CPCE Professional Practice and Ethics.

A counselor is leading a group for adults who have difficulty with social skills. In the middle of a group discussion about eye contact, one of the group members, Jim, rolls his eyes and turns away from the rest of the group. In this situation, what would be the best response from the counselor? "Jim, I see that you just rolled your eyes and turned away from the group. Could you share with us what you're thinking right now?" "Jim, it is disrespectful to treat others that way. Please turn back to the group." "I think we all saw what just happened here. What do you think Jim is feeling right now?" The counselor should say nothing and proceed as if nothing had happened

Correct answer: "Jim, I see that you just rolled your eyes and turned away from the group. Could you share with us what you're thinking right now?" When leading groups, counselors should be aware of various group dynamics taking place and ways to handle negative and destructive behaviors within the group. In this situation, the counselor gently makes note of Jim's behavior and nonjudgmentally invites him to share his thoughts with the group.

A counselor living in a small rural town belongs to the only church within reasonable driving distance. She is approached by a member of her church who asks if the counselor would see her daughter for an intake session, as the girl has been having trouble in school and with friends. Which of the following is the best response from the counselor? "I wish I could, but because we attend the same church it would be a conflict of interest." "Since this is such a small town and I don't want you to find yourself in an uncomfortable position, let's schedule a time to sit down and talk about the possible issues that might come up if I do see her." "Of course. Let's schedule a time for her to come in." The counselor should not respond and should ignore the request.

Correct answer: "Since this is such a small town and I don't want you to find yourself in an uncomfortable position, let's schedule a time to sit down and talk about the possible issues that might come up if I do see her." Typically, it is not recommended that a counselor agree to engage in a professional therapeutic relationship with a client the counselor knows in another role. However, sometimes these relationships cannot be avoided due to logistics such as location, accessibility, insurance requirements, and other factors. The best way for the counselor to approach this situation is to invite the parent to have a dialogue about the issues that may come up should the counselor begin to see her daughter.

A client says, "I never knew what to expect from my father growing up. Sometimes he would explode and beat me and my sisters for no reason, and other times he would be the most loving dad in the world." According to Carkhuff, what would be a Level 1 response to this statement? "You look like this bothers you for some reason." "You look very worried when thinking about your dad's unpredictability." "Why do you think he did that?" "Your uncertainty about your dad's reactions to you and your siblings has contributed to your anxiety today and why you might feel so afraid of getting into a serious relationship with someone."

Correct answer: "Why do you think he did that?" Robert Carkhuff developed a 5-point scale for rating counselors' responses depending on how empathic the responses are, with Level 1 responses not attending to the client's affect at all and Level 5 responses adding significantly to the client's affect and meaning. "Why do you think he did that?" is a Level 1 response, as it fails to address the client's affect and focuses only on the content by asking a blunt question about the client's father's behavior. "You look like this bothers you for some reason" is a Level 2 response because it subtracts from the client's affect. "You look very worried when thinking about your dad's unpredictability" is a Level 3 response, as it can be interchangeable with the client's affect and content. The best response would be, "Your uncertainty about your dad's reactions to you and your siblings has contributed to your anxiety today and why you might feel so afraid of getting into a serious relationship with someone." This is a Level 4 or 5 response as it adds to the client's affect and meanings.

What is the typical range for the standard deviation when calculating a z-score? -3.0 to 3.0 -4.0 to 4.0 -1.0 to 1.0 -2.0 to 2.0

Correct answer: -3.0 to 3.0 One of the most commonly used standardized scores is the z-score. For a z-score, the mean is 0 and the standard deviation is 1.0. When the raw score is below the mean, the z-score is negative, and when the raw score is above the mean, the z-score is positive. The range for standard deviation of a z-score is -3.0 to 3.0.

A National Certified Counselor is preparing to renew her five-year certification. How many hours of continuing education is she required to have at the end of the five years? 100 150 25 50

Correct answer: 100 A counselor can become a National Certified Counselor (NCC) through the National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC). In order to maintain this certification, counselors must obtain at least 100 continuing education hours every five years after receiving the initial certification.

A counselor wants to conduct a research study using surveys to gather information. What is the minimum sample size she should use? 100 15 30 75

Correct answer: 100 Choosing the correct sample size is important, as it can influence statistical hypothesis testing. There are suggested minimal sampling sizes depending on the kind of research conducted. For surveys, the minimum sample size recommended is 100 people.

The first professional counseling association, the National Vocational Guidance Association, was founded in what year? 1890 1913 1927 1942

Correct answer: 1913 The modern history of the counseling field dates back to the late 19th century. In 1913, the National Vocational Guidance Association was founded as the first professional counseling association, and in 1952 merged with several other organizations to form what would later become the American Counseling Association (ACA).

Five students scored as follows on an exam: 74, 80, 81, 91, and 97. What is the inclusive range? 23 24 81 84.6

Correct answer: 24 The range is the highest score minus the lowest score. The inclusive range, which includes every individual score, is the highest score minus the lowest score plus one (1). 97 - 74 = 23 + 1 = 24

Two tests are administered to subjects participating in a research study. Each test measures true variance and error variance. The correlation between the two tests is .70. What is the amount of true variance measured in common? 54% 55% 70% 49%

Correct answer: 49% True variance and error variance are both important concepts to measure, as researchers want to know whether the test actually measures what it is meant to measure. True variance is measured by finding the square of the correlation. In this question, the correlation between the two tests is .70. Since .70 x .70 = .49, the true variance between the two tests is 49%.

The normal curve, also called the bell-shaped curve, distributes scores into six equal parts. What percentage of scores includes four standard deviations? 50% 68% 95% 99%

Correct answer: 95% The normal, or bell-shaped, curve distributes scores into six parts. Three of these parts are below the mean, and three are above the mean. 68% (34% and 34%) comprise one standard deviation from the mean in either direction, and 95% (13.5% and 13.5%) comprise two standard deviations from the mean in either direction, and 99% (2% and 2%) comprise three standard deviations from the mean in either direction. Taking the four standard deviations around the mean (the two standard deviations in either direction added together) gives us 95% of scores.

Which of the following is an example of cross-sectional research? A school counselor interviews high school freshmen, then re-interviews them four years later A group counselor randomly assigns individuals to either a control group or an experimental group A college counselor surveys professors and students of all ages about their political beliefs, then examines the differences A family counselor interested in the impact of substance abuse on the family system writes a summary of all types of family-based interventions that have been tried in the past

Correct answer: A college counselor surveys professors and students of all ages about their political beliefs, then examines the differences. Cross-sectional research is a specialized type of research that consists of gathering data from several different groups and then comparing the differences. In this question, the college counselor will gather data about the varying political beliefs of students and professors, and will likely examine the data to note the similarities and differences between the groups.

A counselor is conducting an initial assessment on a client who meets the criteria for obsessive-compulsive disorder. The client feels as if her symptoms are making it extremely difficult for her to function normally in her job, and her relationships with friends and family members have suffered. Based on research involving individuals with obsessive-compulsive disorder, what treatment recommendation(s) should the counselor make to this client? A combination of medication and cognitive behavioral therapy Family therapy Interpersonal skills training A combination of relaxation training and meditation

Correct answer: A combination of medication and cognitive behavioral therapy Obsessive-compulsive disorders are characterized by a preoccupation with and engagement in repetitive behaviors. Currently, recommended treatment approaches include a combination of psychotropic medication and therapy. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), particularly CBT that includes exposure and response prevention, has been shown to be particularly effective.

Which of the following is an example of a "title-control" policy? A counselor can only advertise within his or her area of study A counselor can practice counseling but cannot legally advertise using the title unless they are licensed No one can practice counseling without a license A counselor is only allowed to use the title Licensed Professional Counselor

Correct answer: A counselor can practice counseling but cannot legally advertise using the title unless they are licensed Different states have different laws regarding counselors' licensure and practice. "Title-control" means that anyone can practice counseling but cannot legally advertise using the title, such as Licensed Professional Counselor, unless they are licensed. The majority of states have title-control and practice-control laws, meaning no one is allowed to practice counseling without a license.

Which of the following is an example of a class-bound value? A counselor places emphasis on verbal communication during sessions A counselor encourages her clients to be emotionally expressive A counselor expects clients to adhere to weekly 50-minute sessions A counselor focuses her interventions on the individual client

Correct answer: A counselor expects clients to adhere to weekly 50-minute sessions. Class-bound values refer to characteristics that are more closely tied to social class than other factors. These can include the adherence to a 50-minute session, rather than allotting as much or as little time as the client needs; an unstructured approach to problems; and the seeking of long-range goals. Culture-bound values, by contrast, refer to the degree of openness and intimacy expressed during counseling sessions, the communication patterns that are defined within the session, and the emphasis on verbal and emotional expressiveness.

According to the ACA Code of Ethics, which of the following is not unethical? A counselor and his client agree that they are mutually attracted to each other and use the time in sessions to have sexual contact A counselor has sexual contact with a client she saw briefly for therapy ten years earlier A counselor agrees to provide couples' therapy to an ex-boyfriend she split from three years ago A counselor has sexual contact with one of her supervisees

Correct answer: A counselor has sexual contact with a client she saw briefly for therapy ten years earlier. Sexual contact between a counselor and a client is unethical and should not occur under any circumstance. If a client expresses sexual attraction for a counselor, or vice versa, this should be addressed in consultation, and the client can be referred to another provider if the issue is unresolvable. Sexual relationships between counselors and supervisees is also unethical. However, though some state laws may define a different time period, the ACA Code of Ethics specifies that sexual contact may not necessarily be unethical if it occurs more than five years after the counseling relationship ends.

