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The Helping Professional’s Guide to Ethics: A New Perspective

Chapter 1: The Basics of Moral Theory, Professional Codes of Ethics, and Professional Ideals

Multiple Choice (Choose the best answer):

1. The Code of Ethics is grounded in which core values:

a. Social Justice, Inherent Worth and Dignity, Mutuality, Faith, Free Enterprise, Hospitality

b. Integrity, Service, Competence, the Importance of Human Relationships, Social Justice, Inherent

Worth and Dignity

c. Service, Social Justice, Peace, Liberty, Generosity, Humility

d. Inherent Worth and Dignity, Utility, Competence, Service, Human Relations, Social Justice

2. There are _________ standards in the 1996 version of the NASW Code of Ethics.

a. 50

b. 12

c. 95

d. 155

3. The first major work that promoted the development of professional values in social work was published by:

a. Fred Reamer

b. Bernard Gert

c. Muriel Pumphrey

d. Lola Sanders

4. The first official code of ethics for social work was adopted in:

a. 1960

b. 1925

c. 1996

d. 1937

5. One historical event, noted by the authors that contributed to dramatic changes in codes of ethics during the 1960’s and 1980’s was:

a. the 1960’s peace movement

b. the Vietnam war.

c. Nixon’s Watergate scandal

d. the Tuskegee Syphilis Study

6. The conceptual framework as principlism:

a. originated from the ethical ideals articulated in the 1979 Belmont Report

b. argues that core ethical values such as: respect for persons, justice, and beneficience should form the theoretical basis for ethical decision-making

c. was first proposed by philosopher Bernard Gert

d. both a and b

7. The moral theory that emphasizes promoting the greatest good for the most number is:

a. Common Morality

b. Principlism

c. Deontology

d. Utilitarianism

8. Deontology

a. Considers the weighing of consequences an important component of ethical decision-making.

b. argues that consequences are irrelevant to making moral decisions.

c. originated in a school of dentistry.

d. was originally developed by the work of Thomas Aquinas.

9. Both Deontology and Utilitarianism

a. have influenced the articulation of core values within professions, even though fundamentally, they

are at odds with one another.

b. are great conversation starters at large social gatherings

c. have influenced the development and implementation of key social welfare policies.

d. have had little influence on ethical decision-making within the professions.

10. The authors in chapter one, ultimately argue that:

a. ethical principles and their derived values are the best means of promoting sound ethical decision-

making practices.

b. the use of ethical principles, though useful for educating students on the common goals of one’s

profession is inherently problematic for promoting competent ethical decision-making.

c. following one’s code of ethics is the best way to develop sound ethical decision-making practices.

d. social workers and other helping professionals are best served by relying primarily on their “gut” for

sound ethical decision-making practices.

11. Chapter one summarizes several ethical decision-making strategies that have been put forth by the profession over the last few decades. One common theme (according to the authors) in all of these approaches it that:

a. they are boring.

b. they are value laden.

c. they are all created by people whose last name begins with M.

d. they dictate a utilitarian approach.

12. According to the text values

a. are agreed on by all

b. are informed by experiences, religious beliefs, politics, and other sources

c. are the actions we take in response to moral rules.

d. are the best means by which professionals make ethical decisions.

13. According to the authors, one of the aims of ethics education is to:

a. expose students to the profession’s core values that inform what one ought to do.

b. enhance student memory of the history of ethical decision-making

c. cultivate ethical decision-making abilities

d. both a and c.

14. A good deontologist

a. always encourages brushing and flossing after every meal.

b. would never lie.

c. may lie depending on the circumstances.

d. believes that the ends justify the means.

15. The example of a social worker withholding information about a medically fragile child to a potential adoptive family in order to increase the likelihood of the adoption taking place illustrates:

a. how withholding information is not the same as lying

b. the importance of knowledge informing practice.

c. the use of evidence based practice

d. how one’s application of values can be used to inappropriately justify being deceitful.

Possible Short Answer / Essay Questions.

