LESSON 1: Ethics and Principles of Psychological Testing, COURSE CODE
SEMESTER | ACADEMIC YEAR | PROF.
DECLARATION OF PRINCIPLES
Ethics and Principles of Psychological Testing,
Legal and Ethical Considerations Universal Declaration of Ethical Principles for Psychologists
● Adopted unanimously by the General Assembly of
Laws: Rules individuals must obey for societal good.
the International Union of Psychological Science in
Body of Ethics: Principles guiding right, proper, or good
Berlin on July 22, 2008.
conduct.
● Adopted by the Board of Directors of the
Code of Professional Ethics: Accepted by professionals,
International Association of Applied Psychology in
setting the expected standard of care.
Berlin on July 26, 2008.
Code of Ethics for Philippine Psychologists and
Declaration of Principles in the Code of Ethics
Psychometricians
● Principle I: Respect for the Dignity of Persons and
Preface Peoples
● Principle II: Competent Caring for the Well-Being of
Persons and Peoples
● Code of Ethics for Clinical Psychologists adopted in ● Principle III: Integrity
the 1980s. ● Principle IV: Professional and Scientific
● Revised in 2007 to be more inclusive and applicable Responsibilities to Society
to all psychologists.
● First draft presented to the PAP Board of Directors
on April 18, 2009. GENERAL ETHICAL STANDARDS AND PROCEDURE
● Further revised and ratified by the PAP Board on July
24, 2009. I. Resolving ethical issues in professional lives and
● 2020 Revision: Committee tasked to update the communities.
Code to align with recent legislations: II. Adhering to the highest standards of professional
○ RA 10029 (Philippine Psychology Act of competence.
2009) III. Respecting the rights and dignity of supervisees (clients,
○ RA 11036 (Philippine Mental Health Act of peers, and students) and other stakeholders in the profession
2018) and scientific discipline.
○ RA 10912 (Continuing Professional IV. Maintaining confidentiality in all important professional
Development Act of 2016) and scholarly functions.
● Final version approved by the Board of Trustees on V. Ensuring truthfulness and accuracy in all public statements.
August 26, 2022. VI. Observing professionalism in records and fees.
Ethical Standards and Procedures in Specific Functions
COURSE CODE: COURSE TITLE LESSON # 1
LESSON 1: Ethics and Principles of Psychological Testing, COURSE CODE
SEMESTER | ACADEMIC YEAR | PROF.
government or private agencies) + updated
VII. Assessment professional education.
VIII. Therapy
IX. Education and Training Section 17: Registration Without Examination for
X. Research Psychometricians
XI. Publication and Communication
XII. Professional Relationships and Work Settings ● A person qualified for the licensure exam may
XIII. Resolving Ethical Issues and Violations register without examination if they apply within
three (3) years after the Board’s creation and meet
the following:
R.A. 10029 “Philippine Psychology Act of 2009
○ Obtained a bachelor’s degree in
psychology.
Article V: Licensure Examinations ○ Accumulated at least 2 years of full-time
Section 11: Examinations Required work experience in psychometrics before
the law took effect.
● All applicants for registration as psychologists or
psychometricians must pass a licensure examination. Why is Test Bias Controversial?
● The Board administers the exam at designated Purpose of Psychological Tests
places and dates, following Commission
requirements. ● Designed to measure individual differences in traits
like intelligence and aptitude.
Controversy Over Test Scores
Section 18: Ratings in the Examination
● Differences in scores may imply that people do not
● To pass, candidates must obtain: have the same inherent abilities.
○ A weighted general average of at least ● This can lead to debates about fairness, equality, and
75%. potential discrimination in testing.
○ No grade lower than 60% in any subject.
● Candidates scoring below 60% in any subject but Traditional Defense of Testing
with a general average of at least 75% may retake
those subjects within two (2) years.
● Upon obtaining at least 75% in each retaken
Validity for Minority Groups
subject, the candidate is deemed to have passed.
● A key question: Are standardized tests equally valid
Section 16: Registration Without Examination for
for African Americans and other minority groups as
Psychologists
they are for whites?
● Differences in ethnic group performance may not
● A person qualified for the licensure exam may
necessarily point to test bias.
register without examination if they apply within
● The core issue is whether the test has different
three (3) years after the Board's creation and meet
meanings for different groups.
one of the following:
○ (a) Doctoral degree in psychology + 3 years
of psychology practice.