In what situation might a mixed-method research design be used? A counselor wants to write a comprehensive review of the cognitive behavioral treatments that have been used over the past century A counselor wants to compare interventions by randomly assigning individuals to two counseling groups A counselor wants to test a particular type of cognitive behavioral intervention, then document one client's experience with the treatment A counselor wanting to build her private practice is interested in exploring the relationship between client age and cost per session

Correct answer: A counselor wants to test a particular type of cognitive behavioral intervention, then document one client's experience with the treatment. Mixed-method research designs utilize both quantitative and qualitative research approaches in the same design. Researchers who choose to combine approaches typically use one method, such as quantitative research, first and follow it by using the second method. In this example, the counselor would use quantitative methods to measure the effects of the cognitive behavioral intervention, and would then use a qualitative approach to record one client's experience with that intervention.

Which of the following is the best example of a nuclear family? Any group of individuals who choose to live together Any individual who has a child A married man and woman and their children A family that successfully launches children into adulthood

Correct answer: A married man and woman and their children There are many different ideas about what defines a family based on one's culture, ethnicity, and personal values. Historically, the family unit in the United States was defined as what is known as a nuclear family: a married heterosexual couple and their children. A more updated, inclusive definition of family is any small group of people who are related by blood or voluntarily choose to share their lives with each other.

Sometimes research must be approved by an Institutional Review Board (IRB). Which of the following studies definitely requires IRB approval? A study that uses a combination of animal and human subjects A study that receives a portion of its funding from federal sources A study that is completely supported by private funds A study that includes minors under the age of 18 as participants

Correct answer: A study that receives a portion of its funding from federal sources When a research study is funded partly or fully by federal sources, it must be approved by an Institutional Review Board (IRB), sometimes known as a Human Subjects Committee. The duty of the IRB is to review the study's methods to ensure they are ethical.

Which of the following is an example of a unit that might be used in cluster sampling? All female students enrolled in a statewide university system Children whose parents have divorced in the past 10 years All residents living in one city block Because 25% of the population in a city is Hispanic, 25% of the study subjects are Hispanic as well

Correct answer: All residents living in one city block There are many types of sampling, which refers to the selection of subjects from a part of the population. Cluster sampling refers to samples that are not individuals but are units of individuals in the same physical area that are selected randomly. Examples of cluster samples include residents in a city block or students in a classroom.

What organization sponsored the 20/20: A Vision for the Future task force? American Counseling Association American Personnel and Guidance Association Council for the Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs Vocation Bureau

Correct answer: American Counseling Association The American Counseling Association (ACA) is an organization dedicated to the growth and enhancement of the counseling profession. In 2010, the ACA sponsored a task force, 20/20: A Vision for the Future, which worked to find this mutually agreeable definition of counseling: "Counseling is a professional relationship that empowers diverse individuals, families, and groups to accomplish mental health, wellness, education, and career goals."

Which of the following facts about teenage suicide is accurate? Suicide rates have climbed drastically in recent years Suicide is the fifth leading cause of death among ten to 24-year-olds Girls commit about 80 percent of all suicides American Indian and Alaska Native teens are more at risk than White or African-American teens

Correct answer: American Indian and Alaska Native teens are more at risk than White or African-American teens. Teenage suicide is a widespread public health problem; it is the third-leading cause of death among ten to 24-year-olds. At greatest risk of suicide in this age group are American Indian and Alaska Native youth. Girls do tend to attempt suicide more often than boys, but boys are more successful and commit 80 percent of suicides. Though about 4,500 adolescents kill themselves every year, this rate has declined in recent years.

Which of the following is the best description of systematic eclecticism? An approach meant to alleviate anxiety by repeatedly exposing the client to the feared situation. A way of understanding how individual family members feed off of each other to create dysfunctional dynamics and communication patterns A research technique in which researchers choose participants blindly An approach to counseling that acknowledges the importance of feelings, thoughts, behaviors, cultural experiences, and societal influences, then applies those that are most relevant to the client(s)

Correct answer: An approach to counseling that acknowledges the importance of feelings, thoughts, behaviors, cultural experiences, and societal influences, then applies those that are most relevant to the client(s) Counselors should deliberately seek out training programs that provide competencies in cross-cultural counseling. These courses should include consciousness-raising, affective, knowledge, and skills components as well as systematic eclecticism, an approach to counseling that acknowledges the importance of feelings, thoughts, behaviors, cultural experiences, and societal influences and then chooses which of these is most relevant to the client(s).

Which of the following children is most likely to suffer from maltreatment? The youngest child in a two-parent household who was recently diagnosed with anxiety An elementary-aged child of a single parent living in a poor neighborhood A toddler living with their grandmother and grandfather A middle-class African-American child whose ADHD symptoms are managed with medication

Correct answer: An elementary-aged child of a single parent living in a poor neighborhood Child maltreatment can refer to physical, emotional, psychological, or sexual abuse as well as neglect. Those children who are most at risk come from families under significant stress, such as single-parent families and those with few financial resources. While children who have ADHD or are otherwise hyperactive, irritable, ill, or defiant are at greater risk of child maltreatment, the risk is drastically reduced when symptoms are well-managed by medication. As stated above, lower-income families are at greater risk of child maltreatment than middle-class families, and families with two caregivers are less likely to engage in child maltreatment than those with a single parent.

Compassion fatigue is common in the counseling field. Which of the following is not a symptom of compassion fatigue? Boredom during sessions Loss of empathy An increased desire to help clients Loss of interest in client concerns

Correct answer: An increased desire to help clients. It is common for counselors to experience compassion fatigue, a result of working with difficult client issues. Signs of compassion fatigue include loss of interest in client concerns, boredom, lack of empathy, and others. Counselors who are experiencing compassion fatigue, therefore, typically have a decreased (rather than increased) desire to help clients.

Which of the following is an example of a handicap? An individual with a broken leg is confined to a wheelchair and is unable to access their place of employment because there is no entrance ramp An individual is born with a genetic heart condition that isn't detected until he has entered adulthood A student with bipolar disorder is able to achieve academic and social success with the help of medication An athlete with a prosthetic arm competes in the Paralympic Games

Correct answer: An individual with a broken leg is confined to a wheelchair and is unable to access her place of employment because there is no entrance ramp. It is important for counselors to understand the difference between a disability and a handicap. Disabilities refer to physical or mental limitations, such as developmental delays or medical conditions. Handicaps exist only if the disability affects the individual's functioning in one or more of life's major roles because of a barrier. In this question, the person with the broken leg has a handicap that keeps them from going to work. The individuals in the remaining answer options are able to succeed despite having a variety of disabilities.

What is an example of nominal data? A student's numerical score on an exam The percentage of individuals who live in rural versus urban areas The Fahrenheit temperature scale An individual's race

Correct answer: An individual's race There are four levels of measurement: nominal, ordinal, interval, and ratio. Nominal data refers to numbers that represent categories or qualities of the variable, such as race, gender, and age. Nonparametric statistical measures, which are often used with descriptive data, should be used with nominal data.

Kübler-Ross identified five stages of behaviors and feelings that dying people experience. Which of the following is not one of these stages? Anxiety Bargaining Anger Acceptance

Correct answer: Anxiety Elisabeth Kübler-Ross is known for her research and development of the five stages of grief: denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance. Traditionally, therapists believed that all grief moves chronologically through these stages, but recent research shows that most people skip or come back to stages throughout the process of grieving.

A white, Spanish-speaking counselor is meeting with a Hispanic family for family counseling. In order to help this family in the best way possible, the counselor should do which of the following? Ask the family questions about their cultural values and beliefs in order to know how to best effect change Refer the family to a counselor of Hispanic origin Only conduct counseling sessions in Spanish, as that is the family's language of origin Treat the family like she would a White family, and assume that the family will let her know if they are uncomfortable with her approach

Correct answer: Ask the family questions about their cultural values and beliefs in order to know how to best effect change. Counselors working with clients from other races and/or cultures should not make assumptions about the clients' beliefs, values, norms, or opinions. The counselor should make sure to ask questions about the family in the initial part of the assessment in order to begin to understand how to best effect change. It is not impossible for a White counselor to have a therapeutic relationship with a Hispanic family as long as the counselor is culturally sensitive and open to learning more about the family's values and beliefs.

Stanley Strong viewed counseling through the lens of the social influence model. According to Strong, the client generally views the counselor as having all of the following characteristics except which one? Attractiveness Trustworthiness Expertise Authoritativeness

Correct answer: Authoritativeness. According to Strong's social influence model of counseling, the client may view the counselor as being the expert, in that the counselor has a special set of skills and experience; attractive, in that the client wants to gain the counselor's approval; and trustworthy, in that the counselor is seen as caring and wanting to help. The counselor is generally not seen as authoritative, which refers to the right to exercise power over someone else.

A counselor specializing in family therapy wants to ensure they are gender-sensitive when providing services. In order to do this, the counselor should do all of the following except which one? Identify the strengths and needs of both men and women in the family Recognize their own preconceptions and beliefs about gender roles in families Avoid encouraging families to analyze their beliefs about gender roles Help the family identify the roles of men and women in families

Correct answer: Avoid encouraging families to analyze their beliefs about gender roles. It is important for family counselors to recognize that there are many social, cultural, and political factors that influence the treatment of men and women in our society, and that gender-sensitive family counseling is essential in many types of clinical situations. As family counselors attempt to be sensitive toward family members' perceptions of gender roles, they should identify the strengths and needs of both men and women in the family and help the family identify the roles of men and women in families. The counselor should also recognize their own preconceptions and beliefs about gender roles in families, and should encourage (rather than avoid encouraging) families to analyze their own beliefs about gender roles.

A counseling student in a non-CACREP program plans to graduate next May. Which of the following is true? She is only eligible for national certification by NBCC She must pass the National Counselor Exam before graduation in order to become certified As long as she logs 1,000 hours of internship experience, she can become certified after graduation Before she can become certified, she must have 3,000 hours of post-graduate work experience

Correct answer: Before she can become certified, she must have 3,000 hours of post-graduate work experience. Graduate students enrolled at an institution that is not accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) become board eligible at graduation and must complete 3,000 hours of post-degree work experience. Individuals enrolled in a CACREP program can become certified upon graduation.