1. Briefly describe the influences that contributed to the articulation and use of ethical principles as the predominant framework for ethical decision-making in the profession.

2. Briefly describe Deontology and Utilitarinism. What core social work values are derived from these moral theories? What are the strengths and weaknesses of each theory?

Chapter 2 Moral Development and Ethical Decision-Making in Social Work

Practice

1. According to the text, some research on ethical decision-making among social workers has:

a. proven the effectiveness of the profession’s Code of Ethics in resolving ethical dilemmas.

b. raised questions about the effectiveness of the profession’s Code of Ethics in helping to resolve

ethical dilemmas.

c. indicated that social workers, more often than not, rely on their “gut” or intuition to make ethical

decisions.

d. both b and c

2. Theories of moral development

a. are the same as theories of morality

b. attempt to explain the way people attain and live in an ethical manner.

c. provide little insight into how we behave ethically.

d. all of the above.

3. The foundational moral developmental framework discussed in the text has its roots in:

a. Gilligan’s theory of moral development

b. Stan Lee’s marvel comic books “With great power comes great responsibility”

c. Kohlberg’s theory of moral development

d. Erikson’s psycho-social stages

4. The 4 component model:

a. is part of the neo-Kohlbergian approach

b. includes a mixture of deontology, utilitarianism, social justice theory, and human behavior in the

social environment

c. is really only comprised of three essential parts.

d. includes the theoretical work of Kolhberg, Gilligan, and Piaget.

5. Moral sensitivity

a. is more important than moral judgment

b. refers to one’s ability to identify moral issues in a particular situation

c. if left un checked could wreak havoc on the space time continuum.

d. None of the above.

6. . Individuals high in moral judgment are

a. better able to judge the rightness of others’ ethical behavior.

b. able to provide a more reasonable rationale and justification for the ethical decisions they make.

c. are exemplified by religious zealots.

d. is not considered part of the 4 component model discussed in the text.

7. The moral theory that stresses the identification and cultivation of desirable ethical traits is known as:

a. normative ethics

b. descriptive ethics

c. neopolitan ethics

d. virtue ethics

8. Most research that evaluates professional ethical decision making focuses on measuring

a. moral judgment and moral character

b. moral judgment and moral virtue

c. moral judgment and moral sensitivity

d. none of the above

9. A person who is able to understand and articulate potential conflicts between their own personal values and one’s professional values would be considered high in:

a. moral sensitivity

b. moral judgment

c. moral character

d. moral motivation

10. Moral character

a. focuses on one’s ability to do the right thing in the face of overwhelming odds.

b. has to do with one’s ability to distinguish between what is and is not an ethical issue.

c. is concerned with understanding one’s ability to make an ethical decision

d. is one of the most common components studied in ethics literature.

11. Persons who are able to demonstrate a high level of empathy in ethically difficult situations are likely high in:

a. moral sensitivity

b. moral judgment

c. moral motivation

d. moral character

12. Proponents of virtue ethics education

a. believe that all one really needs to know about ethics was taught in kindergarten.

b. believe that moral virtues must be experienced not taught.

c. believe that teaching moral virtues can improve students sense of moral motivation and character.

d. none of the above.

13. Overall, the purpose of this chapter was:

a. to help students appreciate the complexity of moral development and set the stage for learning an

ethical framework that can enhance moral maturity.

b. to teach students core moral virtues.

c. to help students understand the importance of memorizing one’s code of ethics.

d. to foster moral courage.

14. In refusing to disclose confidiential client information, even when court ordered, the social worker in Jaffee vs. Redman, Karen Beyers demonstrated a high level of

a. moral sensitivity

b. moral judgment

c. moral motivation and moral courage

d. all of the above.