○ (b) Master’s degree in psychology + 5 years
of psychology practice.
○ (c) Bachelor’s degree in psychology + 10
Alternatives to Testing for Minorities
years of psychology practice (in
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LESSON 1: Ethics and Principles of Psychological Testing, COURSE CODE
SEMESTER | ACADEMIC YEAR | PROF.
● Critics of test fairness propose two alternatives:
1. Outlaw the use of psychological tests for
minority students.
2. Develop assessment strategies that are
more suitable for minority children.
Examples of Alternative Assessments
Chitling Test
Black Intelligence Test of Cultural Homogeneity
(BITCH)
System of Multicultural Pluralistic Assessment
(SOMPA)
When Tests Harm
Justification of Testing
● Testing is typically justified by its potential to offer
greater insight into individuals and help them lead
better, more productive lives.
Harmful Use of Test Results
● Increasing evidence shows that test results are
sometimes used to:
○ Label people in ways that limit
opportunities.
○ Discriminate against individuals based on
their test performance.
○ Interfere with personal growth by shaping
how people are viewed or treated.
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LESSON 1: Ethics and Principles of Psychological Testing, COURSE CODE
SEMESTER | ACADEMIC YEAR | PROF.
differences.
MOCK TEST C) Explain the purpose of the test and suggest the student
seek additional support if needed.
D) Suggest an alternative test that is culturally more
Board Exam: Ethical Principles and Legal
appropriate.
Considerations in Psychological Testing
1. (Situational)
A psychologist is asked to administer a psychological test to a 4. (Situational)
child from a marginalized ethnic group. The psychologist A psychologist uses a standardized test to assess intelligence
notices that the test has cultural biases that may in a group of individuals. The results show that individuals
disadvantage the child. What should the psychologist do? from one ethnic group consistently score lower than others.
What is the psychologist's primary concern?
A) Administer the test as usual and proceed with the analysis.
B) Alter the test to suit the cultural background of the child. A) The test may have been designed with a cultural bias.
C) Report the issue to the ethics board and recommend an B) The ethnic group may have lower intelligence levels.
alternative assessment tool. C) The test is an accurate reflection of the abilities of each
D) Ignore the issue as the test has been validated on other group.
populations. D) The lower scores may indicate a need for remedial
education in that group.
2. (Definition)
Which of the following best describes the “Code of 5. (Definition)
Professional Ethics” in the context of psychological testing? What is the primary purpose of the “Universal Declaration of
Ethical Principles for Psychologists”?
A) A set of personal beliefs that guide a psychologist’s
practice. A) To outline the legal rights of psychologists in different
B) A universally agreed-upon law that all psychologists must countries.
follow. B) To guide psychologists in providing culturally appropriate
C) A set of professional guidelines and standards for the tests.
practice of psychology. C) To establish a universal framework for ethical conduct in
D) A rulebook on what is legal or illegal in the practice of psychology.
psychological testing. D) To suggest ways to resolve conflicts within psychological
practice.
3. (Situational)
A psychometrician is conducting an exam for a diverse group
of students. One of the students expresses concern that the
test does not represent their cultural background. How
should the psychometrician respond?
A) Insist that the test is valid and ignore the concern. 6. (Situational)
B) Adjust the test scoring to accommodate cultural A test is being developed to measure personality traits in a
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LESSON 1: Ethics and Principles of Psychological Testing, COURSE CODE
SEMESTER | ACADEMIC YEAR | PROF.
cross-cultural setting. What should be the first consideration Psychologists emphasizes the need to respect the dignity of
of the test developers to ensure ethical validity? individuals?
A) The ease with which the test can be translated into A) Principle I: Respect for the Dignity of Persons and Peoples
different languages. B) Principle II: Competent Caring for the Well-Being of
B) Whether the test can be administered online for all Persons and Peoples
participants. C) Principle III: Integrity
C) Whether the test is culturally appropriate and relevant to D) Principle IV: Professional and Scientific Responsibilities to
all participants. Society
D) The cost and time it takes to administer the test.
