standard 2.02 permits psychologists to provide emergency services when they do not have adequate training as long as alternatives are unavailable and they discontinue those services when the ___________________ or appropriate services become available.

Answer 26

emergency has ended

Question 27

Dr. Bertha Black’s advertisement for her seminar on relaxation techniques invites the public to come hear an in-depth lecture on techniques to help reduce the stress of daily living. The advertised cost for her four hour seminar is $50. While preparing her lecture the night before the presentation, Dr. Black decides it would be valuable to demonstrate some of her techniques with the group. She decides that, instead of lecturing for the full four hours, she will have attendees divide into groups for the last two hours to experiment with the techniques. According to ethical standards, this is:

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 some of the time lecturing when the most beneficial part will probably be the experiential portion.

Answer 27

c. Psychologists must accurately describe the nature of their services in brochures, advertisements, etc. Dr. Black advertised that she would present a lecture, and participants paid to attend her seminar on that basis. It would be unethical to add an experiential component to her seminar, especially when it constitues such a large part of the seminar.

Question 28

Standard 2.05 requires psychologists to take reasonable steps to avoid delegating work to others when doing so will create a ____________________ with those being served that is likely to limit their objectivity or lead to exploitation.

Answer 28

multiple relationship

Question 29

The term “privilege” is best described as:

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

Answer 29

d. Privilege is a legal concept that protects a client’s confidentiality in the context of legal proceedings

Question 30

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:

a. you must obtain permission from the client before talking to a consultant
b. you must obtain permission from the client only if you will be revealing the client’s identity to the consultant
c. you don’t have to obtain permission from the client as long as he/she has already signed a general waiver
d. you do not have to obtain permission from the client under any circumstances since the consultant is “clearly connected” with the case

Answer 30

b. This response is most consistent with standard 4.06, which states that, when consulting with colleagues… psychologists do not disclose confidential information that reasonable could lead to the identification of a client/patient, research participant, or other person or organization with whom they have a confidential relationship unless they have obtained the prior consent of the person. It is not, however, necessary to get the client’s permission when his/her identity will not be revealed.

Question 31

According to the Ethics Code, psychologists should discuss fees and other financial arrangements with clients:

a. during the initial phone contact
b. during the first therapy session
c. as early as feasible
d. at the psychologist’s discretion

Answer 31

c. This answer is the best one because it contains the actual language off Standards 6.04 and 10.01, which apply to this situation

Question 32

Which of the following best describes the Ethics Code’s position on bartering?

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 and services is unethical in all circumstances

Answer 32

c. This response is consistent with Standard 6.05, which states that psychologists may barter only if it is not clinically contraindicated and the resulting arrangement is not exploitative

Question 33

Refers to the obligation of the psychologists to protect clients from unauthorized disclosure of information revealed in the context of the professional relationship.

Answer 33

Confidentiality

Question 34

Refers to the freedom of individuals to choose for themselves the time and the circumstances under which and the extent to which their beliefs, behaviors, and opinions are to be shared with or withheld from others

Answer 34

Privacy

Question 35

A legal concept that protects a client’s confidentiality in the context of legal proceedings

Answer 35

Privilege

Question 36

Who is usually the holder of privilege?

Answer 36

the client

Question 37

What are some exceptions to client privilege?

Answer 37

Waivers (client authorizes release of information)
Mandatory reporting
Danger to self or others
Legal/regulatory actions (client is suing the therapist for malpractice; has filed a complaint against a psychologist with the Ethics Committee or licensing board; is a party in a custody dispute; or is the subject of a court-ordered evaluation)

Question 38

Dr. Bob, a psychologist, makes a promise to a newspaper reporter a reduced therapy fee for her daughter in exchange for an article about his upcoming workshop. Dr. Bob’s actions are:

a. ethically and legally
b. unethically
c. illegally
d. This is not addressed by the Ethical standards

Answer 38

b. Standard 5.02 requires psychologists to identify paid advertisements as such and prohibits psychologists from compensating employees of the press, television, radio, etc. in return for publicity.

Question 39

In a brochure describing his weekend communications workshop for couples, Dr. Terry Talk includes two testimonials. The first is from a colleague and says, “Communication is a key to a happy marriage and Dr. Talk is one of the leading experts on communications. If you feel you just can’t talk to your partner I’d recommend Dr. Talk’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. Talk could use an excerpt from a letter she sent him following the workshop that she and her husband attended. It says, “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. Talk’s brochure?

a. They are unethical since testimonials are prohibited by the Ethics Code
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

Answer 39

d. Both testimonials seem to be in line with the requirements of the Ethics Code - ie, they were not solicited from current clients or others who were “vulnerable to undue influence.”