15. According to Blum, one factor that can influence one’s level of moral sensitivity is:

a. one’s understanding of the important facts of a case

b. the ability to empathize with others

c. an understanding of what causes harm

d. all of the above

Short Answer / Essay

1. Describe each of the four components of moral development in the Neo Kolbergian Approach?

2. What does one’s moral development have to do with one’s ability to be a good ethical social worker?

Chapter 3: Common Morality and Ethical Decision Making

1. According to Gert, a moral theory should

a. describe a unique set of guidelines and procedures to address all forms of ethical dilemmas.

b. describe an ideal moral system that, if bought into, would ensure optimal ethical behavior.

c. convict others of their need for grace.

d. describe the moral system as it really exists.

2. Bernard Gert

a. was a philosopher

b. served as a key advisor in publishing the Belmont Report

c. was fictional character who, when angry, became huge and green.

d. was a famous social work educator that emphasized moral development.

3. There is some evidence to suggest that those who were taught the common morality framework had significantly greater increases in:

a. moral sensitivity and judgment

b. moral character

c. moral motivation

d. all of the above

4. According to Gert, the fact that there is such a thing as a moral system assumes that

a. Some cultures are more developed than others.

b. morality is a product of a post modern social construction

c. human beings are both fallible and vulnerable.

d. vegetarians are better decision makers than meat eaters.

5. According to the common morality theory all rational people want to avoid

a. taxes

b. irrational people

c. writing a research paper

d. harms

6. Helping an elderly person unload groceries from his / her car is an example of a behavior that is

a. morally required

b. agreed upon by all rational persons

c. obviously a veiled attempt to get named in the will

d. morally encouraged.

7. “Are there alternative actions or policies that would be morally preferable?” is a question that is

considered

a. a morally relevant feature to be considered when determining whether or not violating a moral rule

is morally justified.

b. is an excuse to avoid making the really hard choices.

c. is often not relevant in most social work cases.

d. both b and c.

8. The authors agree with Bernard Gert in that an understanding the common moral system:

a. will provide unique right answers to all the ethical tensions faced in social work practice.

b. will enhance helping professionals’ ability to identify and articulate what is and isn’t an ethical issue.

c. will aid social workers in properly justifying and defending important ethical decisions

d. both b and c

9. According to the common morality framework, an ethical dilemma occurs

a. when one is unable to apply the Code of Ethics.

b. when one is faced with a decision that will result in the violation of a moral rule.

c. when one must choose one of two good options for a client.

d. when one can’t decide which flavor of ice cream to order.

10. The reason we don’t often think about the application of the moral system is because

a. all moral values are socially constructed

b. we rely on others to tell us what to do

c. the moral system is primarily intuitive and most moral matters are fairly noncontroversial.

d. none of the above.

11. One thing the case of Charles illustrates:

a. what happens when a young man discovers he has magical abilities and is sent off to a school of wizardry and witchcraft.

b. the pitfalls of dual relationships

c. how easy it can be to lie.

d. none of the above.

12. The main ethical dilemma described in the case of Charles has to do with:

a. whether or not it is morally justifiable to use magical beasts against their will to teach defense against the dark arts.

b. whether or not it is morally justifiable to lie to a client.

c. whether or not the social worker should do what she perceives is in the best interest of her client or follow her supervisor’s orders.

d. whether or not to report the client

13. Kaplan’s study of social workers revealed that:

a. a majority of social workers relied on the code of ethics to make important ethical decisions

b. most graduate social work students wrestle with some form of mental illness.

c. social work majors are physically more intimidating than teacher education majors

d. on average, MSW’s tended to be more “rules based” (maintaining norms schema) when making

ethical decisions .

14. According to Gert, the moral system:

a. is comprised of moral rules and moral ideals.

b. is agreed upon by all rational individuals

c. is another way of describing an ideal moral theory

d. both a and b

15. One of the most important morally relevant features to consider when one is faced with making a difficult decision is:

a. which core professional value will I choose to uphold?

b. will my decision result in the violation of a moral rule?

c. will this decision impact my professional reputation?

d. all of the above

Short Answer / Essay

1. Describe the difference between using a common morality approach to ethical decision making and relying upon one’s code of ethics.

