Deck 10: The Ethics of Assessment: Using Fair Procedures in Responsible Ways

Question 1

Discuss the arguments in favor of using diagnostic systems such as the DSM and in opposition to their use.Describe and justify your own view on the use of diagnostic systems.

Answer 1

No Answer

Question 2

Welfel describes a number of factors that underscore the ethical implications of diagnosis.Identify at least four of these factors and elaborate on their implications for ethical practice.

Answer 2

No Answer

Question 3

In what ways can diagnosis serve as a "means of social control"? Give at least one historical example of such use.

Answer 3

No Answer

Question 4

What are the ethical obligations of test developers in marketing their instruments? What steps should a test developer take before offering a test for professional use?

Question 5

Welfel describes four major responsibilities of test users.Identify each responsibility and provide an example of violation of this responsibility.

Question 6

If a person is taking a psychological test as part of an employment screening, what rights does he or she have and what obligation does the professional giving the test have to that person?

Question 7

What can a client reasonably expect in the way of feedback if they complete a psychological or career inventory as part of their treatment?

Question 8

If the parent of a child who has completed a battery of psychological and intelligence tests under the supervision of the school psychologist asks that those results be sent to that child's therapist at the local mental health agency, what steps should the school psychologist take in regard to releasing that information to the therapist?

Question 9

A psychologist who appears in a television news program to offer explanations of the behavior of a person who has bombed a public building:

A) Is justified in describing the bomber as an antisocial personality, based on the bombers actions and the history the psychologist has learned from reliable media sources
B) May discuss the implications of the bomber's behavior and public comments since his arrest for his mental health and stability
C) May comment only on the research about people who commit such crimes and should make no comments about this individual.
D) None of the above

Question 10

A mental health professional can modify the report of a diagnosis to an insurance company to a less accurate diagnosis when:

A) The client is at risk for suicide and desperately needs treatment
B) The client asks the professional for such a change and signs a statement that he or she requested such a change
C) The risks of a audit by the insurance company are low and the potential benefit to the client are high
D) The professional has gotten approval from his or her supervisor for this change
E) All of the above (f) None of the above

Question 11

A test developer should not:

A) Publish a test without publishing a test manual
B) Charge test purchasers for the test manual, only for the tests, answer sheets and scoring materials
C) Make a profit on a test that helps to diagnose mental illness
D) All of the above

Question 12

Clients may take tests home if:

A) They sign a statement that they will not ask other people for help in completing the test
B) They are taking a career inventory but not a psychological test
C) They have shown themselves to be compliant with all other aspects of treatment
D) All of the above
E) None of the above

Question 13

According to Anastasi (1992) he "hazard of a single score"means:

A) A client's response to a single item on some tests can reveal information that the client wishes to keep private
B) A test should not be used as the only tool in diagnosing a mental illness
C) The client is at risk of overinterpreting the results of a single test
D) All of the above
E) None of the above

Question 14

Test data can be released when:

A) The client signs a release and the data are being sent to a qualified professional
B) The client's attorney obtains a subpoena for that data
C) The client wants a copy of the raw test data
D) All of the above
E) None of the above

Question 15

Professionals are justified in not giving clients feedback when:

A) The results of an intelligence test will be disappointing to the client
B) The client has waived his or her right to feedback
C) The test results are invalid
D) None of the above