Question 40

You receive a request from licensed clinical social worker for the assessment results including raw test data of a former client of yours. The social worker is now seeing the client in therapy. You should:

a. send the requested information to the social worker
b. determine if the information is imminently needed and, if so, send the requested information to the social worker
c. send the requested information to the social worker only after making sure that the client has signed a release
d. send only a summary of the assessment results to the social worker

Answer 40

c. This question is asking whether a psychologist should releasee ttest scores and other assessment results to a licensed clinical social worker. This situation is addressed by Standard 9.04, which states that pursuant to a client/patient release, psychologists provide test data to the client/patient or other persons identified in the release. Although this standard also states that psychologists may refrain from releasing test data to protect a client/patient or others from substantial harm or misuse or misrepresentation of the data or the test, this issue is not addressed by any of the responses. Consequently, response c is the best response

Question 41

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. The faculty advisor wants to be listed as first author on the article. In this sittuation:

a. the student should be listed as the first author
b. it is up to the student to determine authorship credit
c. it is up to the advisor to determine authorship credit
d. the student should file a complaint against the advisor with the Ethics Committee

Answer 41

a. This is addressed in Standard 8.12, which states that publication credits accurately reflect the relative scientific or professional contributions of the individuals involved, regardless of their relative status. In this case, the student has obviously done nearly all of the work and the article is based on her dissertation. Conseqently, she should be listed as first author. Filing a complaint may be necessary, but only if the advisor insists on being listed as first author.

Question 42

You have been hired as a research assistant for a study that will compare two brief treatments for social phobia. The procedures and methods used in the study are ethically sound; however, your supervisor is not informing participants that they may withdraw from the study at any time if they desire to do so. Your best coursee of action would be to:

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

Answer 42

c. The supervisors behavior violates the provision of the Ethics Code, and the best initial course of action would be to discuss the matter with him

Question 43

Dr. 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 only three months and ended amicably. The man is now married and is having problems unrelated to their past relationship. He has called to see iff he can begin seeing Dr. Ryan in therapy. Dr. Ryan should:

a. see the man only if she determines that their past relationship will not interfere with her objectivity
b. see the man only if their relationship ended more than two years ago and she determines that it will not interfere with her objectivity
c. see the man but discuss the potential for conflicts with him before beginning treatment
d. refer the man to a colleague

Answer 43

d. This issue is addressed in Standard 10.07, which states that psychologists do not accept as therapy client/patients persons with whom they have engaged in sexual intimiacies. There is no time limit on this prohibition.

Question 44

Dr. Blitz has been seeing a client for four months when the client begins to mention that he is very dissatisfied with the progress of therapy. Dr. Blitz should:

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

Answer 44

d. Principle 10.10 states that psychologists must terminate a therapy relationship when it is reasonably clear that a client is no longer benefitting. Even though four months is not a long time for therapy in many situations, the client should not be pressured tto continue

Question 45

Refers to the obligation of psychologists to protect clients from unauthorized disclosure of information revealed in the context of the professional relationship. It is an ethical principle and, in some situations, a legal requirement.

Answer 45

Confidentiality

Question 46

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. They eventually get married. This is:

a. ethical since they terminated therapy before beginning to date and since the relationship is a serious one
b. ethical since the client is an adult and voluntarily agreed to stop therapy
c. unethical because the therapist began dating a former client before the two-year time limit
d. unethical unless the therapist and client both received counseling while dating

Answer 46

c

Question 47

APA’s Record Keeping guidelines specify that, in the absence of superseding laws or regulations, a psychologist may consider retaining a client’s full record until __ years after termination of services for adults or __ years after a minor reaches the age of majority.

Answer 47

7; 3

Question 48

In many jurisdictionss, laws grant ownership of a client’s physical record to the _________________ and give clients the right to inspect and amend the information contained in the record.

Answer 48

practitioner or institution

Question 49

Standard 6.03 prohibits psychologists from withholding a client’s record because of nonpayment of fees when those records are needed for the client’s ____________.