At what point in the group process should the counselor obtain informed consent? Before the group begins At some point during the first stages of group treatment Informed consent is only needed in individual work, not when working with groups At the first group session

Correct answer: Before the group begins. Informed consent includes the rights and expectations of group members, as well as what group members can expect from the counselor and the group as a whole. The counselor should speak individually with each group member before the group begins to answer questions and ensure that the member understands.

What is also known as Type II error? t-test Multivariate analysis of variance Beta Alpha

Correct answer: Beta Type II error, also known as beta error, refers to researchers' failure to reject the null hypothesis when there is a difference between groups. Researchers can change the significance level to change the probability of Type I and Type II errors occurring. If the significance level goes down, Type I error decreases, though Type II error increases.

A school-aged child is a member of several systems: family, school, neighborhood, and peers. Who would argue that it is important to examine all systems impacting this child? Perry Bronfenbrenner Levinson Bandura

Correct answer: Bronfenbrenner Urie Bronfenbrenner is known for his ecological view of human development and his belief that it is important to examine all systems impacting an individual. A school-aged child is not only affected by his family and school, but also by his neighborhood, peers, and other groups. Albert Bandura developed social learning theory, which combines social and cognitive factors. William Perry is known for his work in combining intellectual and ethical development. Daniel Levinson is known for his work in defining developmental tasks during major stages of life.

A counselor is meeting with an older client, age 80, for the first time. The client lost her husband about 15 years ago and in the past year has begun having symptoms of depression, including sleeplessness and irritability. Which of the following is the most helpful goal the counselor can help the client work toward? Examine the origins of the client's depression, such as childhood trauma Build a positive attitude toward the client's self-worth Encourage the client to seek and find support from her own children Work through unresolved grief related to the loss of the client's husband

Correct answer: Build a positive attitude toward the client's self-worth. Typical issues faced by older adults include the loss or illness of a spouse, increased leisure time, changing family roles, and physical changes. In this situation, the most helpful thing the counselor can do is help the client build and maintain a positive attitude toward her own worth and dignity. The question does not indicate that there are issues of unresolved grief or that the client's symptoms are directly related to the death of her husband. Though the counselor may wish to discover how much natural support this client has, there is no indication in the question that that is an appropriate goal. For an 80-year-old client, assisting in dealing with specific and immediate problems would be more helpful than examining the origins of the depression.

Which of the following mental health professionals developed a system of measurement to study the concept of empathy in counselor responses? Freud Carkhuff Rogers Linehan

Correct answer: Carkhuff Robert Carkhuff is known for his contributions in the counseling field to the topics of empathy, genuineness, concreteness, and respect. Carkhuff developed a five-point scale for rating counselors' responses depending on how empathetic the responses are, with Level 1 responses not attending to the client's affect at all, and Level 5 responses adding significantly to the client's affect and meaning.

The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act of 2004 (IDEA) provides for supplemental funds for what group of individuals? Minority individuals over the age of 18 Adults 65 and older Children from birth through age two Young adults ages 18 to 21

Correct answer: Children from birth through age two The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act of 2004 (IDEA) requires that all children between three and 21 be given free public education, that children with handicaps attending public school must be given an IEP (Individualized Education Plan), that children with disabilities who attend private schools be eligible for special education services, and that children with handicaps be placed in the least restrictive environments possible. If a state meets the requirements of the law, IDEA also provides additional funds to serve eligible children from birth to age two.

Which of the following is true about clients and counselors in terms of their similarities? Clients have better outcomes with counselors who are similar to themselves Clients tend to prefer counselors who are similar to themselves Clients do better with counselors who are different from themselves Clients do not care about who they get services from

Correct answer: Clients tend to prefer counselors who are similar to themselves In most cases, clients tend to prefer counselors who are similar to themselves in terms of various factors such as race, nationality, culture, and so on. However, research is less clear on the outcomes of these therapeutic relationships.

An African-American counselor has recently noticed that he feels increasingly irritated after sessions with a particular client, a white middle-aged man. After consulting with a colleague, the counselor realizes that he feels resentful toward the client because of his own resentment toward white individuals in general for oppression and discrimination against minorities. The counselor is experiencing what phenomenon during his sessions with this client? Personalism Countertransference Acculturation Transference

Correct answer: Countertransference In cross-cultural counseling, in which the counselor and client(s) are of different races, ethnicities, or cultures, several concepts should be examined. One of these is countertransference, in which the counselor experiences feelings toward the client(s) that can be attributed to the cultural dynamic. For example, an African-American counselor may feel resentful or angry towards a white client due to the historical context of discrimination and oppression that has existed in American society. If this occurs, the counselor should consult with peers or a supervisor to become more self-aware and find ways to address his concerns without harming the relationship with the client.

When neither the researcher nor the study subjects know which group is the control group and which is the experimental group, this is known as what technique? Cross-sectional Single-subject Halo effect Double-blind

Correct answer: Double-blind Sometimes, the risk of experimenter bias during research studies is unavoidable due to researchers having preconceived notions and expectations. The double-blind technique eliminates the risk of experimenter bias interfering with results by structuring the experiment so that neither the researcher nor the subject knows who is in the test group and who is in the control group until after the results have been gathered and recorded.

In which of the following situations is it acceptable for the counselor to break confidentiality? A group member confesses to others in the group that he is having an extramarital affair. The climate of a group session becomes so hostile that two group members get into a fist fight. The counselor realizes that one of the individuals in her group graduated with her from high school. During a session for survivors of suicide, a group member lets everyone know that he plans to kill himself that evening when he returns home.

Correct answer: During a session for survivors of suicide, a group member lets everyone know that he plans to kill himself that evening when he returns home. While confidentiality is difficult to assure in group counseling, counselors should impress upon all group members the need for confidentiality. Exceptions to confidentiality include those times when a group member expresses a desire to hurt or kill himself or others. If a group member lets everyone know that he has a plan to kill himself and does not contract for safety, the group counselor has a responsibility to hospitalize the group member or contact the proper authorities for help. Extramarital affairs, because they do not pose immediate and direct physical danger, should not be shared outside of the group. Physical altercations are not acceptable in groups, and only if outside help is needed to break up the fight (or if one of the group members presses charges) would confidentiality need to be broken. If the counselor realizes she knows a group member from a different context, this should be addressed privately with the group member.

Which of the following is a possible threat to external validity, but not to internal validity? Placebo effect Experimenter bias Ecological validity Selection of subjects

Correct answer: Ecological validity External validity refers to the degree to which study results can be applied to populations outside the study. Ecological validity refers to whether the study can be generalized to another setting; sometimes the environment, location, or condition of research studies is so unique that it is impossible to replicate results to a more real-world setting.

All of the following are possible threats to internal validity except which one? Experimenter bias Statistical regression Instrumentation Ecological validity

Correct answer: Ecological validity. Internal validity refers to the degree to which external influences have been controlled. There are many threats to internal validity, including differences between subjects, unreliable instruments, maturation, attrition, experimenter bias, and statistical regression. Ecological validity refers to the extent to which study results can be generalized to another setting and is an example of external, not internal, validity.

A counselor is meeting with a new client for the first session. During the initial interview, the client hesitates and then tells the counselor that he thinks he is bisexual but might not be. What should the counselor do next? Ensure the man that she is accepting of all clients, no matter their orientation, and if this is an issue he would like to bring up in counseling, she is receptive to it Ask the man why he thinks he is bisexual Continue with the interview, and in following sessions bring up the man's comment about possibly being bisexual Ask the man if he would be more comfortable meeting with someone who specializes in working with bisexual clients

Correct answer: Ensure the man that she is accepting of all clients, no matter their orientation, and if this is an issue he would like to bring up in counseling, she is receptive to it. Counselors should be aware of the discrimination and stereotypes that gay, lesbian, transgendered, and bisexual clients often face in society. By critically examining their own beliefs and limitations, counselors can better serve LGBT clients and can help them achieve their goals. Counselors should always let clients know they are accepting of all sexual orientations and should directly encourage clients to talk openly about their concerns.

In what type of qualitative research is observer bias particularly important? Historical analysis Legal analysis Ethnography Case study

Correct answer: Ethnography The purpose of qualitative research is to gather information about naturally occurring events and individuals' and groups' experiences. This is in contrast to quantitative research, which gathers finite data based on structured research designs. Qualitative research can be interactive, consisting of observation and/or interviewing, or noninteractive, occurring through document analysis. Ethnography is a type of interactive research in which the researcher collects data through interviews and observations about a group or system. It is important for researchers to be particularly sensitive about the impact of observer bias in an ethnography, as bias can affect the observer's interactions with and responses to the individuals he or she is observing or contacting.

A group counselor is interested in the long-term relapse rates of individuals in substance abuse groups. After examining relapse rates over a five-year span, the counselor finds that individuals in same-sex groups experienced fewer relapses than individuals in groups with both males and females. This is known as what type of research design? Ex post facto Descriptive Correlational True experimental

Correct answer: Ex post facto An ex post facto research design, also known as a causal-comparative design, is a non-experimental quantitative design that examines variables after the fact (ex post facto). The researcher can then draw several conclusions about why these relationships occur. The analysis of variance and the t-test are frequently used in ex post facto designs.

Choosing a Vocation was published in 1909 and was written by: Frank Parsons Jesse Davis Clifford Beers Sigmund Freud

Correct answer: Frank Parsons Frank Parsons was a university professor in the late 19th and early 20th century who was an advocate for the career guidance movement and wrote several books about the importance of vocational counseling. In 1909, Parsons' most well-known book, Choosing a Vocation, was published posthumously and outlined the trait-factor theory of career development.

A counselor working at a college regularly provides group therapy for students. The counselor is curious to know whether a particular curriculum produces improved social skills for students with high-functioning autism. The counselor explains to group participants that she is collecting data on their scores through self-evaluations completed by them. After the final data is collected, the counselor sees that participants' scores on the self-evaluations improved drastically over the course of the intervention. However, the counselor is concerned that the scores were heavily influenced by participants' knowledge that the counselor was conducting research. This counselor is appropriately concerned about what threat to external validity? Attrition Placebo effect Experimenter bias Hawthorne effect

Correct answer: Hawthorne effect. External validity is the degree to which study results can be applied to populations outside of the study. There are many threats to external validity, including the Hawthorne effect (which is also a threat to internal validity). This is the influence on performance that can occur when subjects know they are being observed, and it can greatly affect their responses. Researchers should pay attention to the reactivity of subjects to determine how greatly results are being affected.

