Ethical Principles and Decision-Making in Social Work Practice: A Comprehensive Guide

Question 1

In social work, how does supervision contribute to ethical decision-making?

Accepted Answer

Provides a framework for accountability and ethical reflection.

Answer

Exclusively evaluates social work performance.

Answer

Primarily offers emotional support to social workers.

Question 2

The process of considering different ethical perspectives, identifying potential courses of action, and selecting the most appropriate one is known as:

Accepted Answer

Ethical reasoning

Answer

Moral deliberation

Answer

Value clarification

Answer

Ethical analysis

Question 3

The ability to reflect on one's own values, beliefs, and biases is known as:

Accepted Answer

Self-awareness

Answer

Empathy

Answer

Cultural competence

Answer

Ethical sensitivity

Question 4

In ethical decision-making, which principle prioritizes the autonomy and self-determination of individuals?

Accepted Answer

Autonomy (self-determination)

Answer

Beneficence (doing good)

Answer

Non-maleficence (avoiding harm)

Answer

Justice (fairness and equity)

Question 5

Which ethical decision-making framework evaluates the potential benefits and risks associated with different options?

Accepted Answer

Utilitarianism (greatest good for the greatest number)

Answer

Deontology (following universal moral rules)

Answer

Virtue ethics (developing good character traits)

Answer

Casuistry (reasoning based on specific cases)

Question 6

In ethical decision-making, which principle suggests aligning decisions with the actions of an ethical person?

Accepted Answer

Virtue ethics (good character traits)

Answer

Utilitarianism (greatest good)

Answer

Deontology (universal moral rules)

Answer

Moral relativism (varying ethical standards based on society)

Question 7

In situations involving multiple stakeholders, which ethical principle guides the distribution of resources fairly and equitably?

Accepted Answer

Justice (fairness and equity)

Answer

Beneficence (doing good)

Answer

Non-maleficence (avoiding harm)

Answer

Confidentiality (protecting private information)

Question 8

When making ethical decisions in social work, which factor should be prioritized?

Accepted Answer

Professional ethical guidelines

Answer

Personal values

Answer

Agency policies

Answer

Client preferences

Question 9

Which ethical framework emphasizes adhering to universal moral guidelines, regardless of the consequences?

Accepted Answer

Deontology (universal moral rules)

Answer

Utilitarianism (greatest good)

Answer

Virtue ethics (good character traits)

Answer

Casuistry (specific case reasoning)

Question 10

In situations where ethical principles conflict, which decision-making strategy involves weighing the potential benefits and risks of different options?

Accepted Answer

Casuistry

Answer

Principle-based reasoning

Answer

Rule-based reasoning

Answer

Ethical dilemmas

Question 11

Which legal concept safeguards confidential information shared between social workers and their clients?

Accepted Answer

Legal privilege

Answer

Informed consent

Answer

Duty of care

Answer

Ethical responsibility

Question 12

Which of the fundamental ethical principles in social work practice prioritizes respecting the client's choices and decision-making capacity?

Accepted Answer

Autonomy

Answer

Beneficence

Answer

Non-maleficence

Answer

Justice

Question 13

Which ethical principle emphasizes doing good and maximizing benefits for clients?

Accepted Answer

Beneficence

Answer

Autonomy

Answer

Non-maleficence

Answer

Justice

Question 14

In the context of informed consent in social work, what is the primary responsibility of the social worker?

Accepted Answer

Ensuring that clients understand the nature and implications of the proposed intervention

Answer

Obtaining clients' signatures on consent forms

Answer

Advocating for clients' rights, even if they refuse consent

Answer

Withholding information from clients to protect them from potential distress

Question 15

Which ethical decision-making model places emphasis on considering the potential consequences of different actions?

Accepted Answer

Utilitarian model

Answer

Deontological model

Answer

Virtue ethics

Answer

Narrative model

Question 16

In which scenario is a social worker ethically justified in breaching client confidentiality?

Accepted Answer

When there is an imminent risk of harm to the client or others

Answer

When the client explicitly requests their records to be released

Answer

When it is deemed necessary for research purposes

Answer

When the social worker believes it is in the client's best interest

Question 17

Which ethical principle guides social workers to advocate for social justice and challenge societal inequalities?

Accepted Answer

Social justice

Answer

Autonomy

Answer

Non-maleficence

Answer

Beneficence

Question 18

What is the term used to describe situations where social workers have personal or professional relationships with clients outside of the social work setting?

Accepted Answer

Dual relationships

Answer

Boundary violations

Answer

Conflict of interest

Answer

Ethical dilemmas

Question 19

Which ethical principle requires social workers to actively prevent harm and minimize potential risks to clients?

Accepted Answer

Non-maleficence

Answer

Beneficence

Answer

Justice

Answer

Fidelity

Question 20

When faced with a conflict of interest, which ethical principle should a social worker prioritize?

Accepted Answer

Disclosing the conflict and seeking guidance

Answer

Prioritizing personal relationships

Answer

Withdrawing from the case without explanation

Question 21

A social worker is working with a client experiencing domestic violence. The client expresses a desire to stay with their abusive partner despite the risks. Which ethical principle primarily guides the social worker's actions in this situation?

Accepted Answer

Client self-determination

Answer

Non-maleficence

Answer

Beneficence

Answer

Confidentiality

Question 22

A social worker is working with a family experiencing financial hardship. The worker discovers the family is eligible for government assistance but unaware of the program. What is the worker's ethical obligation to act in the family's best interest?

Accepted Answer

Inform the family about the available assistance and help them access it.

Answer

Refer the family to another agency specializing in financial assistance.

Answer

Advise the family to seek legal counsel to understand their options.

Answer

Respect the family's decision even if they choose not to apply for assistance.

Question 23

A social worker observes a colleague engaging in unprofessional behavior that could potentially harm a client during a team meeting. Which ethical principle requires the social worker to take action?

Accepted Answer

Non-maleficence

Answer

Fidelity

Answer

Justice

Answer

Confidentiality

Question 24

A social worker is working with a client from a marginalized community. To ensure objectivity, which ethical principle should the worker prioritize in their interactions with the client?

Accepted Answer

Justice

Answer

Beneficence

Answer

Fidelity

Answer

Confidentiality

Question 25

A social worker faces an ethical dilemma with conflicting values. Which ethical decision-making framework would be most helpful in guiding the worker's decision?

Accepted Answer

Ethical principles-based approach

Answer

Legalistic approach

Answer

Utilitarian approach

Answer

Pragmatic approach

Question 26

A social worker is facilitating a meeting with a client's family who express differing opinions and perspectives. What should the worker prioritize in this meeting?

Accepted Answer

Respectful communication and conflict resolution.

Answer

Imposing the worker's own perspective on the situation.

Answer

Providing advice and guidance to the family.

Answer

Seeking consensus among family members.

Question 27

A social worker is working with a client with a history of trauma.  Which ethical principle requires the worker to be mindful of the potential for re-traumatization during therapy?

Accepted Answer

Non-maleficence

Answer

Confidentiality

Answer

Justice

Answer

Beneficence

Question 28

A social worker encounters a situation where a client is disclosing information that could put them at risk. The worker's obligation to protect the client's safety may conflict with which ethical principle?

Accepted Answer

Confidentiality

Answer

Justice

Answer

Beneficence

Answer

Fidelity