Ethics and Law in Social Work: Online Learning Quizzes

Question 1

Which fundamental ethical principle emphasizes the importance of respecting autonomy and self-determination in social work practice?

Accepted Answer

Autonomy

Answer

Beneficence

Answer

Justice

Answer

Non-maleficence

Question 2

Which of the following is NOT among the legal duties of care owed by social workers?

Accepted Answer

Duty to provide direct financial assistance to clients

Answer

Duty to maintain confidentiality of client information

Answer

Duty to report suspected cases of child abuse

Answer

Duty to advocate for the rights of clients

Question 3

When a social worker has reasonable grounds to suspect child abuse, their legal obligation is to:

Accepted Answer

Contact the appropriate authorities immediately to report the suspected abuse.

Answer

Keep the suspicion confidential to protect the child's privacy.

Answer

Inform the child's parents or guardians first before taking any action.

Answer

Wait for further evidence before reporting the suspicion.

Question 4

The Data Protection Act (2018) in the UK primarily governs:

Accepted Answer

The protection and responsible handling of personal data.

Answer

The ethical use of social media in social work practice.

Answer

The confidentiality of health records.

Answer

The sharing of information between social workers.

Question 5

In the face of an ethical conflict, the primary responsibility of a social worker is to:

Accepted Answer

Uphold the ethical principles of the social work profession.

Answer

Prioritize the safety and well-being of clients.

Answer

Follow the instructions of their supervisor without question.

Answer

Respect the wishes of the client's family members.

Question 6

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

Accepted Answer

Making a decision based on personal opinion

Answer

Identifying the ethical issues involved

Answer

Considering the relevant ethical principles and values

Answer

Consulting with colleagues and supervisors

Question 7

Which ethical principle dictates that social workers must prioritize actions that minimize harm to clients?

Accepted Answer

Non-maleficence

Answer

Autonomy

Answer

Beneficence

Answer

Justice

Question 8

Which ethical principle requires social workers to act in the best interests of their clients?

Accepted Answer

Beneficence

Answer

Autonomy

Answer

Justice

Answer

Non-maleficence

Question 9

Which ethical principle mandates social workers to maintain the privacy of client information?

Accepted Answer

Confidentiality

Answer

Autonomy

Answer

Non-maleficence

Answer

Beneficence

Question 10

What legal obligation requires social workers to prioritize the best interests of their clients?

Accepted Answer

Duty of care

Answer

Duty of confidentiality

Answer

Duty of competence

Answer

Duty of loyalty

Question 11

What process involves informing clients about their rights, responsibilities, and consent to social work services?

Accepted Answer

Informed consent

Answer

Confidentiality agreement

Answer

Duty of care

Answer

Advocacy

Question 12

Which legal statute prohibits discrimination and victimization based on protected characteristics in the UK?

Accepted Answer

Equality Act 2010

Answer

Data Protection Act 2018

Answer

Mental Health Act 1983

Answer

Children Act 1989

Question 13

Which ethical principle prohibits social workers from exploiting clients for personal gain?

Accepted Answer

Non-maleficence

Answer

Autonomy

Answer

Beneficence

Answer

Justice

Question 14

Which of the following is NOT a fundamental principle in social work ethics?

Accepted Answer

Objectivity

Answer

Confidentiality

Answer

Informed consent

Answer

Non-judgmentalism

Question 15

According to the Mental Capacity Act (2005), the default assumption regarding an individual's decision-making capacity is that:

Accepted Answer

They have the capacity to make decisions unless proven otherwise

Answer

They lack the capacity to make decisions unless proven otherwise

Answer

They have limited capacity to make certain decisions

Answer

They are always considered to lack capacity

Question 16

When faced with an ethical dilemma, social workers are expected to:

Accepted Answer

Consult with colleagues, supervisors, and other professionals

Answer

Rely solely on their own personal moral compass

Answer

Always prioritize the wishes of the client

Answer

Avoid making any decision until all options are exhausted

Question 17

Which of the following is NOT a fundamental principle of ethical social work practice?

Accepted Answer

Objectivity

Answer

Confidentiality

Answer

Informed consent

Answer

Non-maleficence

Question 18

When faced with an ethical dilemma in social work practice, what is the appropriate course of action?

Accepted Answer

Consult with a supervisor or colleague for guidance

Answer

Rely solely on personal values in making a decision

Answer

Act impulsively without seeking external perspectives

Answer

Ignore the ethical concerns altogether

Question 19

When a social worker has reasonable grounds to believe that a child is at risk of significant harm, which legal duty must be fulfilled?

Accepted Answer

Contact the local authority children's services immediately

Answer

Inform the child's parents or guardians

Answer

Take immediate physical action to protect the child

Answer

Refrain from any action and continue observing the situation

Question 20

Revised: What is the primary purpose of the Mental Capacity Act 2005 in the United Kingdom?

Accepted Answer

To establish a legal framework for decision-making for people who lack capacity.

Answer

To protect the rights of people with mental health issues.

Answer

To provide funding for mental health services.