2. Describe the difference between moral rules and moral ideals. Give an example of a social worker that may be faced with a situation where they may violate a moral rule? How does understanding and applying the common moral framework assist one in determining whether or not violating a moral rule is morally justifiable?

Chapter 4: Confidentiality and the Duty to Warn

1. According Chapter 4, social workers have the following in common with medicine and the law:

a. they are exceptionally good looking individuals

b. they all have a professional code of ethics

c. they all work with people

d. they are all professional secret keepers

2. In regards to client confidentiality, the NASW Code of Ethics:

a. lists eighteen sub standards related to client confidentiality.

b. has little to say about this issue

c. fails to acknowledge that there are limits to maintaining client confidentiality

d. encourages the violation of client privacy in order to protect the self interest of the social worker

3. The case that brought national attention to the controversy associated with Duty to Warn was:

a. Brown vs Board of Topeka

b. Jaffee vs Redman

c. Podder vs. State of Oregon

d. Tarasoff vs. Regents of the University of California

4. The duty to warn, essentially means that

a. professionals must insure that their clients have full understanding of the benefits and risks of

treatment.

b. when a professional feels unfit to provide required services, they have an ethical obligation to “warn”

clients of their potential inadequacy.

c. helping professionals should be warned by supervisors of potential risks related to specific clients.

d. professionals have a duty to warn anyone that they have reason to believe is at risk for harm from a

client.

5. Breaching confidentiality in typical cases:

a. is often easy to morally justify

b. is encouraged to protect the reputation of one’s profession

c. can result in criminal liability and professional sanctions

d. is not really addressed in most professional codes of ethics.

6. As of 2013, ___ states have duty to warn laws for helping professionals.

a. 5

b. 12

c. 29

d. all 50 states.

7. The moral rule one initially violates in breaching confidentiality is most often:

a. keeping a promise

b. causing death

c. causing disability

d. depriving one of pleasure

8. According to the authors, social workers:

a. are never morally justified in breaching confidentiality

b. may have an ethical obligation or duty to breach confidentiality

c. who breach confidentiality are ethically obligated to provide an adequate moral justification

d. both b and c

9. Anytime a social worker violates confidentiality in order to protect the life of a client, the social worker is acting

a. charitably

b. nobly

c. paternalistically

d. indifferently

10 In the case discussion for the chapter on confidentiality, the most compelling reason for the social worker (Brad) not to disclose Mr. J’s private information is

a. because doing so would alleviate Mrs. J’s anxiety

b. he will avoid the threat of professional sanctions

c. to up hold the social work value of inherent worth and dignity

d. the fact that, based on the morally relevant features of the case, publically allowing such a violation

would seriously undermine the expectation patients would have the hospital protecting their private

information.

11. What harms will be caused or avoided is

a. an important morally relevant feature to be considered when determining whether or not violating a

moral rule is morally justifiable.

b. rarely considered when one has to breach confidentiality

c. articulated throughout the NASW Code of Ethics

d. both a and c

12. Obey the law and Do your duty are

a. morally encouraged behaviors for social workers and other helping professionals.

b. morally required of all rational persons

c. moral rules which are likely violated when confidentiality is breached

d. both b and c

13. In the case study for confidentiality, the fact that Brad could refer Mrs. J to another social worker without knowledge of Mr. J’s condition is

a. ridiculous and unprofessional

b. a morally relevant feature that supports the decision not to disclose Mr. J’s health status.

c. is not morally relevant

d. none of the above.

14. Regarding confidentiality, the NASW Code of Ethics

a. stipulates that there are exceptions to protecting the confidential information of clients

b. states the social workers should respect clients’ right to privacy

c. mandates that social workers discuss confidentiality and its limits to all clients

d. all of the above

15. Setting aside practical and legal concerns, the issue of confidentiality and whether or not to breach

it:

a. rarely emerges as an issue in social work practice

b. is always a moral issue

c. is only important in some cases.

d. all the above.