10. (Situational)
7. (Definition) A psychologist uses a test that was not validated for a specific
The Philippine Psychology Act of 2009 mandates that all ethnic group, and the results seem inconsistent. What should
applicants for registration as psychologists or the psychologist do?
psychometricians must pass a licensure examination. What is
the minimum passing grade for the examination according to
the law? A) Continue using the test and disregard the inconsistencies.
B) Reassess the validity of the test and consider an alternative
approach.
A) 60% in each subject C) Ignore the results and focus on other aspects of the
B) A general average of at least 75% assessment.
C) 50% in each subject D) Discard the test results without informing the client.
D) A weighted average of 80%
11. (Definition)
8. (Situational) Which of the following is an example of a validity issue in
During a psychological assessment, a psychologist is asked by psychological testing?
a family member of the client to disclose the results of the
test. The psychologist should:
A) A test consistently yields different results for the same
individual over time.
A) Disclose the results if it benefits the family member. B) A test measures what it was designed to measure across
B) Refuse to disclose the results unless the client consents. different populations.
C) Disclose the results if the family member insists. C) A test provides similar results when administered to two
D) Share the results after removing identifying information. different groups.
D) A test causes participants to feel anxious and perform
poorly.
9. (Definition) 12. (Situational)
Which principle in the Code of Ethics for Philippine A school psychologist notices that a test they are using to
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LESSON 1: Ethics and Principles of Psychological Testing, COURSE CODE
SEMESTER | ACADEMIC YEAR | PROF.
evaluate students' aptitude is consistently leading to biased nature of the test. What should the psychologist do?
outcomes for students from low-income families. What A) Proceed with the test without further explanation to the
should be their course of action? participants.
B) Ensure that participants understand the purpose and
A) Continue using the test without making changes. potential outcomes of the test.
B) Modify the test to make it more suitable for all students. C) Skip the explanation and focus solely on collecting data.
C) Refrain from using the test and select an alternative tool. D) Ask the participants to sign a waiver stating they do not
D) Advise the students to take supplementary tests. need an explanation.
13. (Definition) 16. (Definition)
What does the term “confidentiality” mean in the context of What is test bias in the context of psychological testing?
psychological testing?
A) The presence of errors in test construction or
A) The practice of sharing test results with authorized administration that favor one group over another.
individuals only. B) The ability of a test to measure an individual's aptitude
B) The refusal to provide any feedback to clients about their accurately.
results. C) The use of a test in settings where it is not culturally
C) The process of destroying all records related to testing appropriate.
after use. D) The tendency of a test to provide consistent results across
D) The requirement to disclose all information about a different administrations.
client’s test results to their family.
17. (Situational)
14. (Situational) A psychometrician is conducting a test for a group of
A psychologist is tasked with conducting a psychological individuals, but some of them have disabilities that may
evaluation for a client from a different cultural background. affect their performance. What should the psychometrician
What ethical guideline should they follow to ensure fairness? do?
A) Administer the same standardized test used for all clients. A) Provide additional time and modify the test to meet the
B) Consider using culturally adapted tools that are validated needs of individuals with disabilities.
for the client's background. B) Administer the test as is and disregard the disabilities.
C) Focus solely on the results of the standardized test and C) Disqualify the individuals with disabilities from taking the
disregard cultural factors. test.
D) Allow the client to decide which test they would like to D) Use a separate, less demanding test for these individuals.
take.
18. (Situational)
15. (Situational) A psychologist discovers that a standardized test they are
A psychologist is conducting research involving psychological using has been recently updated, but the new version has not
testing. The research participants do not fully understand the
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LESSON 1: Ethics and Principles of Psychological Testing, COURSE CODE
SEMESTER | ACADEMIC YEAR | PROF.
been validated for use in their country. What should they do? A) Encourage the client to adopt the psychologist's cultural
beliefs.
B) Discontinue the session and refer the client to another
A) Continue using the test as the update was made for therapist.
international use. C) Proceed with the session, focusing solely on psychological
B) Discard the updated version and use the older version until principles.
validation is complete. D) Keep personal beliefs private and ensure the client feels
C) Contact the test developers for clarification before making heard and respected.
any changes.
D) Replace the test with a completely new one without
considering the update.
21. (Situational)
A psychologist’s report includes test results that suggest a
diagnosis of a mental health disorder, but they are uncertain
19. (Definition) about the accuracy of the test. What should they do?
