Engineering Ethics: Ethical Decision-Making Process Quiz

Question 1

An engineer discovers a design flaw in a product that could potentially harm users. What should be the engineer's FIRST step in addressing this ethical dilemma?

Accepted Answer

Gather all relevant information about the flaw and its potential impact.

Answer

Hope that the flaw goes unnoticed.

Answer

Attempt to fix the flaw without informing superiors.

Answer

Immediately report the flaw to the media.

Question 2

In an ethical dilemma concerning a new product, which group is LEAST likely to be a key stakeholder?

Accepted Answer

Competitors in the same market.

Answer

The local community near the production facility.

Answer

Customers who would purchase the product.

Answer

The company's employees.

Question 3

When choosing a solution to an ethical dilemma, what should be the engineer's top priority?

Accepted Answer

Adhering to ethical principles and codes of conduct.

Answer

Maximizing company profits.

Answer

Maintaining a positive public image.

Answer

Avoiding any personal inconvenience.

Question 4

Why is brainstorming alternative solutions important in the ethical decision-making process?

Accepted Answer

It helps identify a wide range of potential actions, including less obvious solutions.

Answer

It guarantees a solution that satisfies everyone involved.

Answer

It eliminates the need for further ethical analysis.

Answer

It allows for quickly choosing the easiest solution.

Question 5

After an engineer implements a solution to an ethical issue, what is the most important NEXT step?

Accepted Answer

Evaluate the outcome and make any necessary adjustments or take further action.

Answer

Claim success, even if the outcome is different than expected.

Answer

Ignore any negative consequences if the initial problem is solved.

Answer

Avoid documenting the results to prevent potential blame.

Question 6

Which ethical theory emphasizes following universal moral rules and duties, regardless of the outcome?

Accepted Answer

Deontology

Answer

Virtue ethics

Answer

Utilitarianism

Answer

Egoism

Question 7

How can engineers best promote a culture of ethical decision-making in their workplace?

Accepted Answer

By openly discussing ethical concerns, being transparent, and advocating for responsible practices.

Answer

By avoiding any potential conflicts of interest, even if it means staying silent on important issues.

Answer

By focusing solely on technical aspects and leaving ethical considerations to management.

Answer

By assuming that ethical behavior is someone else's responsibility.

Question 8

Why is it important to document the ethical decision-making process?

Accepted Answer

It creates transparency, accountability, and provides insights for handling future situations.

Answer

It creates unnecessary paperwork and burdens engineers.

Answer

It has no real value in engineering practice.

Answer

It should be avoided to prevent potential legal issues.

Question 9

How can ethical decision-making positively impact engineering projects?

Accepted Answer

It builds public trust, minimizes risks, and leads to sustainable and socially responsible solutions.

Answer

It has little impact on the technical success or failure of engineering projects.

Answer

It primarily benefits the company's reputation without addressing real ethical concerns.

Answer

It slows down the engineering process and hinders innovation due to strict rules.

Question 10

An engineer designs an innovative but expensive prosthetic limb.  Knowing many potential users cannot afford it, what ethical principle is MOST relevant?

Accepted Answer

Beneficence and Non-maleficence

Answer

Confidentiality

Answer

Professional Competence

Answer

Truthfulness

Question 11

In engineering ethics, which group is LEAST likely to be directly impacted by an engineer's decision in a project?

Accepted Answer

Competing businesses

Answer

Company employees

Answer

The general public

Answer

Project clients

Question 12

Which of these is NOT a typical step in an ethical decision-making process?

Accepted Answer

Negotiating a compromise

Answer

Defining the ethical issue

Answer

Gathering all the facts

Answer

Thinking about consequences

Question 13

An engineering team faces a decision that affects many groups.  What's the MOST ethical way to approach this?

Accepted Answer

Carefully consider every group's needs and pick the option best for everyone overall.

Answer

Put the client's needs above all else.

Answer

Delay the decision until a perfect solution appears.