Which of the following is mandated by the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act? Health insurance plans may not request information from providers without a signed consent Health insurance plans may not deny coverage based on preexisting conditions Health insurance plans must provide the same level of coverage to those with mental health needs as to those with medical needs Health insurance plans must cover employee assistance counseling as well as professional mental health services

Correct answer: Health insurance plans must provide the same level of coverage to those with mental health needs as to those with medical needs. The Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act was passed as an attempt at providing the same level of coverage to individuals with mental health issues as to those with medical issues. This legislation applies only to private sector health plans that cover 50 or more employees, along with state and local government plans.

Formal education, observational learning experiences, and diverse interpersonal interactions form which of the following? Gestalt therapy Psychoanalysis Rational emotive behavior therapy Humanistic life outlook

Correct answer: Humanistic life outlook. The humanistic life outlook, based on the humanistic perspective, focuses on the positive aspects of human behavior. This approach to therapy and counseling gained popularity in the mid-20th century and emphasizes the client's ability to reach self-actualization. It is formed by a combination of formal education about various topics, such as Maslow's hierarchy of needs; observational learning experiences, which can help build empathy and understanding; and interpersonal interactions.

Statistical regression is best explained by which of the following? Test scores can often predict future scores on related material Errors are often made when scoring tests. When large numbers of people take a test, it is less likely for individual scores to be very high or very low. If an individual's score is very low or very high on a pretest, the individual's score will be closer to the mean on the posttest.

Correct answer: If an individual's score is very low or very high on a pretest, the individual's score will be closer to the mean on the posttest Statistical regression refers to the tendency for a low-scoring or high-scoring test taker on the pretest to obtain a score closer to the mean on a posttest. This change in scores is due to error on the pretest due to environmental factors, chance, and personal influences.

A significance level for a particular study is .05. What does this mean in terms of the results of the study? Data reported in the study has only a five percent chance of being accurate If the study is conducted 100 times, researchers are 5% certain their hypothesis will be correct Researchers believe that five percent of the time study participants report inaccurate data If the study is conducted 100 times, researchers are willing to accept the possibility of rejecting the null hypothesis in error five of those times

Correct answer: If the study is conducted 100 times, researchers are willing to accept the possibility of rejecting the null hypothesis in error five of those times Significance levels refer to the possibility of the researcher either rejecting the null hypothesis when it should have been accepted or accepting the null hypothesis when it should have been rejected. Before analyzing data, researchers should select the significance level to reflect their willingness to make an error. Conventional significance levels in research are .05, .01, and .001. By selecting a significance level of .05, researchers are willing to accept the possibility of rejecting the null hypothesis in error five out of a hundred times.

When a correlation coefficient (r) is 1.00, which of the following is true? The mean of all the scores is equivalent to the mode If you know one score, you can predict the next score with 100 percent certainty Out of 100 scores, half of them will be equal There is a 10 percent chance the next score will be the same

Correct answer: If you know one score, you can predict the next score with 100% certainty In order to correctly predict the relationship between two sets of numbers, researchers often calculate the Pearson Product-Moment Correlation Coefficient (r). The value of r ranges from -1.00 (a perfect negative correlation) to 1.00 (a perfect positive correlation). This means that if the value of the first set of numbers is known and the value of r is 1.00, then researchers can accurately predict the second set of numbers 100% of the time.

What is the final stage of the racial/cultural identity developmental model? Integrative awareness Dissonance Resistance and immersion Introspection

Correct answer: Integrative awareness. The racial/cultural identity development model refers to a conceptual framework that helps counselors better understand clients who are of different cultures. There are five stages of development for individuals in the minority race or culture: conformity, dissonance, resistance and immersion, introspection, and integrative awareness. Integrative awareness occurs when the individual can appreciate aspects of both the dominant and minority cultures.

Which of the following is true regarding older workers? Intellectual functioning is usually not impaired Older adults' job satisfaction is lower than younger adults' Older adults experience a gradual improvement on speeded tasks Older adults' unemployment periods are shorter than younger adults'

Correct answer: Intellectual functioning is usually not impaired There are many differences between older and younger workers, though older workers do not tend to have impaired intellectual functioning and do tend to have higher job satisfaction. Older workers have longer unemployment periods than younger workers, there is typically a decline on speeded tasks, and there is an increasing need for security and affiliation.

A researcher wants to understand better the impact of protein intake on elementary-aged children's test scores. He arranges for students at a school in an upper-class area to receive a protein-heavy lunch each day for one month, and he tracks their test scores. These scores are compared to those of students at a school in an impoverished part of town. The students at the second school continued to eat their regular diets without special attention paid to protein. The researcher finds that the test scores, on average, are 15 points higher than the test scores at the second school. He concludes that a protein-rich diet contributes to academic success. This study lacks which of the following? Internal validity A hypothesis A single-subject design A conclusion

Correct answer: Internal validity Internal validity refers to the degree to which external influences have been controlled. A common threat to internal validity is the selection of subjects and the individual differences between the subjects. In this question, there are likely many differences between the impoverished students and the upper-class students other than protein intake. The researcher should control as much as possible for these differences before making any conclusions about the effects of protein on test scores.

Within a set of scores, the mean is 102, the median is 116, and the mode is 120. What is most likely about this distribution of scores? Its skew is unknown It has a negative skew Its skew could be positive or negative depending on the number of scores It has a positive skew

Correct answer: It has a negative skew, Assessments are often scored using measures of central tendency, including mean, median, range and mode. Sometimes scores are not evenly distributed along a bell curve and have a positive or negative skew. When a distribution of scores has a negative skew, the mode (the most frequently occurring score) and the median (the middle score) are higher than the mean (the average of all scores). In this question, because the mode of 120 and the median of 116 are higher than the mean of 102, the curve has a negative skew.

How did the Tarasoff case in 1976 impact counselors' duty to warn? It ruled that any citizen, not just counselors, must inform law enforcement if a threat is made toward someone else. It suggested that unless counselors are completely sure of a client's intent, they do not need to warn potential victims. It required that counselors inform law enforcement when they are seeing clients for domestic violence counseling. It implied that counselors must break confidentiality to warn intended victims of harm.

Correct answer: It implied that counselors must break confidentiality to warn intended victims of harm In 1976, a California court ruled that failure of a mental health professional to warn the intended victim of a client was professionally irresponsible. This decision was made after an individual was murdered by the client of a psychologist at the University of California. The client had threatened to kill the victim during sessions with the psychologist. For counselors, this means that they must be skilled at determining their clients' intent.

All of the following are true regarding CACREP, except which one? The ACA is focusing on CACREP as a unifying force. It exerts a considerable amount of influence over the counseling profession. Academic institutions are moving to require CACREP program graduation for admission. It was established in 2010

Correct answer: It was established in 2010 CACREP (Council for the Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs) is the national counselor accreditation agency and significantly influences the roles and values of counselor education programs. CACREP was established in 1981 (not 2010). The American Counseling Association has recently been focusing on CACREP as a unifying force to unify the counseling profession as a whole. Academic programs, licensing boards, and employers are moving to require that potential professional counselors graduate from a CACREP program.

All of the following are true about CACREP except which one? It was founded in 1940 It accredits programs at master's and doctoral levels It establishes standards for professional competence It prepares future practitioners

Correct answer: It was founded in 1940. The Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) was founded in 1981 (not 1940) as the organization that accredits master's and doctoral counselor training programs. CACREP supports and encourages review of existing academic counseling programs, establishes standards for professional competence and prepares future practitioners.

Assertiveness training promotes all of the following except which one? An ability to express positive and negative emotion The ability to stand up for one's rights while respecting others' rights Understanding the differences between assertiveness and aggression Justifying one's own actions in relation to others' behaviors

Correct answer: Justifying one's own actions in relation to others' behaviors Assertiveness training is a popular intervention used to empower individuals to stand up for themselves without undermining or denying others' rights. Assertiveness training helps individuals learn how to make their opinions and feelings known without becoming aggressive toward others, and it promotes expression of both positive and negative emotions. Assertiveness training does not promote the justification of one's own actions in relation to others' behaviors.

What is a commonly used technique for measuring attitudes or opinions, that typically gives respondents five answer choices such as Always, Often, Sometimes, Almost Never, and Never? Likert scale Chi-square Factor analysis Scattergram

Correct answer: Likert scale. The Likert scale is commonly used on questionnaires and surveys to measure respondents' opinions, perceptions, and attitudes. Questions using the Likert scale typically give five choices (sometimes seven or nine) that range from one concept to the opposite concept, such as Always, Often, Sometimes, Almost Never, and Never.

Which of the following is seen as an alternative to CACREP? AACD APGA ACA MPCAC

Correct answer: MPCAC The Master's in Psychology and Counseling Accreditation Council (MPCAC) is a coalition of master's degree programs in counseling psychology, as these programs are not eligible for accreditation by the APA (American Psychological Association) or CACREP (The Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs). Some educators and counselors view the MPCAC as an alternative to CACREP.

Which of the following is not true regarding the writing and publication of research? Manuscripts should be written according to The Chicago Manual of Style Sexist language should be avoided All authors of the manuscript should be acknowledged A manuscript should be submitted to only one journal at a time

Correct answer: Manuscripts should be written according to The Chicago Manual of Style. When writing a professional research manuscript, there are several guidelines researchers should follow. Most research should be written according to the Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association, not The Chicago Manual of Style. In addition, sexist language should be avoided and a research manuscript should only be submitted to one journal at a time for publication review.