Short Answer / Essay

1. Describe a situation where it would be morally justifiable to breach confidentiality. Use the common

moral framework to support your answer.

2. When can following one’s duty to warn be difficult?

Chapter 5: Competency

1. Which of the following are morally relevant features?

a. the beliefs of the person to whom a moral rule is being violated

b. harms caused or avoided by the violation of a moral rule

c. the time of year the moral violation occurred.

d. both a and b

2. A common formula for determining competence, but not favored by the text is:

a. the U + A definition

b. the presumption of competence prior to assessment

c. the presumption of incompetence prior to assessment

d. the R2D2 + C3PO definition

3. According to the text in terms of rationality, an act is considered irrational when

a. it fails to accomplish the goal that it was intended to meet.

b. it violates a moral ideal

c. it causes pointless harm or suffering to the individual or others

d. it fails to ascribe to the common cultural norms.

4. According to the text, Gert, competency is:

a. linked to one’s ability to make a rational decision of a certain kind

b. linked to one’s ability to make a rational decision of any kind

c. best understood through one’s code of ethics.

d. best understood through one’s understanding of the legal definition of competency.

5. The fact that assessing competency is linked to being task specific is important because:

a. it encourages workers to assess competency as it applies to specific tasks versus a broad presumption

of either competence or incompetence.

b. is irrelevant to the ethical decision making process

c. helps the worker understand her clients motives better

d. all of the above.

6. According to research, more and more agree to the assertion that:

a. adolescents are unable to make competent decisions.

b. older adults prefer to live in larger communities with other older adults

c. pet therapy involving guinea pigs works great with runaways

d. adolescents do have the capacity to make competent decisions

7. The fact that a person fully understands treatment options and appreciates the application of that understanding to their own personal situation:

a. indicates competency all of the time.

b. does not guarantee that the person will make a rational decision.

c. usually indicates the absence of a mental disability

d. all of the above

8. In the U + A definition of competency

a. U stands for understanding and A stands for assertiveness

b. U stands for understanding and A stands for appreciation

c. U stands for utility and A stands for appreciation

d. U stands for universal and A stands for application

9. One advantage of applying Gert’s definition of competence is that

a. it’s task specific which forces the one doing the assessing to focus on a type of task rather the

characteristics of the one performing the task.

b. it’s application is consistent with most legal definitions of competency.

c. focusing on the rationality of one’s decision bypasses the limitations of the U + A model.

d. all of the above

10. In the case of Michele

a. she was automatically considered incompetent to make a treatment decision because of her age

b. her religious beliefs were morally irrelevant

c. based on the facts of the case, her decision to refuse treatment was not irrational.

d. the social worker was morally justified in overriding Michele’s wishes to refuse treatment

11. One of the factors that can interfere with a person’s ability to make a rational decision of a certain kind is:

a. the presence of a mood malady (like severe depression or anxiety)

b. a cognitive disability that prevents one from understanding relevant information

c. one’s religious convictions

d. both a and b

12. One way of determining whether a person’s decision-making is rationale is to:

a. consider whether or not the decision is consistent with the person’s stated beliefs

b. assess whether or not the decision being made leads to unjustified harming of one self or others

c. determine whether or not the person has cognitive impairment that prevents them from understanding or appreciating the impact of that decision

d. all of the above

13. A value of defining competence as task specific is that it

a. gives the social worker a greater justification for acting paternalistically

b. protects the social worker from professional or civil liability

c. promotes moral motivation and character

d. encourages a more objective perspective in assessing competency.

14. One reason the authors favor Gert’s definition of competency is that

a. it focuses on important personal attributes that may be overlooked by other definitions.

b. one can both understand and appreciate information but still make an irrational decision.

c. it provides clear age appropriate guidelines for determining intellectual capacity.

d. both a and b

15. In the case example, Michele’s wishes to deny further treatment are:

a. inconsistent with how she would rank harms based on her beliefs

b. consistent with how she would rank harms based on her beliefs

c. not consistent with social work’s core values

d. are indicative of a young adolescent’s incapacity to make a rational decision of a certain kind.

