Case Studies in Engineering Ethics: Interactive Learning Quizzes

Question 1

Which ethical dilemmas are raised by the use of AI and automation in engineering systems?

Accepted Answer

AI and automation could lead to widespread unemployment.

Accepted Answer

AI systems can be biased, leading to unfair outcomes.

Answer

AI and automation have no ethical concerns if used responsibly.

Answer

Ethical considerations are not important in the development of AI and automation in engineering systems.

Question 2

In the Ford Pinto case study, which ethical principle was breached when the decision was made to release the car to consumers despite knowledge of the design flaw?

Accepted Answer

Non-maleficence

Answer

Beneficence

Answer

Autonomy

Answer

Justice

Question 3

Which of the following is NOT a core ethical principle that guides engineering practice?

Accepted Answer

Profitability

Answer

Beneficence

Answer

Autonomy

Answer

Justice

Question 4

Which ethical theory prioritizes maximizing overall well-being and minimizing harm, focusing on the outcomes of actions?

Accepted Answer

Utilitarianism

Answer

Deontology

Answer

Virtue Ethics

Answer

Kantianism

Question 5

Which of the following is NOT a fundamental ethical principle in engineering practice?

Accepted Answer

Cost-effectiveness

Answer

Beneficence

Answer

Justice

Answer

Autonomy

Question 6

Which of the following is not a core ethical principle in engineering?

Accepted Answer

Convenience

Answer

Beneficence

Answer

Justice

Answer

Non-maleficence

Question 7

Which principle is NOT explicitly mentioned in the Belmont Report?

Accepted Answer

Utility

Answer

Respect for Persons

Answer

Beneficence

Answer

Justice

Question 8

Which of the following is **NOT** a fundamental ethical principle in engineering decision-making?

Accepted Answer

Innovation

Answer

Autonomy

Answer

Beneficence

Answer

Justice

Question 9

In evaluating an engineering project's environmental impact, which ethical framework is most directly relevant?

Accepted Answer

Environmental Ethics: Exploring the relationship between humans and the environment

Answer

Utilitarianism: Prioritizing overall happiness and well-being

Answer

Deontology: Focusing on moral rules and obligations

Answer

Virtue Ethics: Emphasizing virtuous character traits

Question 10

In the Ford Pinto case study, what ethical dilemma did the engineers confront?

Accepted Answer

Prioritizing consumer safety over shareholder profits

Answer

Balancing engineer safety with public safety

Answer

Calculating the cost of implementing safety enhancements

Answer

Deciding between a recall or repairing defective vehicles

Question 11

Which ethical theory prioritizes the overall positive or negative consequences of an action, rather than the action's inherent rightness or wrongness?

Accepted Answer

Utilitarianism

Answer

Deontology

Answer

Virtue ethics

Answer

Kantianism

Question 12

In the Challenger disaster, which ethical principle should have been given priority?

Accepted Answer

Safety

Answer

Cost-effectiveness

Question 13

In the case of the Ford Pinto, the decision to sell the car despite known safety defects demonstrates:

Accepted Answer

Profit-maximization

Answer

Utilitarianism

Question 14

Which ethical theory emphasizes the importance of acting in accordance with universal moral principles?

Accepted Answer

Deontology

Answer

Utilitarianism

Question 15

The concept of 'stakeholder analysis' in engineering ethics refers to:

Accepted Answer

Identifying individuals and groups affected by engineering decisions

Answer

Prioritizing the interests of shareholders

Question 16

The 'Engineering Whistleblower' legislation in the UK is designed to:

Accepted Answer

Protect engineers who report safety concerns

Answer

Punish engineers who violate ethical codes

Question 17

Which ethical principle emphasizes treating individuals fairly and without bias, regardless of their characteristics?

Accepted Answer

Justice

Answer

Autonomy

Answer

Non-maleficence

Answer

Beneficence

Question 18

Which case study involves ethical reflections on a bridge design failure resulting in fatalities?

Accepted Answer

The Tacoma Narrows Bridge Collapse

Answer

The Space Shuttle Challenger Disaster

Answer

The Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill

Answer

The Bhopal Gas Tragedy

Question 19

According to the Belmont Report, a fundamental ethical principle in human subject research is:

Accepted Answer

Respect for persons

Answer

Beneficence

Answer

Justice

Answer

Utility

Question 20

Which ethical philosophy suggests that actions are morally right if they result in the greatest happiness for the most people?

Accepted Answer

Utilitarianism

Answer

Deontology

Answer

Virtue ethics

Answer

Kantian ethics

Question 21

The Belmont Report is significant in engineering ethics because it provides guidelines for:

Accepted Answer

Research involving human subjects

Answer

Product safety standards

Answer

Environmental impact assessment

Answer

Professional conduct for engineers

Question 22

Which of the following is a core principle of ethical engineering practice?

Accepted Answer

Prioritizing safety and protecting the welfare of the public

Answer

Maximizing profits for stakeholders

Answer

Pursuing innovative solutions without regard to potential risks

Answer

Complying solely with legal regulations

Question 23

Which entity is NOT considered a stakeholder in ethical engineering decision-making?

