LSP Ethics & Professional Standards 2

Question 1

A psychologist is treating a client who discloses plans to harm a specific, identifiable third party. Under the Tarasoff duty, what is the psychologist's primary obligation?

Accepted Answer

Warn the identifiable victim and notify law enforcement

Answer

The Tarasoff ruling established that psychologists have a duty to protect identifiable third parties from serious, credible threats, which typically includes warning the potential victim and notifying authorities.

Question 2

A psychologist maintains a social media profile that includes personal opinions on controversial political topics. An ethics board complaint alleges this harms the profession. Which APA Ethics Code principle is most relevant?

Accepted Answer

Fidelity and Responsibility

Answer

Principle B (Fidelity and Responsibility) addresses psychologists' obligation to uphold professional standards and be aware that their behavior reflects on the profession.

Question 3

A licensed psychologist is asked to provide expert testimony in a child custody case involving a family they have never treated. What is the most ethically appropriate approach?

Accepted Answer

Decline unless they conduct a proper forensic evaluation of all relevant parties

Answer

Forensic testimony about specific individuals requires a proper evaluation; testifying without adequate basis violates competence and accuracy standards in forensic roles.

Question 4

A psychologist's client asks them to write a letter to the client's employer stating the client is 'psychologically fit for duty' after only two sessions. What is the most ethical response?

Accepted Answer

Decline because two sessions are insufficient to render a fitness-for-duty opinion

Answer

Rendering fitness-for-duty opinions requires comprehensive evaluation; providing such an opinion after only two sessions would exceed the psychologist's evidentiary basis and violate competence standards.

Question 5

Which of the following best describes 'informed consent' as required by the APA Ethics Code?

Accepted Answer

An ongoing process ensuring clients understand services, limits, and their rights

Answer

Informed consent is an ongoing process, not a one-time event, that requires clients to understand the nature of services, anticipated course, fees, confidentiality limits, and their right to withdraw.

(LSP) Licensed Specialist in Psychology Certification Practice Test

(LSP) Licensed Specialist in Psychology Certification Practice Test

LSP Ethics & Professional Standards 2