When research for a study is gathered over a long period of time, what threat to internal validity is most likely? Experimenter bias Maturation Statistical regression Hawthorne effect

Correct answer: Maturation Internal validity refers to the degree to which external influences have been controlled. One threat to internal validity is maturation in subjects, referring to the growth and development of subjects that may not be related to the study intervention. The longer the period of time over which data is gathered, the higher the risk of results due to maturation.

Which of the following accurately states the perspective of reality therapy toward psychiatric pharmacology? A. Medication is a good frontline treatment for psychopathology B. Medication should be tried after psychotherapy, not before or during C. Medication is not the answer to psychopathology D. Medication is useful but likely not necessary in treatment

Correct answer: Medication is not the answer to psychopathology Glasser's reality therapy remains controversial in various ways, one of which is its stance toward psychiatric pharmacology. In short, reality therapy contends that medication is not the answer to psychopathology and that psychological distress is largely the responsibility of the person in therapy. The other statements are not consistent with the perspective of reality therapy toward psychiatric pharmacology.

The American Counseling Association defines counseling as a profession that helps clients to accomplish what four types of goals? Mental health, wellness, education, and career Social, cultural, individual, and ethnic Individual, family, community, and culture Immediate, short-term, long-term, and lifelong

Correct answer: Mental health, wellness, education, and career The American Counseling Association (ACA) is an organization dedicated to the growth and enhancement of the counseling profession. In 2010, the ACA initiated a task force to define counseling as a profession that empowers clients "to accomplish mental health, wellness, education, and career goals."

Which of the following is an example of a directional hypothesis? There is no difference between the rates of girls and boys who attend college after high school More girls who graduate from high school will attend a four-year college than males who graduate from the same high schools It is impossible to measure the differences between girls and boys who attend college after graduating from high school The proportion of girls and boys who graduate from high school and enroll in a four-year college will be different

Correct answer: More girls who graduate from high school will attend a four-year college than males who graduate from the same high schools All research studies must have a hypothesis, which is the research question that is to be answered. This hypothesis can be null, directional, or nondirectional. The null hypothesis states that there are no effects of the independent variable on the dependent variable and therefore no differences in the control and test groups. Directional hypotheses state that the scores of one particular group will be significantly different than scores in another identified group. Nondirectional hypotheses state that there will be statistical differences between groups, but it is unclear which group's scores will be higher or lower.

A researcher wants to determine the impact that income level, educational achievements, race, and religious values have on whether children graduate from college. What statistical measure would give the best predictive power of these variables on the dependent variable? Scatterplot Multiple regression Factor analysis T-test

Correct answer: Multiple regression Multiple regression can be used when a researcher wants to examine the strength of the relationship of independent variables on a dependent variable. Multiple regression is able to add together the predictive power of many independent variables, as in this example.

Which of the following is considered a test of personality? Self Directed Search (SDS) Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) Minnesota Importance Questionnaire O*Net Interest Profiler

Correct answer: Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) There are various tests which assist in the field of career counseling, and these are broken out into various types depending on how they help a career search. The Minnesota Importance Questionnaire is a test of values related to work, while the Self Directed Search (SDS) and the O*Net Interest Profiler are considered assessments of career interest. The Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) is a test of personality used in career counseling and in general psychotherapy.

Postmodern approaches to therapy are often based on the belief that multiple realities are formed through interactions with others. Which of the following is a postmodern counseling approach? Psychodynamic therapy Narrative therapy Cognitive behavior therapy Feminist therapy

Correct answer: Narrative therapy Postmodern therapies collectively believe that there are many different realities and truths depending on the individual's experiences. According to postmodern therapy, the meaning of a client's life is gained through the client's own understanding. Narrative therapy is based on the idea that clients' reality is based on their own words and language, and that clients' lives can be thought of as stories in progress.

Neurobiology can often help clients understand why and how counseling can help them feel better. What concept refers to the brain's ability to reorganize itself and produce new neurons as the client experiences new situations and perspectives? Attending Psychopharmacology Neuroplasticity Logotherapy

Correct answer: Neuroplasticity The relationship between neurobiology and psychotherapy is a complicated and fascinating one. Research shows that psychotherapy can alter neurons in the brain and restructure neural networks. Neuroplasticity refers to the brain's specific ability to produce new neurons and reorganize itself. This can be seen in clients with anxiety or depression who engage in cognitive behavioral therapy.

With what kind of measurement might a researcher use a nonparametric statistic such as a chi-square? Nominal Ratio Ordinal Interval

Correct answer: Nominal There are four levels of measurement: nominal, ordinal, interval, and ratio. Nominal data refers to numbers that represent categories or qualities of the variable, such as race, gender, and age. Nonparametric statistical measures, which are often used with descriptive data, should be used with nominal data.

Chi-square and Mann-Whitney U Test are examples of what type of statistics? Inferential Nonparametric Parametric Descriptive

Correct answer: Nonparametric. Researchers may use parametric or nonparametric statistical measures, depending on the distribution of scores. Nonparametric statistics, such as chi-square and the Mann-Whitney U test, are used when data is not normally distributed and variances are inconsistent. Parametric statistics, such as the t-test and analysis of variance, can be used when samples are randomly drawn from the population and results are distributed along a normal curve.

When a researcher wants to measure one variable at three or more levels (such as income level), what statistical measure would be most appropriate? ANCOVA MANOVA One-way ANOVA Factorial ANOVA

Correct answer: One-way ANOVA One-way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) can be used to determine differences between three different forms of one variable, such as income level. Factorial ANOVA is used to find whether significant differences between two variables exist. Multivariate Analysis of Variance (MANOVA) is the statistic used when there is more than one dependent variable involved in the analysis. Analysis of Covariance (ANCOVA) is used to determine covariance when an independent variable and its impact on dependent variables is controlled.

A fifth-grader is referred to the school counselor because he became upset in class and stated that he wished he weren't alive anymore. What should the counselor do first? Speak with the child's parents Take the child to the nearest emergency room Arrange a meeting between the teacher and the student to discuss the incident Perform a risk assessment

Correct answer: Perform a risk assessment Any individual who threatens to kill himself or herself should be taken seriously, even if those close to the individual do not think he or she would actually follow through. The counselor should certainly tell the student's parents about the suicidal statement and arrange a meeting between the student and teacher to discuss the incident. However, before doing anything else, the counselor should perform a risk assessment to determine whether there is imminent danger to the student. If the counselor determines that the student is actively suicidal, then measures should be taken to ensure his safety, such as hospitalization.

When the values of a mode and a median are lower than the mean, the distribution of scores is said to have what kind of skew? Positive Negative Zero Neutral

Correct answer: Positive Assessments are often scored using measures of central tendency, including mean, median, range and mode. Sometimes scores are not evenly distributed along a bell curve and have a positive or negative skew. When a distribution of scores has a positive skew, the mode (the most frequently occurring score) and the median (the middle score) are lower than the mean (the average of all scores).

A counselor has been asked to meet with a 22-year-old African-American male referred to her by his probation officer. Before meeting with the client, the counselor assumes that he will have a negative attitude, will speak disrespectfully, and has been charged with assault or drug possession. The fact that the counselor has preconceived judgments without sufficient knowledge is known as: Discrimination Pluralism Acculturation Prejudice

Correct answer: Prejudice Prejudice refers to any preconceived judgments or opinions without sufficient knowledge, such as assuming that an individual is disrespectful and unmotivated based simply on his race and criminal background. Prejudice can be positive, but most often it is thought of as a negative phenomenon.

A researcher in a college setting knows that 55% of the student body is female and 45% is male. For his study on the effects of caffeine on students' study habits, he randomly selects the sample to be 55% female and 45% male. This researcher is using what type of sampling? Stratified sampling Cluster sampling Purposeful sampling Proportional stratified sampling

Correct answer: Proportional stratified sampling. There are many types of sampling, which refers to the selection of subjects from a part of the population. Proportional stratified sampling is when the proportion of subjects randomly sampled from a certain group reflects the proportion of the group in the general population. In this question, because 55% of the student body is female and the remainder male, the researcher randomly selects 55% of the sample to be female and the remainder male.

A counselor is meeting with a family for the first time to perform an assessment. During the session, the counselor collects information about the family's problem and each family member's opinion on the issue. The counselor also notices which family members speak more than others and what facial expressions they use when others are speaking. Finally, the counselor observes where family members choose to sit, which is also known as what? Triangulation Nonverbal communication Proxemics Kinesics

Correct answer: Proxemics. Counselors learn how to pay attention not only to the content discussed in sessions and the process used to discuss this content, but kinesics and proxemics. Proxemics refers to the spatial features of the environment such as where individuals choose to sit and how furniture is positioned. Kinesics refers to facial expressions, body movements, and other nonverbal communication.

What type of research is more valued in the counseling field? Qualitative and quantitative are equally valued, as they can both make contributions to the field Neither quantitative nor qualitative, because both have severe shortcomings Qualitative, because it is based on feelings and judgments Quantitative, because it is more accurate and predictable

Correct answer: Qualitative and quantitative are equally valued, as they can both make contributions to the field Qualitative and quantitative research are two different kinds of research, and both have advantages. Qualitative research tends to study individual units in naturally occurring settings. With qualitative research, data is collected through observation, researchers' judgments and impressions are often used, it assumes that there are many different realities held by individuals and groups, and it has the goal of describing the nature of things. Quantitative research, by contrast, assumes there is one objective reality, studies samples or populations, uses statistical methods to compare results, and examines for causes and relationships. Either type of research can be used in the counseling field depending on the nature of the problem being explored.

Quasi-experimental design is similar to true experimental design, with the exception of which of the following? Quasi-experimental designs measure the existence of relationships between two or more variables, while true experimental designs measure the degree of the relationship Quasi-experimental designs describe a state of events, while true experimental designs determine cause-and-effect relationships Quasi-experimental designs do not randomly assign subjects to treatment and control groups, while true experimental designs do use randomization Quasi-experimental designs investigate whether there are differences between two groups, while true experimental designs explore why these differences exist

Correct answer: Quasi-experimental designs do not randomly assign subjects to treatment and control groups, while true experimental designs do use randomization. True experiment and quasi-experiment are both types of experimental research designs that aim to measure differences between two or more variables. A true experimental design uses experimental and control groups that are comprised of randomly assigned participants. A quasi-experimental design is similar in structure to a true experimental design, but differs in that participants are not randomly assigned to treatment and control groups.