Accepted Answer

Competitors in the same industry

Answer

Clients and users of engineering products or services

Answer

Peers and colleagues within the engineering profession

Answer

Members of the general public affected by engineering projects

Question 24

The precautionary principle is a guiding ethical principle used when:

Accepted Answer

Scientific evidence is uncertain or inconclusive, but potential risks are significant

Answer

The costs of taking action to prevent harm are minimal

Answer

The benefits of taking action are clearly outweighed by the risks

Answer

Public opinion strongly supports taking action

Question 25

Which ethical principle emphasizes avoiding harm?

Accepted Answer

Non-maleficence

Answer

Beneficence

Answer

Autonomy

Answer

Justice

Question 26

Which of the following is NOT a crucial aspect of ethical decision-making in engineering?

Accepted Answer

Giving precedence to personal gain

Answer

Identifying stakeholders and their concerns

Answer

Examining alternative courses of action

Answer

Evaluating the potential outcomes of decisions

Question 27

As per the Belmont Report, which ethical principle mandates informing research participants about potential risks and benefits?

Accepted Answer

Respect for autonomy

Answer

Beneficence

Answer

Justice

Question 28

In the Ford Pinto case study, which ethical issue was most relevant?

Accepted Answer

Cost-benefit analysis

Answer

Whistleblowing

Answer

Accountability

Answer

Informed consent

Question 29

The Challenger space shuttle disaster involved which ethical dilemma?

Accepted Answer

Balancing public safety and mission success

Answer

Protecting the environment from rocket launches

Answer

Ensuring fair treatment of all engineers

Answer

Addressing concerns raised by whistle-blowers

Question 30

Which engineering code of ethics places paramount importance on protecting public safety?

Accepted Answer

The Engineering Council (UK) Code of Conduct

Answer

Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) Code of Ethics

Answer

American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) Code of Ethics

Answer

Institute for Electrical Engineers (IET) Code of Conduct

Question 31

The Stanford Prison Experiment highlighted which psychological phenomenon?

Accepted Answer

Deindividuation

Answer

Cognitive dissonance

Answer

The bystander effect

Answer

The fundamental attribution error

Question 32

Which ethical principle was violated in the Three Mile Island nuclear accident?

Accepted Answer

Non-maleficence

Answer

Autonomy

Answer

Beneficence

Answer

Justice

Question 33

Which entity is responsible for regulating engineering practice in the United Kingdom?

Accepted Answer

The Engineering Council

Answer

The Institution of Engineering and Technology

Answer

The Royal Academy of Engineering

Answer

The British Standards Institution

Question 34

Which ethical theory prioritizes maximizing overall well-being?

Accepted Answer

Utilitarianism

Answer

Deontology

Answer

Kantianism

Answer

Virtue ethics

Question 35

Which ethical principle emphasizes allowing individuals to make their own decisions and control their actions?

Accepted Answer

Autonomy

Answer

Non-maleficence

Answer

Beneficence

Answer

Justice

Question 36

In the Challenger Space Shuttle disaster, engineers grappled with the ethical quandary of:

Accepted Answer

Neglecting warnings and launching despite known risks

Answer

Prioritizing safety over project deadlines

Answer

Disregarding potential environmental repercussions

Answer

Violating company regulations

Question 37

According to the UK Engineering Council, which of the following is NOT a cornerstone principle of ethical engineering conduct?

Accepted Answer

Pursuit of personal gain

Answer

Integrity

Answer

Honesty

Answer

Adherence to laws

Question 38

When engineers encounter ethical conflicts, their initial action should be to:

Accepted Answer

Identify the ethical aspects involved

Answer

Consult with colleagues

Answer

Seek legal counsel

Answer

Rely solely on personal beliefs to make decisions

Question 39

'Whistleblowing' in the engineering context refers to:

Accepted Answer

Reporting unethical practices or safety concerns

Answer

Taking credit for others' work

Answer

Disobeying orders from superiors

Answer

Disclosing confidential information

Question 40

In the Ford Pinto case, the ethical dilemma stemmed from:

Accepted Answer

Balancing safety considerations with financial costs

Answer

Protecting the environment from pollution

Answer

Preventing the distribution of faulty products

Answer

Maintaining customer loyalty

Question 41

When evaluating the ethicality of an engineering decision, a key consideration is:

Accepted Answer

Potential societal impacts

Question 42

Which ethical principle emphasizes avoiding harm to others?

Accepted Answer

Non-maleficence

Answer

Autonomy

Answer

Beneficence

Answer

Justice

Question 43

The ethical principle of justice requires engineers to consider:

Accepted Answer

The fair distribution of benefits and burdens

Answer

The protection of individual rights

Answer

The minimization of harm

Answer

The promotion of the greater good

Question 44

The ethical principle of autonomy emphasizes the importance of:

Accepted Answer

Respecting individual choices and decisions

Answer

Acting in the best interests of others

Answer

Promoting fairness and equality

Answer

Minimizing harm

Question 45

In engineering projects, discuss the ethical implications and trade-offs involved in balancing technological advancements with public safety.

