GDPA PSY4405 ETHICS EXAM QUESTIONS AND
CORRECT ANSWERS
Law - answer a regulatory code that defines accepted behaviours that are enforceable.
Moral - answer a social norm or code regarding acceptable behaviours that are derived
from culture, tradition, family that are not regulated by law.
Ethics - answer Moral codes that define behaviours in relation to specific fields/areas;
generally professional and which define standards of behaviour. These may align with, but
may not always be enshrined in law.
Ethical floor - answer The minimum ethical standard required by a code; this varies from a
positive ethics approach that encourages professionals to act in the highest moral/ethical
standard and to be proactive rather than defensive in their approach to ethics.
Moral distress - answer stress caused by situations when the law requires action in conflict
with a moral stance.
How does Knapp propose psychologists resolve moral distress? - answer 1. Understand
legal requirements
2. Understand ethical obligations
3. Generate creative solutions to meet both the legal requirements and ethical obligations
4. Where there is genuine, unavoidable conflict act in such a way that minimises violation
of the law if acting on morals, or minimises harm to ethics if acting on the law.
5. Use reflective practice to anticipate conflicts between ethics and the law
What actions should a psychologist take before acting against the law or an ethics code? -
answer Consult with relevant bodies, other practitioners.
Consider alternatives
Document decision making
What two elements make up a code? - answer Enforceability or regulation and aspirational
elements.