Answer 49

emergency treatment

Question 50

Dr. Raylene Roberts, a licensed psychologisst, has been seeing Mr. Klein in individual therapy for several months. Mr. Klein has just decided to divorce his wife and asks Dr. Roberts if she would be willing to conduct a custody evaluation of his 11-year-old son. As an ethical psychologist, Dr. Roberts:

a. should conduct the custody evaluation.
b. should conduct the custody evaluation only if she obtains the consent of Mrs. Klein to do so.
c. should conduct the custody evaluation only if she determines she can do so in an objective, unbiased mannerr
d. should not conduct the custody evaluation

Answer 50

d. This question describes a multiple relationship

Question 51

According to the specialty guidelines for forensic psychologists, when a psychologist has been hired to evaluate a defendant in a court case, the information obtained in that evaluation can subsequently be used for other purposes only:

a. in the “most unusual circumstances.”
b. with the consent of the court.
c. with the consent of the client or the client’s legal reprresentative.
d. after the case has been settled.

Answer 51

c. Once a person has been informed of the purpose of an evaluation, a psychologist must not use its results for other purposes “without explicit waiver to do so by the client or the client’s legal representative.”

Question 52

A young man alleges he suffered damages as the result of substandard care provided by Dr. Zed, a psychologist. The young man had called Dr. Zed at the recommendation of a friend, but Dr. Zed refused to make an appointment with him and gave him the names of three other therapists. The young man said it took “all his nerve” to make the call to Dr. Zed and was unable to make the other calls. As a result, his problem became much worse and he ended up in the hospital. Which of the following statements is true about this situation?

a. Dr. Zed is clearly guilty of malpractice since he should have agreed to see the young man.
b. Dr. Zed is clearly guilty of malpractice since he should not have made a referral without seeing the young man.
c. Dr. Zed is guilty of malpractice only if it can be established there is a clear connection between his action and the young man’s current condition.
d. Dr. Zed is not guilty of malpractice because he did not have a professional relationship with the young man.

Answer 52

d

Question 53

Dr. Greeve’s wife has just filed for a divorce. He is very distraught and realizes that he often has little patience with his female cllients, especially those who remind him of his wife. To be consistent with ethical requirements, Dr. Greeve should:

a. refer his female clients to another therapist
b. discuss the situation with his female clients to determine what they would like to do
c. consult with another professional to determine what to do about his practice
d. closely monitor his behavior for signs of impaired performance

Answer 53

c. This situation is addressed by Standard 2.06, which 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 consulation or assistance

Question 54

When conducting a cost-utility analysis, the benefits of an intervention are measure in terms of:

a. an effect size.
b. quality-adjusted life year.
c. change in clinical global impression.
d. cost of administering the intervention.

Answer 54

b

Question 55

Legally, three conditions must be met for a consent to be truly informed

Answer 55

capacity, comprehension, and voluntariness

Question 56

Standard 5.01 requires psychologists to claim as credentials for their health services only academic degrees that are from regionally accredited educational institutions or were the basis for their _________.

Answer 56

psychology licensure

Question 57

Standard 5.02 prohibits psychologists from compensating employees of the press, television, etc. in return for __________.

Answer 57

publicity

Question 58

Providing professional advice to the public via the internet, radio, television, or other media is addressed in Standard 5.04, which requires psychologists to ensure that they do not imply that a _________ has been established.

Answer 58

professional relationship

Question 59

Standard 5.05 prohibits psychologists from ____________ testimonials from current clients or others who are vulnerable to undue influence.

Answer 59

soliciting

Question 60

Standard 5.06 prohibits psychologists from engaging in _____________ in-person solicitation of business from people who are vulnerable to undue influence.

Answer 60

uninvited

Question 61

Psychologists may invite a current client’s family members to participate in therapy to benefit the client or offer _________ or community outreach services to individuals.

Answer 61

disaster

Question 62

APA’s Record Keeping Guidelines specify that, in the absence of superseding laws or regulations, a psychologist may consider retaining a client’s full record until ___ years after termination of services for adults or ____ years after a minor reaches the age of maturity.

Answer 62

7; 3

Question 63

HIPPA’s ______________ distinguishes between protected health information (PHI) and psychotherapy notes and allows patients to inspect and obtain a copy of PHI contained in a ______________.

Answer 63

designated record set

Question 64

It is acceptable for psychologists to use a __________ to obtain outstanding fees from a client, but they must do so only after notifying the client of that intent and giving him/her the opportunity to pay the fees.