Short / Answer Essay

1. Describe the criticism of the U + A definition of competency.

2. What is the definition of competency used for this chapter? What are the benefits of knowing this definition in determining competency?

Chapter 6: Paternalism

1. A tension that social workers deal with often is the difference between:

a. doing something with a client to resolve problems versus doing something to clients to fix a problem.

b. the difference between managed care and bartering for services

c. the tension between in-kind benefits and universal services.

d. being a social worker and being moral.

2. According to the authors of the text, _________ is part of the job in many settings like child welfare, corrections, and drug treatment centers.

a. advocacy

b. flagulence

c. judgment

d. ethical abuse

3. Good intentions …

a. are the first step in the helping process

b. insure ethical social work practice.

c. do not insure ethical social work practice.

d. are inextricably tied to the social construction of inherent goods and evils.

4. From a principlist perspective paternalism is viewed as

a. a necessary part of effective social work practice.

b. a condition created by a power differential that should be eliminated

c. the natural consequence of living in a growing global village

d. a conflict between honoring a client’s right to make their own decisions and doing what’s in the

client’s best interest.

5. According to the text, true paternalism

a. always requires moral justification

b. does not require moral justification

c. will involve the violation of a moral rule.

d. both a and c

6. True paternalism

a. almost always involves violating the moral rule of “do not deprive of freedom”

b. rarely happens in social work or other helping professions.

c. is sanctioned by most professions codes of ethics.

d. none of the above

7. When considering committing a paternalistic act, competency:

a. rarely plays a role in justifying a paternalistic act.

b. is important because it easier to justify committing a paternalistic act, the person towards whom it is

being committed is deemed incompetent to perform a certain task.

c. should not be used against clients to justify acting inappropriately.

d. is relatively unimportant.

8. Using a principlist approach to justifying a paternalistic act is

a. highly encouraged by the authors.

b. potentially problematic if the justification centers around a difference of belief about the application of those values.

c. consistent with the utilitarian model of ethical decision making

d. supported by the literature on ethical decision-making

9. True paternalism, in any form

a. is intended to benefit the client

b. requires moral justification

c. occurs when the client believes that they can make a decision on their own and are not likely to consent to the social worker’s decision.

d. all of the above.

10. The case example used in the chapter on paternalism dealt with:

a. forced substance abuse treatment

b. involved forcing a client to accept public aid – most notably food stamps.

c. involuntary commitment to a state psychiatric hospital

d. forced participation in a community service project.

11. The claim that forcibly removing Mrs. Lane from her home and into long term care was for her own good:

a. was a weak justification for acting paternalistically.

b. was based on the helping professional’s perception of what was good for Mrs. Lane and not on her perception.

c. was not strongly supported by the facts of the case

d. all of the above

12. Ultimately, the authors conclude that the removal of Mrs Lane from her home was:

a. an example of unjustified paternalism

b. an example of justified paternalism

c. a reason why social workers should refrain from making judgments about the health and safety of elderly clients.

d. a good indication of Mrs. Lane’s inability to competently care for herself and her cats.

13. The case of the college student discussed in the chapter on Paternalism illustrates

a. the consequences of unjustified paternalism

b. the importance of applying the common moral framework in order to justify paternalistic behavior

c. what happens when one takes the time to truly understand the needs of a client

d. the importance of maintaining client confidentiality

14. Paternalistic behavior

a. is inherently immoral

b. requires moral justification

c. protects the social worker from letting the client make poor choices.

d. rarely happens in social work practice.

15. One of the strongest justifications for acting paternalistically

a. is when it is clear that the client is making irrational decisions that would cause harm to self or others

b. when it helps the social worker do her job more effectively.

c. when it saves the agency money that can be used for other clients.

d. when a client lives in a way that is different than mainstream culture

Short answer / essay

1. Why is self awareness important for social workers when they consider committing a paternalistic act? What does this have to do with the concept of moral motivation (discussed in chapter 2)?

