Ethical Principles in Social Work: A Comprehensive Guide for BSW Students

Question 1

Which ethical principle emphasizes the inherent worth and dignity of all individuals, irrespective of their circumstances or characteristics?

Accepted Answer

Respect for Persons

Answer

Self-Determination

Answer

Beneficence

Answer

Non-Maleficence

Question 2

Self-Determination in social work practice refers to the:

Accepted Answer

Client's right to make their own decisions, even if those decisions differ from the social worker's recommendations.

Answer

Social worker's responsibility to guide the client towards making decisions that align with professional standards.

Answer

Client's duty to conform to societal expectations and norms.

Answer

Obligation of both the social worker and the client to seek external guidance when making decisions.

Question 3

Which of the following is NOT among the core ethical principles in social work practice?

Accepted Answer

Charity

Answer

Respect for Persons

Answer

Non-Maleficence

Answer

Justice

Question 4

Non-Maleficence means that social workers have a duty to:

Accepted Answer

Refrain from causing harm to clients, both intentionally and unintentionally.

Answer

Act solely in the client's best interests, even if it means causing some harm.

Answer

Prevent harm to clients whenever possible, even if it requires breaking confidentiality.

Answer

Respect the client's confidentiality, even if it means potential harm to others.

Question 5

Which of the following is NOT a key factor to consider when making ethical decisions in social work?

Accepted Answer

The social worker's personal beliefs and biases.

Answer

The client's values, beliefs, and preferences.

Answer

The potential consequences and impact of different actions on the client and others.

Answer

The legal and regulatory framework governing social work practice.

Question 6

Which ethical principle emphasizes the importance of protecting individuals from harm?

Accepted Answer

Non-maleficence

Answer

Respect for persons

Answer

Self-determination

Answer

Justice

Question 7

The ethical principle of respect for persons primarily emphasizes:

Accepted Answer

Prioritizing the rights and autonomy of individuals

Answer

Treating all individuals fairly and impartially

Answer

Protecting the privacy and confidentiality of clients

Answer

Balancing individual needs with societal interests

Question 8

The principle of non-maleficence in social work ethics primarily dictates that:

Accepted Answer

Social workers have an obligation to actively prevent or minimize harm

Answer

Social workers should prioritize acting in the best interests of their clients

Answer

Social workers must maintain the privacy and confidentiality of clients

Answer

Social workers are fully responsible for the unintended consequences of their actions

Question 9

Which ethical principle underscores the notion of recognizing the inherent worth and dignity of all individuals?

Accepted Answer

Respect for persons

Answer

Justice

Answer

Beneficence

Answer

Non-maleficence

Question 10

What is the primary purpose of ethical decision-making models?

Accepted Answer

To provide a structured framework for navigating ethical dilemmas

Answer

To guarantee morally correct outcomes in all situations

Answer

To eliminate the influence of personal biases in decision-making

Answer

To simplify complex ethical issues into easily manageable choices

Question 11

Which ethical principle places emphasis on the duty to actively prevent harm or minimize its consequences?

Accepted Answer

Non-maleficence

Answer

Beneficence

Answer

Justice

Answer

Confidentiality

Question 12

Which ethical decision-making model emphasizes the use of ethical principles and moral reasoning?

Accepted Answer

Analytical Decision-Making Model

Answer

NASW Code of Ethics

Answer

Strengths Perspective Model

Answer

Ethical Sensitivity Model

Question 13

Which ethical principle emphasizes the inherent worth and dignity of all individuals?

Accepted Answer

Respect for persons

Answer

Autonomy

Answer

Beneficence

Answer

Non-maleficence

Question 14

Which principle requires social workers to actively promote the well-being of clients?

Accepted Answer

Beneficence

Answer

Justice

Answer

Non-maleficence

Answer

Confidentiality

Question 15

What is the ethical obligation to refrain from causing harm?

Accepted Answer

Non-maleficence

Answer

Beneficence

Answer

Autonomy

Answer

Confidentiality

Question 16

Which principle ensures that the potential benefits of social work interventions outweigh the risks?

Accepted Answer

Beneficence

Answer

Justice

Answer

Confidentiality

Answer

Non-maleficence

Question 17

Which element is NOT a key aspect of ethical decision-making in social work?

Accepted Answer

Relying exclusively on professional guidelines

Answer

Identifying values and principles

Answer

Consulting with colleagues

Answer

Considering the impact on clients

Question 18

Which ethical principle emphasizes respecting individuals' rights to make their own decisions and direct their lives, even if those decisions differ from the social worker's values?

Accepted Answer

Self-determination

Answer

Beneficence

Answer

Justice

Answer

Non-maleficence

Question 19

Which of the following actions best demonstrates the ethical principle of beneficence in social work practice?

Accepted Answer

Providing appropriate resources and support to meet a client's needs, even if it requires going beyond the minimum requirements.

Answer

Challenging a client's harmful behavior, even if it may cause discomfort.

Answer

Maintaining confidentiality of client information, even if it could potentially benefit others.

Question 20

Which ethical principle guides social workers to act in a manner that minimizes the risk of harm to clients and respects their physical and emotional well-being?

Accepted Answer

Non-maleficence

Answer

Beneficence

Answer

Justice

Answer

Self-determination

Question 21

Which scenario presents the most significant ethical dilemma for social workers, requiring careful consideration of conflicting principles and potential consequences?

Accepted Answer

When a client's needs conflict with legal requirements, such as reporting suspected child abuse.

Answer

When navigating cultural differences in ethical decision-making.

Answer

When balancing confidentiality with reporting obligations.

Question 22

Under what circumstances should social workers consider breaching client confidentiality?

Accepted Answer

To prevent imminent harm to the client, others, or themselves.

Answer

To document the client's progress.

Answer

To facilitate better communication with family members.

Answer

To comply with legal requests not related to harm prevention.

Question 23

Which ethical principle obligates social workers to treat all individuals fairly and equitably, regardless of their personal characteristics or circumstances?

Accepted Answer

Justice

Answer

Respect for Persons

Answer

Beneficence

Answer

Self-determination

Question 24

How can social workers effectively integrate ethical principles into their daily practice?

Accepted Answer

By regularly reflecting on the ethical implications of their decisions and seeking guidance when necessary.

Answer

By relying solely on written policies and procedures, without considering the specific context of each case.

Answer

By consulting with supervisors only when ethical concerns arise, rather than engaging in ongoing ethical reflection.

Question 25

Which framework serves as the primary ethical guide for social workers in their decision-making and practice?

Accepted Answer

The Social Work Code of Ethics

Answer

Legal statutes and regulations

Answer

Personal values and beliefs

Answer

Agency policies and procedures

Question 26

What is the primary purpose of the ethical principle of respect for persons in social work?

Accepted Answer

To ensure that clients are treated with dignity, their autonomy is respected, and their rights are protected.

Answer

To protect social workers from legal liability.

Answer

To ensure fair treatment of all individuals.

Answer

To guide social workers in balancing conflicting values.

Question 27

Which action best reflects the ethical principle of beneficence in social work practice?

Accepted Answer

Providing support to clients in developing coping mechanisms to manage their challenges and improve their well-being.

Answer

Confidentially sharing client information with colleagues, even if it could potentially benefit the client.

Answer

Reporting suspected child abuse to authorities, even if it may cause harm to the child.