CPI Client Intake & Interview Ethics 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A client begins crying during an intake interview while describing a traumatic event tied to the alleged haunting. What is the most ethical response?
- Continue the interview to capture details while they are fresh
- Pause, offer empathy, and allow the client to set the pace (Correct answer)
- Redirect conversation immediately to factual evidence details
- End the session and reschedule for another day
Correct answer: Pause, offer empathy, and allow the client to set the pace
Pausing and offering empathy respects the client's emotional state and maintains a trauma-informed approach.
Question 2: Which of the following best describes 'informed consent' in a paranormal investigation intake?
- The client signs a form acknowledging they believe in the paranormal
- The client is fully informed of the investigation process, risks, and their right to withdraw (Correct answer)
- The investigator informs the client of all possible supernatural explanations
- The client consents to having their home featured in a documentary
Correct answer: The client is fully informed of the investigation process, risks, and their right to withdraw
Informed consent requires clients to understand what the investigation involves, potential outcomes, and their ability to withdraw at any time.
Question 3: During intake, a client reveals they have a history of mental illness. How should the investigator proceed?
- Decline the case immediately to avoid liability
- Note the information, treat the client with dignity, and consider referral to mental health resources if needed (Correct answer)
- Disclose the information to the team without the client's permission
- Proceed with the investigation without adjusting the approach
Correct answer: Note the information, treat the client with dignity, and consider referral to mental health resources if needed
Investigators should document relevant history, treat clients respectfully, and recommend professional mental health support when appropriate.
Question 4: A team member wants to share a client's name and address on social media after an investigation. What is the correct action?
- Allow it if no evidence was found
- Allow it only if the evidence was compelling
- Prohibit it unless the client has given explicit written permission (Correct answer)
- Allow it since the investigation is complete
Correct answer: Prohibit it unless the client has given explicit written permission
Client confidentiality must be maintained; personal information may only be shared with explicit written consent.
Question 5: What is the primary purpose of a pre-investigation intake questionnaire?
- To determine if the client is financially able to pay for services
- To gather baseline information about reported activity and rule out non-paranormal causes (Correct answer)
- To verify the client's belief in the paranormal before accepting the case
- To create a public record of the reported haunting
Correct answer: To gather baseline information about reported activity and rule out non-paranormal causes
The intake questionnaire helps investigators understand reported activity and identify mundane explanations before committing to a full investigation.
Question 6: Which ethical principle requires investigators to avoid exploiting vulnerable clients who are frightened or grieving?
- Non-malfeasance (Correct answer)
- Beneficence
- Autonomy
- Justice
Correct answer: Non-malfeasance
Non-malfeasance means 'do no harm,' which includes not exploiting clients' fears or grief for personal, financial, or reputational gain.
Question 7: A client insists the investigator confirm that their home is haunted before the investigation begins. What should the investigator do?
- Confirm the haunting to reassure the client
- Explain that conclusions can only be drawn after a thorough, evidence-based investigation (Correct answer)
- Decline the case if the client has preconditions
- Ask the client what evidence they need to feel satisfied
Correct answer: Explain that conclusions can only be drawn after a thorough, evidence-based investigation
Ethical investigators do not pre-confirm paranormal activity; findings must be based on evidence gathered during the investigation.
CPI Client Intake & Interview Ethics 2
A client begins crying during an intake interview while describing a traumatic event tied to the alleged haunting.
What is the most ethical response?