What is the major difference between race and ethnicity? Race refers to biological differences, and ethnicity refers to customs of a group, often based on region or culture Race is used as an excuse to discriminate against a group of people, while ethnicity is less often targeted Discrimination against someone because of their race is illegal, while discrimination against an ethnic group is permissible by law Race is typically regionally based, while ethnicity is based on how someone's appearance makes others feel

Correct answer: Race refers to biological differences, and ethnicity refers to the customs of a group, often based on region or culture. Race refers to biological differences, such as physical features, that people use to differentiate minority and majority groups. Ethnicity refers to the language, practices, and beliefs of a group of people. Ethnicity is usually regionally or culturally based, whereas individuals of the same race may live in separate areas of the world and have drastically different cultural experiences.

Counselors may be taken to court for all of the following except which one? Misrepresentation of professional service Sexual harassment of a client Report of suspected child abuse to law enforcement Negligence

Correct answer: Report of suspected child abuse to law enforcement Counselors, like other health professionals, may be taken to court for causing harm to clients for many different reasons, such as negligence, misrepresentation of professional service, or sexual harassment. Counselors are mandated to report suspected or reported child abuse and neglect to the proper authorities, and cannot be taken to court for doing so.

After having mostly white friends since she was in school, an African-American teenager begins to develop friendships with other African-Americans. She and her new friends often challenge assumptions and endorsements of their primarily white classmates, resulting in an increased sense of identity and appreciation of her race. What stage of the racial identity development model is this individual experiencing? Dissonance Conformity Resistance and immersion Introspection

Correct answer: Resistance and immersion The racial/cultural identity development model refers to a conceptual framework that helps counselors better understand clients who are of different cultures. There are five stages of development for individuals in the minority race or culture. The first stage, conformity, is characterized by identification with the majority. The second stage, dissonance, is when the individual's self-concept is challenged and there is a conflict between appreciation and depreciation of self. The third stage, resistance and immersion, is when the individual rejects the majority and accepts the minority views. The fourth stage, introspection, follows the intense emotions of the resistance and immersion stage and is more focused on self-appreciation. The final stage, integrative awareness, occurs when the individual can appreciate aspects of both the dominant and minority cultures.

Which of the following distinguished Roe's approach to career development from that of others? Roe operated from a social learning approach in which career selection is heavily influenced by social experiences Roe believed that the parent-child relationship was a central determinant in career selection Roe focused on self-efficacy and social cognitive theory in her explanation of career selection Roe took a developmental approach to vocation

Correct answer: Roe believed that the parent-child relationship was a central determinant in career selection Ann Roe operated from a needs approach and believed that individuals choose careers to meet needs based on parental influences and early childhood experiences. However, there is not a significant base of research to support this theory. Krumboltz, not Roe, operated from a social learning approach. As stated above, Roe had a needs-based approach, not a developmental approach. Self-efficacy is an individual's belief that he or she is capable of performing a task and does not apply to Roe's theory.

As counselors are beginning to work with multicultural clients, they may need to do which of the following in order to develop an effective therapeutic relationship? Emphasize the meaning of confidentiality and understand that multicultural clients are more sensitive than white clients to counselors speaking with family members or religious leaders. Share more personal information with multicultural clients than they might with white clients. Be much more formal with multicultural clients than they would be with white clients. Be sensitive to the amount of small talk that occurs between counselor and client, as multicultural clients will think this approach is unprofessional.

Correct answer: Share more personal information with multicultural clients than they might with white clients. Multicultural counseling aims to pay close attention to (and provide interventions that are in accordance with) the client's cultural beliefs, norms, and values. In order to be most effective with multicultural clients, counselors may need to be more deliberate about forming a positive rapport with the client by engaging in more small talk and sharing more personal information than they might with white clients.

A counselor claims to have a National Counselor Certification. Which of the following is true about this counselor? She can practice in more than one state with this certification She is proficient to work with one specific population She has a bachelor's degree but not a master's She has not yet passed the National Counselor Exam

Correct answer: She can practice in more than one state with this certification The National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC) can grant generic counselor certification by making an applicant a National Certified Counselor (NCC). This certification is valid wherever the counselor moves. Requirements to become an NCC include a master's degree in counseling, completion of required coursework, field placements, 3,000 hours of post-graduate work experience, and completion of the National Counselor Exam.

All of the following are true statements regarding older adults except which one? Some intellectual decline into a person's late 70s is inevitable Depression and other types of mental illness affect 10 percent of older adults Physical impairments afflict most older adults by age 60 or 70 Most personality traits are stable into late adulthood

Correct answer: Some intellectual decline into a person's late 70s is inevitable Older adults have unique physical, emotional, and psychological needs and characteristics. While ten percent of older adults have depression and/or other forms of mental illness, few older adults receive mental health services due to stigma and financial circumstances. By age 60, or 70, most older adults have a physical impairment, though most personality traits remain stable into late adulthood. Intellectual decline into a person's 70s is possible but not inevitable.

Which of the following can be used to see how reliable a test would have been had it not been divided? Duncan's new multiple range test Scheffe's test Spearman-Brown formula Kuder-Richardson formula

Correct answer: Spearman-Brown formula Sometimes it is useful to measure the internal consistency of a study by splitting the test into two halves. This reduces the test's measured reliability, so researchers may use the Spearman-Brown formula to calculate the reliability of the test if it had not been split in two.

There is frequently variability within a distribution of scores. Which of the following is used to describe this variability? Standard deviation Variance Stanine Range

Correct answer: Standard deviation. Standard Deviation (SD) is a measure of variability and describes the variability within a distribution of scores. It is the mean of all the deviations from the mean, and is a popular measure of the dispersion of scores.

A research study recruits only individuals with extremely low social skills on a certain measure. After employing an intervention, the researchers find that many of the study subjects scored at or close to the mean. Which of the following is the most likely explanation for these results? Placebo effect Statistical regression Demand characteristics Reactivity

Correct answer: Statistical regression Internal validity refers to the degree to which external influences have been controlled. There are many threats to internal validity, however, including statistical regression. This can occur when subjects are recruited for scoring very high or very low on certain measures. Due to statistical regression, researchers would expect these subjects' scores to be closer to the mean even without intervention, so this should be carefully controlled to ensure results are not attributed completely to the intervention.

What is not a kind of analysis of variance (ANOVA)? Factorial Multivariate One-way T-test

Correct answer: T-test One-way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) can be used to determine differences between three different forms of one variable. Factorial ANOVA is used to find whether significant differences between two variables exist. Multivariate Analysis of Variance (MANOVA) is the statistic used when there is more than one dependent variable involved in the analysis. When there are two groups, and therefore two mean scores, researchers can use the t-test.

A four-year-old preschooler earns an age-equivalent score of four-point-five on an assessment. What does this score mean? The child's score is lower than four-point-five percent of other children her age The child earned a score equivalent to most four-and-a-half-year-old children The child got 45 percent of the questions correct The child's score is higher than four-point-five percent of other children her age

Correct answer: The child earned a score equivalent to most four-and-a-half-year-old children Achievement tests are often reported in terms of age-equivalent scores. This means an individual who earns a score equivalent to four-point-five has correctly answered the same number of items that an average four-and-a-half-year-old answers. Grade-equivalent scores work similarly, in that if a student correctly answers the same number of items that an average seventh grader completes, that student receives a grade-equivalent score of seven.

A counselor meets for an intake session with an Asian woman who has recently moved from Japan and is struggling with anxiety and depression. The day after the session, the counselor received a call from the woman's husband asking what his wife and the counselor had discussed. When the counselor explains the limits of confidentiality, the man seems extremely confused and explains again that he is her husband and is privy to the information. Which of the following best explains this man's response? The man has a thought disorder or other mental health issue The client and her family are part of a collectivist culture, which emphasizes the group and its interests rather than individual interests The man's wife told him that he could call the counselor to talk to her about the session The husband is likely controlling and abusive, and the client is a victim of this abuse

Correct answer: The client and her family are part of a collectivist culture, which emphasizes the group and its interests rather than individual interests Counselors serving multicultural and diverse clients typically encounter situations in which clients' cultures have different norms and values than the majority culture. Many Asian cultures are collectivistic, meaning they value the group's interests over the individual's interests. This is in contrast to most Western cultures, which are individualistic and prioritize the individual over the group. In this situation, the husband likely does not understand the limits of confidentiality in the way the counselor explained, because he holds different values than the counselor. It may be wise for the counselor to explain confidentiality to the client the next time she comes in, to specify with whom the counselor is permitted to share information about the client and to have an open discussion about cultural differences.

Which of the following is the best definition of familism? The degree to which a client is attached to and identifies with his or her family The process of establishing trust with an entire family system The belief that peer relationships are more important than family relationships The extent to which a counselor incorporates family interventions into his or her practice

Correct answer: The degree to which a client is attached to and identifies with his or her family. Familism refers to the degree to which a client identifies with his or her family system. Cultures high in familism, such as Hispanic culture, encourage individuals to remain strongly attached and loyal to their families. Counselors should be aware that individuals belonging to these cultures may be more sensitive to criticism of family members as well as suggestions that the family's interactions and dynamics may be contributing to the presenting problem.

All of the following are examples of paralanguage, except which one? The direction in which a client crosses her legs Whether the client speaks fast or slowly The silences that occur during a counseling session The tone of voice a client uses when she describes her children

Correct answer: The direction in which a client crosses her legs There are many types of communication that counselors pay attention to: verbal communication, nonverbal communication, and paralanguage. Verbal communication refers simply to the words that people say and the content of their conversations. Nonverbal communication includes body language and other cues that sometimes contradict verbal messages. Paralanguage refers to vocal cues such as inflections, tones of voice, silences, hesitations, etc., rather than the content of discussions.

