Exam Preview for 1371: Teleology: An Outcome-based Approach to Ethi

Teleology: An Outcome-based Approach to Ethical Decision-making with Clients

Please note: exam questions are subject to change.

1. A teleological approach to resolving ethical dilemmas suggests that we should focus on: options and consequences of those options following the law and professional codes of ethics categorial imperatives or universal principles the stories that groups tell themselves and others
2. When applying teleology, the “greater good” refers to: the ethical principle of respect for the dignity and worth of all people the value of integrity the option that produces the greatest net benefits the option that involves no risk
3. A social worker is trying to figure out whether to spend more time helping Donny (a client with depression) or Alex (a client with an anxiety disorder). Which of the following arguments fits best with a teleological approach? Spend equal time with both clients because that is what is fair and equitable. Spend more time with Alex because Alex’s condition is not likely to improve. Spend more time with Donny because helping him is more likely to make a difference (make him happier). Utilitarianism cannot help with this situation because teleology cannot be used to determine how to allocate limited resources such as time.
4. Fanya is working with a client who discloses plans to kill her partner. Which of the following is an example of brainstorming options? Doing a risk assessment to determine how likely it is that the client will follow through on her plans. Call the police Warn the partner Consider calling the police, warning the partner, developing a safety plan, and initiating proceedings to have the client admitted to a psychiatric facility.
5. When applying teleology, what does it mean to “weigh options”? Evaluate the potential consequences of each option to determine which promotes the greatest good. Assess which ethical principle to prioritize (e.g., privacy versus safety). Follow the NASW Code of Ethics. Follow the law or agency policy.
6. A social worker is considering whether to use individual therapy or family therapy with a client. Which of the following statements fits best with a utilitarian approach to ethical decision making? Provide individual therapy because a social worker’s primary obligation is to an individual. Provide family therapy because social workers value human relationships. Provide individual therapy because the social worker likes the individual client better than their family. Provide family therapy because it will provide greater good to a greater number.
7. According to teleology is it ever ethical to lie to a client? No, because honesty is always the best policy. Only if the client provides consent, permitting the social worker to lie. Yes, if lying to the client promotes a greater good than not lying. Yes, if the social worker is willing to go to jail and suffer the consequences for lying.
8. When deciding how to manage ethical issues, social workers should: trust their own initial intuitions do what their clients tell them to do engage in discussions of options with relevant stakeholders consider the first two options come to mind
9. When discussing ethical dilemmas, prudent social workers: should have no trouble reaching a decision because there is only one legitimate answer for each ethical dilemma may have and discuss reasonable differences about how to manage the dilemma must avoid discussing multiple options should focus only on avoiding harm
10. When social workers disagree with clients about how to resolve ethical dilemmas, they should: validate their clients’ views and positions report their clients to proper authorities refuse to speak with their clients any further explain to clients that there is only one right answer and their answer is wrong and immoral