Answer

To regulate the prescription of psychotropic medication.

Question 21

Revised: What is the main function of the social work code of ethics?

Accepted Answer

To guide social workers in making ethical decisions and practicing responsibly.

Answer

To provide a set of rules that social workers must follow without exception.

Answer

To protect social workers from legal liability.

Answer

To promote the profession of social work.

Question 22

Revised: What is the legal obligation that social workers have to take reasonable steps to protect others from harm caused by their clients?

Accepted Answer

Duty of care.

Answer

Duty to report.

Answer

Duty to confidentiality.

Answer

Duty to act in the best interests of the client.

Question 23

Revised: Which of the following is a key aspect of the ethical principle of autonomy in social work?

Accepted Answer

Respecting the client's right to make their own decisions, even if they differ from the social worker's values.

Answer

Protecting the client from any potential harm, even if it means overriding their wishes.

Answer

Adhering strictly to the social worker's own values and beliefs.

Answer

Following the instructions of supervisors without question.

Question 24

What is the primary purpose of obtaining informed consent in social work?

Accepted Answer

To ensure the client understands and agrees to the proposed intervention and its potential consequences

Answer

To protect the social worker from legal liability

Answer

To comply with regulations and policies

Answer

To obtain permission to disclose confidential information

Question 25

Which legal concept holds professionals responsible for the foreseeable harm caused by their actions or omissions?

Accepted Answer

Negligence

Answer

Malpractice

Answer

Dereliction of duty

Answer

Breach of contract

Question 26

Which legal protection prevents individuals from being compelled to testify against themselves?

Accepted Answer

Privilege against self-incrimination

Answer

Attorney-client privilege

Answer

Miranda rights

Answer

Due process

Question 27

What is the primary ethical concern when working with vulnerable populations?

Accepted Answer

Preventing exploitation and abuse

Answer

Protecting their autonomy

Answer

Ensuring their privacy

Answer

Promoting their well-being

Question 28

Which of the following is NOT a core ethical principle in social work practice?

Accepted Answer

Efficiency

Answer

Respect for autonomy

Answer

Non-maleficence

Answer

Justice

Question 29

Which ethical principle in social work practice prioritizes the client's right to make informed choices about their own life and treatment?

Accepted Answer

Autonomy

Answer

Confidentiality

Answer

Beneficence

Answer

Justice

Question 30

Which of the following is not a core ethical principle in social work practice?

Accepted Answer

Profitability

Answer

Respect for self-determination

Answer

Social justice

Question 31

Which of the following are fundamental ethical principles that guide social work practice?

Accepted Answer

Beneficence

Accepted Answer

Autonomy

Accepted Answer

Justice

Question 32

A social worker is legally obligated to maintain the confidentiality of:

Accepted Answer

Client-related information obtained during the course of providing services

Answer

Information about the social worker's personal life

Answer

Names of individuals who have made allegations of abuse or neglect, unless required by law

Question 33

Informed consent in social work practice involves:

Accepted Answer

Clients understanding the nature of the services, risks, and benefits involved and voluntarily agreeing to receive them

Answer

Clients providing written consent before any services are provided

Answer

Clients being aware of all possible outcomes of their decisions

Question 34

The primary legal duty that social workers have towards their clients is the:

Accepted Answer

Duty of care

Answer

Duty of loyalty

Answer

Duty of confidentiality

Answer

Duty of advocacy

Question 35

A social worker is working with a client who poses a risk of harm to themselves. What is the social worker's ethical obligation?

Accepted Answer

To take steps to protect the client and others from harm, even if it means breaching confidentiality

Answer

To continue providing services to the client without involving other professionals

Answer

To resign from the case and refer the client to another social worker

Question 36

In the United Kingdom, which of the following is a legal requirement for social work practice?

Accepted Answer

Registration with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC)

Answer

Certification by the International Federation of Social Workers (IFSW)

Answer

Membership in the British Association of Social Workers (BASW)

Question 37

A social worker is asked by the court to testify about a client's mental health history. What should the social worker do?

Accepted Answer

Seek legal advice and only testify if ordered by a judge to do so

Answer

Testify without hesitation as the subpoena overrides the duty of confidentiality

Answer

Refuse to testify, even if ordered by a judge, to protect the client's privacy

Question 38

A benefit of using ethical and legal frameworks in social work is:

Accepted Answer

Ensuring accountability and transparency in decision-making

Answer

Eliminating all risks associated with social work interventions

Answer

Guaranteeing positive outcomes for clients

Question 39

A social worker believes a colleague is engaging in unethical behavior. What is the social worker's ethical and legal duty?

Accepted Answer

To report the behavior to the appropriate authorities, such as a supervisor or regulatory body

Answer

To remain silent and avoid getting involved

Answer

To confront the colleague directly and try to resolve the issue informally

Question 40

A potential consequence of breaching ethical or legal guidelines in social work is:

Accepted Answer

Suspension or termination of employment

Answer

Increased client satisfaction

Answer

Awards and recognition for outstanding service

Answer

Improved job prospects