Engineering Codes of Ethics: A Guide for Students

Question 1

What is the primary purpose of engineering codes of ethics?

Accepted Answer

To ensure public safety

Answer

To protect the environment

Answer

To promote sustainable development

Answer

To enhance professional reputation

Question 2

Which ethical principle highlights the importance of considering the long-term effects of engineering decisions?

Accepted Answer

Sustainability

Answer

Autonomy

Answer

Beneficence

Answer

Non-maleficence

Question 3

Which of the following is not a key characteristic of an effective engineering code of ethics?

Accepted Answer

Flexibility

Answer

Clarity and specificity

Answer

Enforceability

Answer

Comprehensive coverage

Question 4

How can an engineering code of ethics guide decision-making when faced with conflicting stakeholder interests?

Accepted Answer

Providing a set of principles to prioritize values

Answer

Resolving all conflicts objectively

Answer

Ignoring the interests of certain stakeholders

Answer

Creating a legal obligation to follow the code

Question 5

Which ethical principle is central to engineering codes of conduct?

Accepted Answer

Prioritizing public well-being and safety

Answer

Pursuing individual financial gain

Answer

Protecting the interests of the employer

Answer

Avoiding any ethical considerations

Question 6

Why is informed consent crucial in engineering practice?

Accepted Answer

It ensures clients are aware of potential risks and benefits

Answer

It protects engineers from legal repercussions

Answer

It is a legal requirement for all engineering projects

Answer

It is only necessary when large sums of money are involved

Question 7

What is the appropriate action for an engineer who is uncertain about the ethical implications of a decision?

Accepted Answer

Consulting with colleagues and experts

Answer

Ignoring the ethical considerations

Answer

Leaving the decision to a supervisor

Answer

Making a decision based on personal judgment

Question 8

Which core principle is emphasized in the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) Code of Ethics?

Accepted Answer

Honesty and integrity

Answer

Respect for others

Answer

Commitment to quality

Answer

Protection of the environment

Question 9

According to the Engineering Council UK, who bears the ultimate responsibility for ensuring ethical conduct among engineers?

Accepted Answer

Individual engineers themselves

Answer

Government agencies

Answer

Professional engineering bodies

Answer

Clients and stakeholders

Question 10

What is the essence of the "Golden Rule" of ethics?

Accepted Answer

Treat others as you wish to be treated

Answer

Prioritize respect and dignity

Answer

Always act in the public interest

Answer

Uphold the law

Question 11

In which scenario would an engineer be obligated to prioritize public safety over their client's interests?

Accepted Answer

When designing a product that could pose safety risks

Answer

When advising a client on investment strategies

Answer

When negotiating a contract with a supplier

Answer

When representing their client in a lawsuit

Question 12

In the event of a safety concern, which of the following actions should an engineer take first?

Accepted Answer

Inform their supervisor and escalate the issue

Answer

Contact the relevant regulatory authority

Answer

Consult with colleagues and seek expert advice

Answer

Wait for instructions from management

Question 13

Which professional organization provides ethical guidance and support for engineers in the United Kingdom?

Accepted Answer

Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET)

Answer

American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE)

Answer

Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE)

Answer

Royal Academy of Engineering (RAE)

Question 14

How does the Engineering Code of Ethics relate to the law?

Accepted Answer

It complements and reinforces the law by providing additional guidance

Answer

It is legally binding and enforceable in all cases

Answer

It is a substitute for legal regulations

Answer

It is only relevant for large-scale engineering projects

Question 15

As outlined in the Code of Ethics for Engineers, what is the primary responsibility of engineers?

Accepted Answer

To prioritize the well-being and safety of the public

Answer

To prioritize maximizing profits for their employers

Answer

To obey their supervisors' instructions without hesitation

Question 16

What is a key principle that guides ethical engineering practice?

Accepted Answer

Following established codes of ethics

Answer

Prioritizing profit over public safety

Answer

Ignoring environmental concerns

Answer

Accepting bribes for favorable outcomes

Question 17

Which of the following is NOT a fundamental principle of engineering ethics?

Accepted Answer

Efficiency

Answer

Sustainability

Answer

Autonomy

Answer

Justice

Question 18

What is the "duty of care" that engineers have?

Accepted Answer

To act in the best interests of the public and protect their safety, health, and welfare.

Answer

To disclose any potential conflicts of interest.

Answer

To prioritize the interests of their employer.

Answer

To ensure that their designs meet all applicable standards and regulations.

Question 19

Which of the following is NOT a step in the ethical decision-making process?

Accepted Answer

Acting on the first ethical principle that comes to mind.

Answer

Considering the relevant ethical principles.

Answer

Identifying the ethical dilemma.

Answer

Consulting with colleagues or mentors.

Question 20

What is the role of professional engineering institutions in promoting ethics?

Accepted Answer

Developing codes of ethics, offering training, enforcing ethical standards, and providing guidance to members.

Answer

Representing the interests of engineers to the government.

Answer

Investigating ethical misconduct.

Answer

Promoting engineering as a profession.

Question 21

What is the difference between ethical and legal requirements?

Accepted Answer

Ethical requirements are often broader and aspirational, while legal requirements are more specific, enforceable, and represent the minimum acceptable standard of conduct.

Answer

There is no difference between ethical and legal requirements.

Answer

Ethical requirements are only applicable to engineers, while legal requirements apply to everyone.

Answer

Ethical requirements are always more important than legal requirements.

Question 22

Which of the following is an example of an ethical code that is specific to the engineering profession?

Accepted Answer

The Code of Ethics for Engineers of the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET).

Answer

The Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

Answer

The Ten Commandments.

Answer

The Hippocratic Oath.

Question 23

What is the importance of ethical leadership in engineering?

Accepted Answer

It creates a culture of integrity, fosters ethical decision-making, inspires others to behave ethically, and builds trust with stakeholders.

Answer

It ensures that all engineers follow the same ethical principles.

Answer

It is only necessary for senior engineers.

Answer

It prevents ethical misconduct.