Accepted Answer

Engineers should only prioritize technological advancements when there are clear and significant benefits to society, and only after carefully considering potential risks.

Answer

Technological advancements should always be prioritized, as they drive progress and innovation.

Answer

Public safety should always take precedence over technological advancements, without exception.

Answer

Engineers are not responsible for the ethical implications of the technological advancements they create.

Question 46

A whistleblower in an engineering firm has uncovered a safety violation that could jeopardize a major contract if exposed. Which ethical principle should the whistleblower prioritize?

Accepted Answer

Integrity

Answer

Confidentiality

Answer

Loyalty

Answer

Accountability

Question 47

In engineering ethics, the concept of "moral residue" refers to:

Accepted Answer

Negative consequences that persist despite an ethical decision.

Answer

Positive impact created by ethical actions.

Answer

Emotional burden experienced by engineers facing ethical dilemmas.

Answer

Time required to resolve ethical issues.

Question 48

Which professional engineering body in the United Kingdom is responsible for providing ethical guidance to engineers?

Accepted Answer

The Engineering Council

Answer

The Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE)

Answer

The Royal Academy of Engineering (RAE)

Answer

The British Computer Society (BCS)

Question 49

When handling hazardous materials, which ethical principle should a chemical engineer prioritize to safeguard public and environmental well-being?

Accepted Answer

Non-maleficence

Answer

Beneficence

Answer

Justice

Answer

Autonomy

Question 50

What is the primary purpose of a code of ethics for engineers?

Accepted Answer

Define ethical standards and guide professional conduct.

Answer

Enforce legal obligations and penalties.

Answer

Enhance the reputation of the engineering profession.

Answer

Restrict competition among engineers.

Question 51

When making decisions, engineers must prioritize which ethical principle?

Accepted Answer

Public safety and well-being

Answer

Financial gain

Answer

Company policies

Question 52

Which ethical theory prioritizes respecting individual rights and autonomy, even if it leads to less desirable outcomes?

Accepted Answer

Kantianism

Answer

Utilitarianism

Answer

Virtue ethics

Answer

Ethical egoism

Question 53

Which ethical theory prioritizes maximizing overall well-being for the greatest number of people?

Accepted Answer

Utilitarianism

Answer

Deontology

Answer

Virtue ethics

Question 54

Which of the following is NOT a key ethical issue commonly faced by engineers?

Accepted Answer

Maximizing profits

Answer

Protecting public safety

Answer

Balancing environmental impact

Answer

Respecting confidentiality

Question 55

In the Ford Pinto case, which ethical principle was violated when engineers knowingly produced a vehicle with a potentially fatal design flaw?

Accepted Answer

Non-maleficence

Answer

Justice

Answer

Beneficence

Answer

Autonomy

Question 56

Which of the following is a benefit of using case studies in ethics education for engineering students?

Accepted Answer

Providing practical examples of ethical dilemmas

Answer

Simplifying complex ethical theories

Answer

Encouraging abstract reasoning

Answer

Reducing the need for ethical guidelines

Question 57

The Bhopal disaster highlights the ethical responsibility of engineers in designing and operating hazardous facilities. Which ethical principle should guide engineers in such situations?

Accepted Answer

Precautionary principle

Answer

Autonomy

Answer

Justice

Answer

Beneficence

Question 58

Which of the following is a key component of an ethical decision-making process for engineers?

Accepted Answer

Stakeholder analysis

Answer

Following regulations blindly

Answer

Numerical calculations

Answer

Intuition

Question 59

Which of the following is not a fundamental ethical principle commonly considered in engineering decision-making?

Accepted Answer

Cost-effectiveness

Answer

Beneficence

Answer

Autonomy

Answer

Non-maleficence

Question 60

In the Stanford Prison Experiment, the alarming deterioration of behavior observed among participants can be primarily attributed to:

Accepted Answer

Situational factors

Answer

Social norms

Answer

Cognitive biases

Answer

Personality traits

Question 61

When engineers engage in the design of medical devices, a common ethical dilemma they face involves:

Accepted Answer

Balancing concerns between patient safety and data privacy

Answer

Addressing environmental sustainability

Answer

Adhering strictly to regulatory guidelines

Answer

Managing project timelines effectively

Question 62

When employing ethical frameworks in engineering decision-making, it is crucial to:

Accepted Answer

Consider perspectives and interests of diverse stakeholders

Answer

Disregard legal implications

Answer

Follow a rigid set of rules

Answer

Rely solely on personal values

Question 63

Whistleblowing in engineering organizations can have a significant impact. One potential benefit includes:

Accepted Answer

Safeguarding public safety and welfare

Answer

Advancing career prospects

Answer

Avoiding legal liability

Answer

Gaining personal recognition

Question 64

When faced with an ethical dilemma in engineering practice, it is considered best practice to:

Accepted Answer

Engage in structured ethical decision-making processes and consult with relevant parties

Answer

React impulsively based on personal emotions

Answer

Ignore the problem and hope it resolves itself