0

Professional Ethics and Responsibilities of Engineers

Description: This quiz will test your knowledge on the professional ethics and responsibilities of engineers.
Number of Questions: 15
Created by:
Tags: engineering ethics professional responsibilities engineering law
Attempted 0/15 Correct 0 Score 0

What is the primary responsibility of an engineer?

  1. To protect the public health and safety

  2. To make a profit

  3. To advance the field of engineering

  4. To serve the interests of their clients


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

The primary responsibility of an engineer is to protect the public health and safety. This means that engineers must design and build structures and systems that are safe and reliable, and that they must take steps to minimize the risk of accidents and injuries.

What are the four fundamental canons of ethics for engineers?

  1. Honesty, integrity, fairness, and competence

  2. Safety, health, welfare, and sustainability

  3. Public interest, client confidentiality, conflict of interest, and professional development

  4. Accuracy, precision, reliability, and validity


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

The four fundamental canons of ethics for engineers are honesty, integrity, fairness, and competence. These canons are the foundation of the engineering profession, and they guide engineers in their work.

What is the difference between an engineer's ethical and legal responsibilities?

  1. Ethical responsibilities are more important than legal responsibilities

  2. Legal responsibilities are more important than ethical responsibilities

  3. Ethical responsibilities and legal responsibilities are the same

  4. Ethical responsibilities are subjective, while legal responsibilities are objective


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

Ethical responsibilities are subjective, meaning that they are based on an individual's personal values and beliefs. Legal responsibilities, on the other hand, are objective, meaning that they are based on the law.

What is the role of professional engineering societies in promoting ethical conduct?

  1. To develop and enforce codes of ethics

  2. To provide continuing education and training on ethics

  3. To investigate and discipline members who violate the code of ethics

  4. All of the above


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

Professional engineering societies play a vital role in promoting ethical conduct by developing and enforcing codes of ethics, providing continuing education and training on ethics, and investigating and disciplining members who violate the code of ethics.

What is the best way to resolve an ethical dilemma?

  1. Consult with a colleague

  2. Consult with a supervisor

  3. Consult with an ethics hotline

  4. All of the above


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as the best way to resolve an ethical dilemma will vary depending on the specific situation. However, consulting with a colleague, supervisor, or ethics hotline can all be helpful in getting different perspectives on the issue and making an informed decision.

What is the difference between an engineer's duty to their client and their duty to the public?

  1. An engineer's duty to their client is always more important than their duty to the public

  2. An engineer's duty to the public is always more important than their duty to their client

  3. An engineer's duty to their client and their duty to the public are equally important

  4. An engineer's duty to their client and their duty to the public are unrelated


Correct Option: C
Explanation:

An engineer's duty to their client and their duty to the public are equally important. Engineers must balance the interests of their clients with the interests of the public, and they must always act in a way that protects the public health and safety.

What is the role of informed consent in engineering practice?

  1. Engineers must always obtain informed consent from their clients before starting any work

  2. Engineers must only obtain informed consent from their clients if the work is potentially hazardous

  3. Engineers are not required to obtain informed consent from their clients

  4. Informed consent is only required in medical practice, not engineering practice


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Engineers must always obtain informed consent from their clients before starting any work. This means that engineers must provide their clients with all of the relevant information about the project, including the potential risks and benefits, so that the clients can make an informed decision about whether or not to proceed with the work.

What is the difference between negligence and recklessness?

  1. Negligence is a more serious offense than recklessness

  2. Recklessness is a more serious offense than negligence

  3. Negligence and recklessness are the same offense

  4. Negligence and recklessness are unrelated offenses


Correct Option: B
Explanation:

Recklessness is a more serious offense than negligence. Negligence is the failure to take reasonable care to avoid harm, while recklessness is the conscious disregard of a substantial and unjustifiable risk of harm.

What is the statute of limitations for filing a lawsuit against an engineer for negligence?

  1. 1 year

  2. 2 years

  3. 3 years

  4. 4 years


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

The statute of limitations for filing a lawsuit against an engineer for negligence is 4 years in most states.

What is the best way to avoid ethical problems in engineering practice?

  1. Be aware of the ethical issues that can arise in engineering practice

  2. Follow the code of ethics for engineers

  3. Consult with a colleague or supervisor when you are faced with an ethical dilemma

  4. All of the above


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

The best way to avoid ethical problems in engineering practice is to be aware of the ethical issues that can arise, to follow the code of ethics for engineers, and to consult with a colleague or supervisor when you are faced with an ethical dilemma.

What is the difference between an engineer's duty to their employer and their duty to the public?

  1. An engineer's duty to their employer is always more important than their duty to the public

  2. An engineer's duty to the public is always more important than their duty to their employer

  3. An engineer's duty to their employer and their duty to the public are equally important

  4. An engineer's duty to their employer and their duty to the public are unrelated


Correct Option: B
Explanation:

An engineer's duty to the public is always more important than their duty to their employer. This means that engineers must always act in a way that protects the public health and safety, even if it means going against the wishes of their employer.

What is the role of professional engineering societies in promoting ethical conduct?

  1. To develop and enforce codes of ethics

  2. To provide continuing education and training on ethics

  3. To investigate and discipline members who violate the code of ethics

  4. All of the above


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

Professional engineering societies play a vital role in promoting ethical conduct by developing and enforcing codes of ethics, providing continuing education and training on ethics, and investigating and disciplining members who violate the code of ethics.

What is the best way to resolve an ethical dilemma?

  1. Consult with a colleague

  2. Consult with a supervisor

  3. Consult with an ethics hotline

  4. All of the above


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as the best way to resolve an ethical dilemma will vary depending on the specific situation. However, consulting with a colleague, supervisor, or ethics hotline can all be helpful in getting different perspectives on the issue and making an informed decision.

What is the difference between an engineer's duty to their client and their duty to the public?

  1. An engineer's duty to their client is always more important than their duty to the public

  2. An engineer's duty to the public is always more important than their duty to their client

  3. An engineer's duty to their client and their duty to the public are equally important

  4. An engineer's duty to their client and their duty to the public are unrelated


Correct Option: C
Explanation:

An engineer's duty to their client and their duty to the public are equally important. Engineers must balance the interests of their clients with the interests of the public, and they must always act in a way that protects the public health and safety.

What is the role of informed consent in engineering practice?

  1. Engineers must always obtain informed consent from their clients before starting any work

  2. Engineers must only obtain informed consent from their clients if the work is potentially hazardous

  3. Engineers are not required to obtain informed consent from their clients

  4. Informed consent is only required in medical practice, not engineering practice


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Engineers must always obtain informed consent from their clients before starting any work. This means that engineers must provide their clients with all of the relevant information about the project, including the potential risks and benefits, so that the clients can make an informed decision about whether or not to proceed with the work.

- Hide questions