Which of the following accurately conveys the idea of congruence as it relates to treatment? The feeling by a client that the therapist is "real" The feeling by a therapist that a client is "real" The positive feeling a client has for a therapist The positive feeling a therapist has for a client

Correct answer: The feeling by a client that the therapist is "real" Carl Rogers, considered the founder of the humanistic school of therapy, highlighted the importance of congruence in treatment. In line with Rogers' focus on the interpersonal, affective environment of the therapeutic dyad, congruence refers to the feeling by a client that a therapist is "real" and can support reliable and productive engagement. Although positive mutual feelings are desirable, they are not what is meant by congruence.

Based on data from the United States Census, the number of Americans with varying degrees of disability is increasing. What is the most likely reason for this increase? Higher numbers of more dangerous jobs Society's more reckless attitude in general Fewer employees are covered by health insurance The increasing older population

Correct answer: The increasing older population. Disabilities significantly impair an individual in one or more life areas, including hygiene tasks, employment, walking, and hearing. Due to longer life expectancy and the baby boom generation, there is an increasing older population. This explains why, in 2010, there were over 56 million Americans with disabilities, and this number is only expected to increase.

In 2015, five states legally permitted physician-assisted suicide. Under what circumstance is this permitted? The individual must have a terminal illness The individual must have clinical depression and feelings of worthlessness The individual's family must agree that the individual's happiness is compromised The physician must agree that the individual is prepared to die

Correct answer: The individual must have a terminal illness. Physician-assisted suicide is an ethical issue about which many health care workers disagree. As of 2015, five states (Oregon, Washington, Montana, New Mexico, and Vermont) allow physician-assisted suicide, provided the individual has a terminal illness. In these states (only in one county in New Mexico), physicians are legally permitted to prescribe medications to cause death.

A couple that currently has a three-year-old daughter is deciding whether to have another child. Based on Alfred Adler's concept of birth order, what changes might this couple expect to see in their daughter if they do have a new baby? The older child will likely be overprotected by parents and have a hard time sharing The older child will likely become more dependent on the father The older child will likely become rebellious and competitive The older child will likely have an easygoing personality

Correct answer: The older child will likely become more dependent on the father. Alfred Adler is known for his theory of how birth order can affect children throughout the lifespan. According to Adler, following the birth of a second child the older sibling will likely seek comfort from the father. The oldest child can become perfectionist and authoritative, yet can learn to bear responsibility and be helpful to others.

What is the most important factor when determining whether or not counseling will be successful? The counselor's number of years of experience The counselor's adherence to evidence-based practices The severity of the client's mental illness The relationship between counselor and client

Correct answer: The relationship between counselor and client. Though there are many evidence-based approaches that counselors use to help clients, the most important factor in determining whether counseling will be successful is the relationship between counselor and client. The four key elements in building this helping relationship are human relations (empathy, respect, and genuineness), social influence (competence, power, and intimacy), skills, and theory.

In most research studies, who should have access to the data? The researchers and research assistants only Members of the IRB that approved the study All of the study participants The general public

Correct answer: The researchers and research assistants only Much like in counseling practice, issues of confidentiality arise in research as well. Only researchers and research assistants gathering data should have access to information obtained on subjects during the study. Information gathered during studies should only be released to others with the written consent of the subjects.

A student earns a grade-equivalent score of seven on an achievement test. What does this score most likely mean? The student is in the 70th percentile of all students who took the same test Seven out of ten students perform as well as this student did on the test The student has a 70 percent chance of earning the same score if he or she retook the test The student got the same number of items correct on the test that the average seventh grader gets

Correct answer: The student got the same number of items correct on the test that the average seventh grader gets. Achievement tests are often reported in terms of grade-equivalent scores. This means that if a student correctly answers the same number of items that an average seventh grader completes, that student receives a grade-equivalent score of seven. Age-equivalent scores work similarly, in that an individual who earns a score equivalent to nine has correctly answered the same number of items that an average nine-year-old answers.

An elementary school student is given a test of cognitive ability. He scores in the 80th percentile as compared with other students his age and grade level. What does this student's score mean? The student's score is higher than 80% of the scores, and 20% of the scores are higher than his score. When the student takes the test again, he has an 80% chance of earning the same score. The student has a raw score of 80 on the test and has an above-average IQ The student scored higher than 79% of the scores, and 20% of the scores are higher than his score.

Correct answer: The student's score is higher than 80% of the scores, and 20% of the scores are higher than his score Many standardized test results are given in percentiles, which are values below which a specified percentage of cases fall. A student who scores in the 80th percentile has scored higher than 80% of the scores. 20% are higher than this student's score.

What is one advantage of using interval data? Nonparametric statistics can be used Data can give researchers an idea of why differences in scores occur Numbers can be compared by ratios There is a constant unit of measurement

Correct answer: There is a constant unit of measurement. There are four levels of measurement: nominal, ordinal, interval, and ratio. With interval data, the numbers on a scale have the same amount of the variable throughout the scale; for instance, degrees on the Fahrenheit temperature scale. Interval scales provide a constant and consistent unit of measurement.

A researcher wants to study the relationship between educational level and discipline styles of parents. Which of the following is a null hypothesis? Disciplinary styles depend more on the parent's age and gender than on educational level There is no correlation between a parent's educational level and how he or she disciplines children It is difficult to know how educational levels influence disciplinary styles Parents with higher levels of education are less likely to physically discipline their children

Correct answer: There is no correlation between a parent's educational level and how he or she disciplines children. All research studies must have a hypothesis, which is the research question that is to be answered. The null hypothesis states that there are no effects of the independent variable on the dependent variable and therefore no differences in the control and test groups. Statistical measures are then calculated based on how confident the researcher is to reject the null hypothesis.

All of the following statements are true regarding standardized scores except which one? They are conversions of raw score distributions They allow for scores between individuals to be compared They are an expression of a person's distance from the median in terms of distribution They are continuous and have equality of units

Correct answer: They are an expression of a person's distance from the median in terms of distribution Standardized scores are helpful when comparing several different test scores for the same person, as direct comparisons between different tests are impossible. Standardizing scores allows for continuity and an equality of units. The two most common standardized scores are z-scores and T-scores, both of which are conversions of raw score distributions. Standardized scores express the person's distance from the mean, not the median, in terms of the standard deviation from that standard score distribution.

What is one advantage of using non-random or nonprobability samples? It accurately represents proportions of individuals that exist in the population They can yield very useful data It is always cheaper than using random sampling Results can be generalized to the greater population

Correct answer: They can yield very useful data There are many types of sampling, which refers to the selection of subjects from a part of the population. While most studies use random sampling to conduct tests, some use volunteers or samples for convenience. While these samples are less likely than random samples to yield a normal distribution of scores, these non-random or nonprobability samples can still result in useful data.

What is one advantage of samples of convenience? They produce candidates for study without the need for a more detailed process Validity is higher than with other forms of sampling It provides a random sample of subjects It allows researchers to use smaller sample sizes

Correct answer: They produce candidates for study without the need for a more detailed process. Samples of convenience refer to a form of non-probability sampling that is gathered with the goal of obtaining any participant that meets specific characteristics. The main advantage of this approach is that it is an expedient way to gather candidates for study. One drawback of this technique is that because the sample is not random, study results will not be representative of the greater population.

What is the main purpose of the AASCB? To assist counselors moving from one state to another To create a universal definition of the counseling profession To provide clear guidelines to counselors regarding ethical practice To create counselor training standards for all types of counseling

Correct answer: To assist counselors moving from one state to another. The American Association of State Counseling Boards (AASCB) is an organization that assists licensed counselors moving from one state to another. Because states have different laws regarding licensure of professional counselors, the AASCB helps counselors navigate the different educational requirements, titles, exams, and scopes of practice among states.

What is the goal of an inferential approach to statistical analysis? To present data that is nonparametric To summarize conclusions of a study To describe the data collected for a research sample To determine the probability of a certain event occurring

Correct answer: To determine the probability of a certain event occurring Statistical analysis can be descriptive or inferential. Inferential statistics, such as analysis of variance and the t-test, measure the probability of an event occurring in the population. Descriptive statistics aim to describe the data that is collected and include means, percentages, and standard deviations.

Why might the t-test be used? To evaluate more than one dependent variable To control the influence of one or more independent variables on the dependent variable To determine whether the mean scores of two groups are significantly different from each other To determine the likelihood that the null hypothesis is true

Correct answer: To determine whether the mean scores of two groups are significantly different from each other. When there are two groups, and therefore two mean scores, researchers can use the t-test. This test compares the t value from the first calculation to the t value in the second calculation to find whether the mean scores of the two groups are significantly different from each other.

A researcher plans to study the effects of two different treatments on traumatic brain injuries in adolescents. What is the dependent variable in this study? The control group The groups receiving the treatments Traumatic brain injuries Adolescence

Correct answer: Traumatic brain injuries In research studies, there are independent and dependent variables. The independent variable is the one that is manipulated in order to observe the effects on the dependent variable, which is unchanging. In this question, the researcher is trying to study the impact of traumatic brain injuries, which is dependent upon the type of intervention used. Therefore, the dependent variable is the subjects' traumatic brain injuries.

Two hundred college students are enrolled in a genetic biology course. Half comprise a control group, while the other half are randomly assigned to participate in an hour-long interactive seminar each week. Students' final test grades are examined at the end of the semester to determine whether the seminar was associated with better comprehension and understanding of course concepts. What type of research design was used? Quasi-experimental Non-experimental Comparative True experimental

Correct answer: True experimental. Researchers can choose from several different research designs depending on the purpose of the research as well as time, money, and people that are available and willing to participate. A true experimental design uses experimental and control groups that are comprised of randomly assigned participants. Researchers who use experimental designs typically want to determine cause-and-effect relationships, like the relationship between test grades and a differently formatted seminar in this example.

