CPC Ethics & Legal Considerations in Communication 3

Question 1

Which ethical principle requires a communicator to avoid spreading information they know to be false, even under organizational pressure?

Accepted Answer

Veracity

Answer

Veracity—the commitment to truthfulness—obligates communicators to refuse knowingly disseminating false information regardless of pressure.

Question 2

A news release contains a photograph that was digitally altered to make a product look more appealing than it is. This practice most likely violates:

Accepted Answer

FTC regulations against deceptive advertising

Answer

The FTC prohibits deceptive advertising, including materially misleading product images that could influence consumer purchasing decisions.

Question 3

The principle of 'informed consent' in communication ethics means that:

Accepted Answer

Audiences should understand what information is being collected and how it will be used

Answer

Informed consent requires that individuals understand and agree to how their data or participation will be used in communications campaigns.

Question 4

When a company issues a press release that omits material negative information about a product, this may constitute:

Accepted Answer

Material omission, which can be legally actionable

Answer

Deliberately omitting material facts that would affect audience decisions can be considered deceptive and is potentially actionable under FTC and SEC regulations.

Question 5

A public communicator receives a leaked confidential document. Before using this information, the primary ethical consideration is:

Accepted Answer

Whether publishing serves a genuine public interest that outweighs potential harms

Answer

Public interest justification is the primary ethical framework for evaluating whether to use confidential information obtained through leaks.

(CPC) Certified Public Communicator Practice Test

(CPC) Certified Public Communicator Practice Test

CPC Ethics & Legal Considerations in Communication 3