Answer 64

collection agency

Question 65

According to the Specialty Guidelines for Forensic Psychologists, when a psychologist has been hired to evaluate a defendant in a court case, the information obtained in that evaluation can subsequently be used for other purposes:

a. in the “most unusual circumstances”
b. with the consent of the court
c. with the consent of the client or the client’s legal representative
d. after the case has been settled

Answer 65

c

Question 66

Dr. Raylene Roberts, a licensed psychologist, has been seeing Mr. Klein in individual therapy for several months. Mr. Klein has just decided to divorce his wife and asks Dr. Roberts if she would be willing to conduct a custody evaluation of his 11-year-old son. As an ethical psychologist, Dr. Roberts:

a. should conduct the custody evaluation
b. should conduct the custody evaluation only if she obtains the consent of Mrs. Klein to do so
c. should conduct the custody evaluation only if she determines that she can do so in an objective, unbiased manner
d. should not conduct the custody evaluation

Answer 66

d

Question 67

Paragraph IV.D.2 addresses dual relationships and states that, when it is necessary to provide both evaluation and treatment services to a party in a legal proceeding, forensic psychologists take ________ to minimize the potential negative effects of doing so.

Answer 67

reasonable steps

Question 68

During her second therapy session, a client reveals to Dr. David Dual that she is currently in therapy with another psychologist. The client states that she is dissatisfied with her current therapist but that she doesn’t want to terminate treatment until she’s sure she likes Dr. Dual. The client also says she wants to continue to see both psychologists for a few weeks before she decides which one suits her needs. Dr. Dual should:

a. Terminate therapy with the client immediately
b. call the other therapist and inform her of the situation
c. discuss the ethical and therapeutic issues with the client
d. continue seeing this client since she is dissatisfied with the other therapist

Answer 68

c

Question 69

An experimental psychologist with a PhD wants to become a clinical psychologist. According to APA’s General Guidelines for Providers of Psychological Services, he must:

a. complete appropriate coursework
b. complete doctoral-level coursework and training in clinical psychology
c. obtain supervision from a licensed psychologist
d. obtain a PhD in clinical psychology from an accredited school

Answer 69

b

Question 70

You are asked by an attorney to evaluate the woman he is representing in a custody case and then testify on her behalf in court. As an ethical psychologist, you should:

a. evaluate her only if you can conduct a thorough assessment of the woman
b. evaluate her only if you can conduct a thorough assessment and then recommend that she be granted custody only if the results indicate that she is a good parent
c. evaluate her and testify about the results but do not make a specific recommendation about custody without evaluation the husband and children
d. refuse to make a recommendation about which parent should be granted child custody under any circumstances

Answer 70

c

Question 71

Dr. A. Praise is hired to perform a court-ordered evaluation of a defendant in a criminal case. She discusses the purpose of the evaluation with the defendant who then says he does not want to cooperate. According to the Specialty Guidelines for Forensic Psychologists, Dr. Praise should:

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
c. refuse to conduct the evaluation unless she obtains a signed consent from the defendant’s attorney
d. postpone the evaluation and contact the defendant’s attorney

Answer 71

d

Question 72

The psychology licensing exam is best described as:

a. a way to protect the public from incompetent psychologists
b. a measure of basic knowledge of psychology
c. a predictor of job performance
d. a way of determining if psychologists need additional training or supervision before being licensed

Answer 72

b

Question 73

Which of the following is acceptable according to the Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association:

a. non-White research participants
b. the elderly
c. clients with a physical disability
d. people afflicted with a chronic disease

Answer 73

c

Question 74

Research on sexual misconduct among therapists has found that:

a. therapists who have sex with their clients often had sexual relations in the past with their own therapist, a professor, or a supervisor
b. therapists ho have sex with their clients are more likely than those who do not to be involved in non-sexual dual relationships with their clients
c. therapists who have sex with their clients tend to be less experienced and younger than those who do not
d. there are no consistent differences between therapists who do and do not have sex with their clients in terms of other dual relationships or sexual relationships with their own therapist, professor, or supervisor

Answer 74

b

Question 75

During a court-ordered evaluation of a defendent to determine her competence to stand trial, she reveals information to you that confirms her guilt. As an ethical psychologist, you should:

a. use your discretion in determining what to include in your evaluation report
b. include information about the defendent’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

Answer 75

c