Which of the following best defines “competent caring for the
well-being of persons and peoples” in the context of the
Code of Ethics? A) Discard the test results entirely.
B) Consult with another professional for a second opinion
before finalizing the diagnosis.
A) A psychologist’s responsibility to ensure individuals feel C) Conclude the diagnosis based solely on the test results.
comfortable during the testing process. D) Share the uncertain results with the client without any
B) A psychologist’s obligation to provide accurate further consultation.
assessments of an individual’s abilities.
C) A psychologist’s duty to protect the rights and dignity of
those they assess.
D) A psychologist’s commitment to ensuring that tests are fair 22. (Definition)
for all individuals. What does "integrity" mean in the context of the Code of
Ethics?
A) Honesty and accuracy in presenting test results and
professional opinions.
B) The ability to remain neutral and detached in all
professional interactions.
C) The process of ensuring that all test results are kept
confidential.
D) The ability to prioritize the needs of clients over legal
requirements.
23. (Situational)
20. (Situational)
A psychologist is preparing a public statement about a recent
A psychologist conducting a therapy session notices that their
study. The statement includes conclusions based solely on
personal beliefs conflict with the client's cultural values.
the test results. What ethical standard should they consider?
What is the ethical course of action?
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LESSON 1: Ethics and Principles of Psychological Testing, COURSE CODE
SEMESTER | ACADEMIC YEAR | PROF.
A) Ensure that all claims are supported by accurate,
scientifically valid evidence.
B) Include the test results but ignore any inconsistencies.
C) Present the findings in a way that makes the study seem
more successful.
D) Focus only on the parts of the study that favor the
psychologist’s reputation.
24. (Situational)
A psychologist notices that some of the test items seem
irrelevant to the cultural context of a client’s background.
How should they proceed?
A) Report the issue to the appropriate authorities and
discontinue using the test.
B) Modify the test without notifying the client.
C) Ignore the cultural concerns and continue with the testing
process.
D) Suggest that the client take the test in a different cultural
setting.
25. (Definition)
The Philippine Mental Health Act of 2018 (RA 11036)
mandates that psychological services must prioritize:
A) The promotion of the mental well-being of all citizens.
B) The professional growth of psychologists and
psychometricians.
C) The creation of standardized test measures across all
regions.
D) The collection of data for governmental use.
COURSE CODE: COURSE TITLE LESSON # 8
LESSON 1: Ethics and Principles of Psychological Testing, COURSE CODE
SEMESTER | ACADEMIC YEAR | PROF.
Answer Key: Ethical Principles and Legal 24. A) Report the issue to the appropriate authorities and
discontinue using the test.
Considerations in Psychological Testing
25. A) The promotion of the mental well-being of all citizens.
1. C) Report the issue to the ethics board and recommend an
alternative assessment tool.
2. C) A set of professional guidelines and standards for the
practice of psychology.
3. C) Explain the purpose of the test and suggest the student
seek additional support if needed.
4. A) The test may have been designed with a cultural bias.
5. C) To establish a universal framework for ethical conduct in
psychology.
6. C) Whether the test is culturally appropriate and relevant
to all participants.
7. B) A general average of at least 75%.
8. B) Refuse to disclose the results unless the client consents.
9. A) Principle I: Respect for the Dignity of Persons and
Peoples
10. B) Reassess the validity of the test and consider an
alternative approach.
11. B) A test measures what it was designed to measure
across different populations.
12. C) Refrain from using the test and select an alternative
tool.
13. A) The practice of sharing test results with authorized
individuals only.
14. B) Consider using culturally adapted tools that are
validated for the client's background.
15. B) Ensure that participants understand the purpose and
potential outcomes of the test.
16. A) The presence of errors in test construction or
administration that favor one group over another.
17. A) Provide additional time and modify the test to meet
the needs of individuals with disabilities.
18. B) Discard the updated version and use the older version
until validation is complete.
19. C) A psychologist’s duty to protect the rights and dignity
of those they assess.
20. D) Keep personal beliefs private and ensure the client
feels heard and respected.
21. B) Consult with another professional for a second opinion
before finalizing the diagnosis.
22. A) Honesty and accuracy in presenting test results and
professional opinions.
23. A) Ensure that all claims are supported by accurate,
scientifically valid evidence.
COURSE CODE: COURSE TITLE LESSON # 9
