CSP Ethics & Professional Standards 3

Question 1

Which scenario represents a violation of research integrity in sociological practice?

Accepted Answer

Selectively reporting only data that supports the sponsor's preferred conclusion

Answer

Selective reporting to satisfy a sponsor constitutes research misconduct and violates principles of scientific integrity.

Question 2

What does 'minimal risk' mean in the context of research ethics review?

Accepted Answer

The probability and magnitude of harm are no greater than those encountered in daily life

Answer

Federal regulations define minimal risk as risk no greater in probability or magnitude than that ordinarily encountered in everyday activities.

Question 3

A practitioner conducting focus groups learns that one participant is sharing confidential organizational information. The ethical response is to:

Accepted Answer

Intervene to redirect the discussion and remind participants of confidentiality limits

Answer

Facilitators must manage group dynamics to protect third parties and prevent participants from inadvertently breaching other confidentialities.

Question 4

The principle of 'reciprocity' in applied sociological work most closely means:

Accepted Answer

Ensuring communities and participants receive tangible benefit from their engagement

Answer

Reciprocity means that research should give back to participants and communities, not only extract data from them.

Question 5

Under the ASA Code of Ethics, sociologists must maintain competence in their areas of practice. This means a practitioner should:

Accepted Answer

Decline work outside their competence or obtain necessary supervision and training

Answer

Practicing within one's competence boundaries—or seeking supervision—protects clients from harm due to practitioner inadequacy.

(CSP) Certified Sociological Practitioner Practice Test