2. Why is it important to consider that true paternalism always results in the violation of a moral rule?

Chapter 7 Informed Consent

1. Informed consent:

a. is morally encouraged but not required.

b. is a process where clients are provided all the necessary information about what they will likely

experience if they choose to proceed with a particular intervention.

c. supports a client’s right to self-determination

d. both b and c.

2. An element of valid informed consent:

a. is a disclosure of information that informs an individual about potential benefits and harms

b. occurs when a decision is rendered voluntarily without coercion.

c. can only occur when a person is competent or capable to make a decision

d. all of the above.

3. A chief argument made in the text about informed consent is:

a. it isn’t really helpful from an ethical point of view.

b. it isn’t addressed in the profession’s code of ethics.

c. it only matters in medical settings.

d. most social workers are not equipped to provide a moral rationale for the importance of informed

consent.

4. Since social workers often underestimate the importance of informed consent, some have described

the issue of informed consent as:

a. “a time bomb ticking for most social workers”

b. “a non essential requirement for most clients”

c. “a balloon waiting to get popped”

d. none of the above

5. According to Gert, competence

a. is all about understanding and appreciating the facts of a case.

b. is the ability to manage normal activities at any given time.

c. is the ability to make a rational decision of a certain kind.

d. none of the above.

6. When a client is unaware of and then experiences a negative outcome related to a proposed

intervention, this is referred to as a

a. great opportunity to exercise litigation skills against the social worker

b. a good faith surprise

c. an unfortunate, but desirable outcome protecting the social worker’s ability to practice creatively

with clients.

d. a inversely questionable outcome.

7. Valid consent is also a :

a. difficult concept to grasp.

b. professional duty

c. success if obtained at least 70% of the time with clients

d. a luxury we don’t often have in social work settings.

8. In general, informed consent includes the following elements:

a. knowledge of one’s code of ethics; self-awareness; the disclosure of information

b. the disclosure of information; voluntariness; competence to make a decision

c. the disclosure of information; signing of legal disclaimers; consultation with a supervisor

d. the disclosure of information; willingness to take personal responsibility for one’s actions; adherence

to agency policy

9. Some tips for obtaining ideal consent include:

a. advocate that the client make a decision consistent with the client’s personal beliefs

b. give the client added time (maybe a few days) to consider whether or not they want to participate in

the proposed intervention

c. take the client to a movie or other special outing to blow off some steam, clear one’s mind, and make

a better decision.

d. both a and b

10. The case used to illustrate whether or not bypassing informed consent is justifiable takes place in

the following setting:

a. Cornerstone Admissions Office

b. The Social Work Program Entrance Interview

c. Hospital

d. Drug Court

11. Failure to provide adequate information

a. is one of the top ten ethics complaints filed against social workers

b. rarely happens among professional social workers

c. is considered a practice issue and not an ethical one.

d. is usually morally justifiable

12. Coercing a client into making a treatment decision, even if it appears to be the “right” decision

a. is a violation of a moral rule (do not deprive of freedom)

b. is morally justifiable if the intent is good

c. can be considered a part of valid consent

d. both a and c

13. A “coercive” environment

a. is a practice setting that is usually characterized by involuntary clients or clients that are seeking services for an important, survival related benefit.

b. present a threat to valid informed consent

c. necessitate added awareness of the power differential between client and social worker

d. all of the above

14. If Karen, the social worker, chooses to withhold information about a potentially poor prognosis for her client, because she believes that ultimately the client will benefit from choosing the offered treatment:

a. she is justified in doing so if there is even a remote chance in bettering her client’s life

b. she is guilty of violating at least one moral rule (do not deceive) and therefore is ethically obligated to assess whether or not such a violation is justifiable.

c. she is demonstrating a high level of moral motivation.

d. both a and c.

