Professional Standards and Ethics Flashcards
7 cards from real GAT practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Professional Standards and Ethics flashcards as text
Which scenario demonstrates the ethical principle of 'justice' in professional practice?
Answer: Distributing resources and services equitably based on need
Justice in professional ethics requires equitable treatment and fair distribution of resources based on legitimate criteria, not favoritism.
A lawyer shares confidential client information with a friend, claiming it was 'off the record.' This action:
Answer: Violates attorney-client privilege and professional ethics
Attorney-client privilege is an absolute professional obligation; sharing confidential information in any informal setting is a serious ethical violation.
An engineer knows a design has a safety flaw but remains silent because fixing it will delay the project. This is an example of:
Answer: Negligence and failure of professional duty
Knowingly allowing a safety flaw to persist constitutes negligence and a breach of the professional engineer's duty to protect public safety.
When a professional discloses their qualifications, fees, and potential conflicts before beginning work, they are demonstrating:
Answer: Transparency and informed consent practices
Proactively disclosing relevant information enables clients to make informed decisions and demonstrates respect for client autonomy.
A researcher fabricates data points to strengthen their study's conclusions. This is known as:
Answer: Research misconduct and scientific fraud
Fabricating data is a form of scientific fraud that undermines research integrity and can cause serious harm if the false findings influence decisions.
A company policy requires employees to report safety violations. An employee who witnesses a violation but says nothing is guilty of:
Answer: Omission and failure to meet professional duty
When a professional obligation to report exists, silence in the face of known violations constitutes a failure of professional duty through omission.
Which of the following is a key difference between a legal obligation and an ethical obligation in professional practice?
Answer: Ethical obligations may extend beyond what the law requires
Ethics often set higher standards than the law; professionals may be legally compliant yet still act unethically if they only do the legal minimum.