Answer

Choose the solution that's easiest to put in place.

Question 14

What's the MAIN reason for having an ethical decision-making process?

Accepted Answer

To give engineers a framework for making responsible choices in their work.

Answer

To replace an engineer's personal judgment entirely.

Answer

To force every engineer to make identical decisions.

Answer

To create a rigid, one-size-fits-all decision-making method.

Question 15

An engineer is designing a bridge for a remote community with limited resources.  What's the MOST important ethical factor to consider?

Accepted Answer

The community's culture and specific needs

Answer

Using the most advanced technology available

Answer

Keeping construction costs as low as possible

Answer

Making the bridge as structurally strong as possible

Question 16

Engineers find a design flaw in a bridge they're building.  It could cause collapse, but they're under pressure to finish quickly. What's the MOST ethical action?

Accepted Answer

Tell their bosses about the flaw and refuse to continue until it's fixed.

Answer

Ignore the flaw and hope it doesn't become a problem.

Answer

Quickly try to fix the flaw without proper testing.

Answer

Blame the design flaw on a subcontractor.

Question 17

Which of these is NOT a typical step in ethical engineering decision-making?

Accepted Answer

Getting approval from the highest-ranking person

Answer

Collecting all the important information

Answer

Clearly identifying what the ethical problem is

Answer

Comparing different possible solutions

Question 18

A chemical engineer finds a new production method is efficient but creates a toxic byproduct. The company wants to use it immediately, but the engineer isn't sure it's safe.  Which ethical principle is MOST important here?

Accepted Answer

Precautionary Principle

Answer

Justice

Answer

Virtue Ethics

Answer

Utilitarianism

Question 19

Engineers are using a new material that might harm the environment. They MUST do an environmental impact study. What's their MAIN ethical duty here?

Accepted Answer

Do a complete and honest assessment, considering all possible effects.

Answer

Rush the assessment to save time and money.

Answer

Fabricate data to support the project's approval.

Answer

Focus only on the good parts of the project, not the risks.

Question 20

An engineer's client wants a design change that could make the project unsafe. The engineer MUST prioritize safety standards. What should they do?

Accepted Answer

Explain the dangers of the change to the client and strongly suggest a safer design.

Answer

Get a lawyer to avoid getting in trouble later.

Answer

Make the change but don't tell anyone.

Answer

Do what the client wants because they're ultimately in charge.

Question 21

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of a well-structured ethical dilemma?

Accepted Answer

A clear solution with no ethical conflict.

Answer

Having potential consequences for different parties.

Answer

Involving multiple stakeholders with competing interests.

Answer

Requiring a decision that involves ethical principles.

Question 22

A team of engineers is faced with a difficult ethical decision. They decide to use a decision-making framework to guide their process.  Which of the following is a benefit of using a framework?

Accepted Answer

It provides a systematic approach for analyzing the situation and identifying possible solutions.

Answer

It eliminates the need for individual judgment and moral reasoning.

Answer

It guarantees the most ethical solution to any problem.

Question 23

An engineer is considering whether to report a potential safety violation to the authorities.  What is the primary ethical consideration in this decision?

Accepted Answer

The potential harm that could be caused by the violation if it is not addressed.

Answer

The engineer's personal reputation and career prospects.

Answer

The financial implications of reporting the violation.

Question 24

A young engineer is starting their career and is faced with an ethical dilemma.  They are unsure how to navigate the situation.  What is the best course of action for the engineer?

Accepted Answer

Seek advice from experienced colleagues or mentors.

Answer

Ignore the dilemma and hope it resolves itself.

Answer

Take the action that benefits them personally.

Question 25

A company is developing a new technology that has the potential to improve the lives of many people. However, there are concerns about the technology's potential for misuse.  What is the ethical responsibility of the engineers involved in the development?

Accepted Answer

To consider the potential risks and benefits of the technology and develop safeguards to mitigate the risks.

Answer

To focus only on the positive aspects of the technology and ignore potential risks.