15. When seeking ideal consent, social workers

a. are encouraged to consult with lawyers and supervisors to follow appropriate agency guidelines.

b. ask clients to make a decision quickly to avoid second guessing

c. encourage and possibly even challenge clients to consider how their choices align with their values and ranking of goods and harms.

d. follow their professional Code of Ethics

Essay / Short Answer Questions

1. Describe the differences between valid and ideal consent? What are some realistic strategies to implement ideal consent in an agency?

2. Explain the moral argument for informed consent?

Chapter 8: Dual Relationships

1. According to the Code of Ethics, dual relationships are:

a. inherently unethical

b. often unavoidable

c. morally encouraged for effective practice

d. both b and c

2. Dual relationships are most likely to occur:

a. In rural settings

b. in a dentist office

c. working with adolescent sex offenders

d. when participating in political events.

3. Three concepts that help us think about the nature of dual relationships are:

a. time, physical space, and morality

b. roles, timing, and behavior

c. behavior, setting, and personal preference

d. flexibility, closeness, and communication

4. One reason, we are told to avoid dual relationships is:

a. because it is too easy to enhance our financial status that way

b. it may inadvertently have a negative therapeutic effect on other relationships that we are involved in

c. there is an inherent power differential that exists between the client and the social worker.

d. because they are never as much fun as they seem.

5. One area of practice where dual relationships gets attention in the chapter is:

a. substance abuse

b. job coaching

c. healthcare

d. corrections

6. The worst reason to avoid a dual relationship is:

a. that it is a dual relationship

b. that doing so would avoid causing possible harm in the future.

c. to avoid having difficult conversations about the nature of the relationship.

d. both a and c

7. According to the text, dual relationships can occur:

a. before, during, and after the termination of a helping relationship

b. only during the course of a helping relationship.

c. only before and during a helping relationship

d. in all but the fourth dimension, unless one possesses the power of time travel.

8. The NASW Code of Ethics states:

a. under no circumstances should a social worker engage in sexual relations with a client

b. social workers should not engage in any dual or multiple relation with a client where there is a risk of exploitation.

c. social workers should assess the therapeutic benefit of a dual relationship

d. both a and b

9. In terms of the common moral framework dual relationships:

a. are encouraged and celebrated

b. always result in the violation of a moral rule

c. should be assessed based on their potential to violate a moral rule

d. take you to a scary place or maybe a happy place.

10. While most professional codes of ethics warns against dual relationships, they also acknowledge that such relationships are:

a. fun

b. therapeutic

c. inevitable

d. time consuming

11. The application of the common moral framework in evaluating a dual relationship

a. usually demonstrates that the relationship is morally unjustified.

b. supports the cultivation of healthy “therapeutic” dual relationships

c. neither condemns or supports dual relationships, but it does help evaluate the potential moral rules violations that could occur.

d. none of the above

12. The text suggests that one of the greatest contributors to adopting unhealthy practices as it relates to dual relationships is:

a. application of the Code of Ethics

b. lack of an ethics education

c. permitting dual relationships to exist

d. silence

13. Discussing potential issues of dual relationships with colleagues and supervisors is referred to as a

a. morally justifiable means of supporting dual relationships

b. means to legally sanction and protect a dual relationship

c. form of “risk protocol”

d. is a frivolous waste of time.

14. Dual relationships

a. are always beneficial

b. are void of any risk whatsoever

c. are always harmful

d. should be assessed in terms of the potential harms that could arise based on the nature of the

relationships

15. Because they often work in isolation and spend more time with clients in various settings (including the client’s own home) social workers

a. should embrace dual relationships as a necessary and even essential part of the therapeutic process.

b. avoid dual relationships at all costs

c. are most at risk to develop dual relationships, which is not necessarily bad or good.

d. must avoid being exploited by clients.

Short Answer / Essay

1. Do you think it is healthy for social workers to adopt a no tolerance policy for dual relationships?

Why or why not?

2. What are some guidelines you would use to assess whether or not a dual relationship is a healthy or

permissible relationship? Give an example.