Case Studies in Media Ethics: Interactive Learning Quizzes

Question 1

In the case of the thalidomide tragedy, which ethical issue was central to the controversy?

Accepted Answer

Informed consent

Answer

Objectivity

Answer

Privacy

Answer

Harm minimization

Question 2

The Leveson Inquiry focused on investigating:

Accepted Answer

Media ethics and regulation

Answer

Bias in political reporting

Answer

Hate speech and online harassment

Answer

Data protection and privacy

Question 3

Which ethical principle requires journalists to weigh the potential harm of their reporting against their obligation to inform the public?

Accepted Answer

Non-maleficence

Answer

Autonomy

Answer

Beneficence

Answer

Justice

Question 4

Objectivity in media ethics refers to:

Accepted Answer

Absence of bias and personal opinion

Answer

Presentation of all sides of a story equally

Answer

Adherence to a particular political or ideological viewpoint

Answer

Use of subjective language and imagery to convey a specific perspective

Question 5

Maintaining confidentiality of sources in journalism is primarily intended to:

Accepted Answer

Protect whistleblowers and vulnerable individuals

Answer

Ensure the accuracy and integrity of reporting

Answer

Uphold the reputation of journalists

Answer

Avoid legal liability

Question 6

In news reporting, media professionals have an ethical obligation to:

Accepted Answer

Respect the privacy of individuals involved in news stories.

Answer

Prioritize sensationalism to gain attention.

Answer

Report with political bias to support their views.

Answer

Avoid reporting on controversial topics to prevent offense.

Question 7

In the 'News of the World' phone hacking scandal, which ethical principles were primarily violated by media professionals?

Accepted Answer

Privacy, truthfulness, and exploitation

Answer

Plagiarism, copyright, and defamation

Answer

Sensationalism, bias, and conflict of interest

Question 8

In a case concerning the disclosure of private information about a well-known person, which ethical principle is most applicable?

Accepted Answer

Privacy

Answer

Accuracy and Verification

Answer

Objectivity

Answer

Minimizing Harm

Question 9

Which of the recommendations from the Leveson Inquiry aimed to enhance media ethics?

Accepted Answer

Establishment of an impartial media regulatory body

Answer

Strengthening libel laws

Answer

Increased government oversight

Answer

Self-regulation by the media sector

Question 10

When assessing whether the public interest outweighs an individual's privacy rights, which of the following factors is irrelevant?

Accepted Answer

Financial benefit to the media outlet

Answer

Potential severity of harm

Answer

Newsworthiness of the information

Answer

Consent from the individual

Question 11

The 'Jimmy Savile Scandal' raised concerns regarding the media's role in preventing:

Accepted Answer

Child abuse

Answer

Domestic violence

Answer

Political corruption

Answer

Financial fraud

Question 12

In the Leveson Inquiry, which recommendation aimed to enhance ethical practices in the media industry?

Accepted Answer

Establish an independent press regulator

Answer

Expand media ownership companies

Answer

Limit legal protections for journalists

Question 13

In the Leveson Inquiry, what was the primary focus of the investigation?

Accepted Answer

Press regulation and media ethics

Answer

Media ownership and economic concentration

Answer

Tabloid journalism practices and ethical breaches

Answer

Objectivity and bias in news reporting

Question 14

In the United Kingdom, the role of the Independent Press Standards Organisation (IPSO) is primarily to:

Accepted Answer

Regulate the press, uphold ethical standards, and investigate complaints

Answer

Promote media literacy and raise awareness about ethical issues

Answer

Impose legal sanctions against journalists who breach ethical guidelines

Answer

Provide training and support to media professionals on ethical practices

Question 15

In the phone hacking scandal, the central ethical violation was:

Accepted Answer

Breach of privacy and unauthorized access to personal information

Answer

Fabrication and distortion of news stories for sensationalism

Answer

Plagiarism and theft of content from other sources

Answer

Unfair and biased reporting that damaged reputations

Question 16

The Privacy and Electronic Communications Regulations (PECR) primarily aim to:

Accepted Answer

Protect individuals from unsolicited electronic communications, such as spam and marketing emails

Answer

Ensure transparency and disclosure in online advertising

Answer

Regulate the content and usage of social media platforms

Answer

Enforce ethical standards specifically in online journalism

Question 17

In ethical decision-making within media practice, which of the following is NOT a relevant factor to consider?

Accepted Answer

Personal financial gain or career advancement

Answer

Potential harm or negative consequences for individuals or society

Answer

Impact on public discourse and the flow of information

Answer

Prejudicial biases or personal beliefs of the decision-maker

Question 18

The ethical principle of informed consent in media practice emphasizes:

Accepted Answer

Individuals should have full knowledge and understanding before agreeing to participate or have their information used

Answer

It protects against potential legal liabilities, such as defamation or invasion of privacy

Answer

It guarantees that participants will remain anonymous and their identities will not be revealed

Answer

It allows for the unrestricted publication of any information deemed to be in the public interest

Question 19

Which of the following is NOT a fundamental ethical principle guiding media practice?

Accepted Answer

Commercial viability

Answer

Transparency

Answer

Independence

Answer

Accuracy

Question 20

In a case involving the publication of defamatory statements, the media outlet's paramount ethical concern should be:

Accepted Answer

Protecting the reputation and rights of the individual involved

Answer

Maximizing profits from the story

Answer

Preserving the freedom of the press

Answer

Avoiding legal repercussions

Question 21

When considering the ethical permissibility of using anonymous sources in journalism, which factor is of utmost importance?

Accepted Answer

Potential risk to the source's safety and well-being

Answer

Availability of alternative sources

Answer

Perceived credibility of the source

Answer

Convenience for the reporter

Question 22

In cases involving the portrayal of violence in the media, what is the primary role of regulatory bodies?

Accepted Answer

Establishing guidelines to safeguard vulnerable audiences

Answer

Punishing media outlets for violating ethical standards

Answer

Granting unrestricted freedom to media outlets

Answer

Censoring content based on personal beliefs

Question 23

Which action is considered an ethical violation in media advertising?

Accepted Answer

Intentionally misleading consumers about a product or service

Answer

Using visually appealing images

Answer

Promoting products to a specific target audience

Answer

Highlighting unique selling points

Question 24

In a case involving the manipulation of news footage, the most significant ethical concern is:

Accepted Answer

Eroding public trust in journalism

Answer

Producing sensational content

Answer

Violating copyright laws

Answer

Damaging the reputation of individuals featured

Question 25

Which of the following is NOT a valid defense against a libel claim?

Accepted Answer

Public interest

Answer

Privilege

Answer

Fair comment

Answer

Truthful statements

Question 26

In cases involving the use of social media by journalists, the primary ethical concern is:

Accepted Answer

Maintaining impartiality and avoiding conflicts of interest

Answer

Using appropriate hashtags and trends

Answer

Increasing audience engagement

Answer

Protecting personal information of sources

Question 27

When reporting on sensitive information, the most important ethical consideration is:

Accepted Answer

Balancing the public's right to know with the privacy and safety of individuals

Answer

Strictly adhering to legal requirements

Answer

Prioritizing sensationalism and emotional impact

Answer

Maximizing viewership or readership