A researcher wants to examine the reliability of an instrument by administering it twice on the same group. About how long should the researcher wait between administrations? One month Three days Two months Two weeks

Correct answer: Two weeks. Reliability refers to the degree to which a test or assessment is consistent and can be expected to provide similar results if the same subjects were to participate in the same study again. Sometimes, researchers test a study's stability by testing the same group twice, then comparing the results of both. It is recommended that researchers wait about two weeks before re-administering a test to the same group.

Where was the first general practice counselor licensure law passed? New York Virginia Montana California

Correct answer: Virginia Different states across the country have different licensure laws. In 1976, Virginia was the first state to pass the first general practice counselor licensure law. Other states began passing their own counselor licensure laws soon after.

Of the following, when might a formative evaluation be most helpful? When administrators want to know how well departmental goals have been met When a department wants to measure the effectiveness of a parenting program at the end of the fiscal year When a supervisor wants to know how productive individual workers are throughout the week When an agency wants to know how well a new group therapy intervention works

Correct answer: When an agency wants to know how well a new group therapy intervention works Evaluation is a necessary part of any counseling program, as it gathers information about how well an intervention is working and what can be improved. Formative evaluation is the process of gathering information about how well a new intervention works, and collecting information over a period of time. Summative evaluation, by contrast, is typically a summary of how well an intervention has worked and is conducted over a shorter period of time.

When would a researcher use nonparametric (rather than parametric) statistics? When it can be assumed that the sample is homogeneous to the variance of the population When no assumption about the variance of the population scores can be made When data is normally distributed along a bell-shaped curve When a sample is randomly drawn from a population

Correct answer: When no assumption about the variance of the population scores can be made. Researchers may use parametric or nonparametric statistical measures, depending on the distribution of scores. Parametric statistics, such as the t-test and analysis of variance, can be used when samples are randomly drawn from the population and results are distributed along a normal curve. Nonparametric statistics, such as chi-square and the Mann-Whitney U test, are used when data is not normally distributed and variances are inconsistent.

Under what circumstances are the mean, median, and mode all identical? When all scores are skewed in either direction When the distribution of scores is symmetrical When the scores have a positive skew When all scores are evenly divided by the same numbers

Correct answer: When the distribution of scores is symmetrical. A distribution of scores can be examined using three types of measures. Mean refers to the average of a list of scores; median is the middle score on a distribution of scores; and mode is the most frequent score in a distribution of scores. The mean, median, and mode are identical when the distribution of scores is symmetrical, rather than skewed in one direction or another.

In regard to research studies, when is deception justifiable? When subjects have been informed that researchers might be collecting different information from what they initially claim Not under any circumstances In any situation, as subjects must sign waivers before participating in the study When there is no risk to the subjects

Correct answer: When there is no risk to the subjects. As in counseling practice, ethical issues arise at times during research. Deception refers to times when subjects are unaware that a certain type of information is being gathered, and is justifiable if there is no risk to the subjects. After data is collected and the study has concluded, researchers should inform the subjects of all types of data that were collected and why it was necessary for subjects to be unaware.

What is not a time when you would use a nonparametric test? When you are working with ratio scale data levels of measurement When the scores are abnormally distributed When scores do not fall along a normal curve When the variance of the sample is different from the variance of the population

Correct answer: When you are working with ratio scale data levels of measurement Researchers must use nonparametric statistics when it is uncertain whether the distribution of scores falls along a normal curve or whether the variance of the test sample represents the variance within the general population. Nonparametric statistics are typically used with nominal data, when numbers represent a variable's qualities, and ordinal data, when categories have a definitive order. Examples of nonparametric statistical measures are the chi-square, Mann-Whitney U test, the Wilcoxen signed-rank test, and the Kruskal-Wallis test.

A Solomon four-group design is used in which of the following circumstances? When you have scores for two samples and the scores are correlated When you want to determine the strength of the relationship of independent variables on a criterion variable When you have nominal data and want to determine whether two distributions differ significantly When you want to determine the effect of a pretest

Correct answer: When you want to determine the effect of a pretest. Some researchers use pretests to measure baseline characteristics, traits, or behaviors of test participants. The Solomon four-group design allows researchers to examine the effect of the pretest on the test treatment. The four groups include measurements of whether the pretest and treatment combined made a difference, whether the pretest alone made a difference, whether the treatment alone made a difference, or whether neither the pretest nor the treatment made a difference.

Which of the following are examples of standardized scores that are used to compare different test scores for the same individual? Z-score and T-score Percentile and T-score Z-score and stanine Stanine and percentile

Correct answer: Z-score and T-score Standardized scores are helpful when comparing several different test scores for the same person, as direct comparisons between different tests are impossible. A z-score shows the distance between the raw score and the population mean in units of standard deviation. A T-score also shows the difference between a raw score and the population mean, but the sample size must be above 30 and have an unknown population standard deviation.

All of the following are true about the White identity development model except: whites are exposed to racial beliefs and attitudes the final stage of the White identity development model is integrative awareness, from which a non-racist identity emerges although Whites experience societal forces, they do not often experience introspection or dissonance the stages of the identity development model are the same for Whites and for minorities

Correct answer: although Whites experience societal forces, they do not often experience introspection or dissonance The racial/cultural identity development model refers to a conceptual framework that helps counselors better understand clients who are of different cultures. There are five stages of development for individuals in the minority race or culture: conformity, dissonance, resistance and immersion, introspection, and integrative awareness. Whites may also go through similar development because they are not immune to societal beliefs such as racist attitudes and poor treatment of minorities. Whites can go through the same stages as members of a minority culture, culminating in the final stage when they solidify a non-racist identity.

Though counselors may try to use approaches that enhance clients' experiences, at times these approaches may exhibit a lack of understanding of other cultures. This concept, conceptualized by Gilbert Wrenn, is known as: cultural encapsulation cultural pluralism cultural norming acculturation

Correct answer: cultural encapsulation Gilbert Wrenn coined the term "cultural encapsulation" to refer to the tendency to disregard differences between cultures and individuals, the use of stereotypes in attempting to understand the world, and the implementation of only one type of technique with all counseling clients. Cultural encapsulation can severely limit the counselor's effectiveness in effecting change, in understanding and joining with the client, and in developing his or her own self-awareness over time.

There are broad categories of individuals who have unique or special needs, such as religious or racial classifications, women, gays and lesbians, poor people, and children. This is known as: cultural encapsulation disproportionality cultural pluralism prejudice

Correct answer: cultural pluralism Cultural pluralism refers to the large categories of people who may have special needs or concerns, such as women, gays and lesbians, children, racial groups, single-parent families, and many others. Counselors should remain sensitive to the unique needs of each of these groups when seeing clients for individual, family, or group counseling.

Rather than blindly accepting their parents' values and beliefs, adolescents commonly explore values and beliefs that are different from those held by their families of origin. This function, a part of healthy emotional and psychological development, is known as: family projection process emotional cutoff differentiation of self affectional orientation

Correct answer: differentiation of self It is normal for adolescents to have interests, values, and beliefs that are different from those of their parents. This is necessary in order to have a healthy differentiation of self, which refers to how much a person's beliefs differ from those of their family's beliefs. An individual with weak differentiation of self requires approval and acceptance from others in order to function, while someone with a strong differentiation of self is typically confident and sensible.

Sometimes certain characteristics of study subjects elicit preferential feelings and responses from researchers, altering results. This is known as: statistical regression experimenter bias attrition instrumentation error

Correct answer: experimenter bias Internal validity refers to the degree to which external influences have been controlled. Experimenter bias is one threat to internal validity and refers to times when subjects' responses are influenced by researchers for a variety of reasons. Researchers may expect to see certain results and therefore unintentionally elicit these results, for example, or treat some subjects differently.

Over the past 50 years, there has been a push for accountability in the counseling field, primarily motivated by: client empowerment new psychiatric medications funding serious mental illnesses

Correct answer: funding Since the 1970s, funding has played an increasingly important role in accountability practices in the fields of counseling and human services. Because more government funding sources, health insurance companies, and HMOs are involved in supporting counseling programs, there is pressure to demonstrate the usefulness of specific interventions and techniques. Goals and objectives have also become more important recently, as they are used to show effectiveness and to evaluate programs.

All of the following are true regarding social justice counseling except: it seeks a balance of power and resources it addresses issues of unequal power it has not grown as a specialty in the past 25 years it has led to ACA identifying advocacy competencies for counselors

Correct answer: it has not grown as a specialty in the past 25 years Over the past several decades, social justice counseling has gained popularity in the counseling field. ACA now includes the following advocacy competencies for counselors: Client/Student Empowerment, Client/Student Advocacy, Community Collaboration, Systems Advocacy, Public Information, and Social/Political Advocacy. Social justice counseling addresses issues of unequal power, seeks a balance of power and resources, and focuses on unearned privilege and oppression.

Budgeting, supervision, marketing, and evaluation are all essential components of: managing a counseling program developing an effective group therapy intervention determining what needs a program has providing services to individuals and families

Correct answer: managing a counseling program. Counseling program management is similar to other management positions in that it requires a specialized set of skills. These include strategic planning, which refers to assessment of the current state of the program and how it might look different in the future, program design and development, budgeting, personnel management, supervision, evaluation, and marketing and public relations.

A school counselor wants to know whether parents of students believe a recent character-building intervention was effective. She sends a survey home with each student and receives 40% of the surveys back. This type of research design is: comparative non-experimental qualitative experimental

Correct answer: non-experimental. There are many types of non-experimental designs, all of which are quantitative in nature. Surveys include questionnaires, interviews, polls, and other methods that measure attitudes and behaviors. The response rate of surveys is typically below 50 percent. Comparative research examines differences between two groups. Qualitative research is any type of descriptive research based on observation and the researchers' judgments. Experimental designs use experimental and control groups along with random sampling at times to determine cause-and-effect relationships.

In some medication-related studies, the control group is given a "sugar pill" rather than the actual medication or drug, so research subjects will be unaware of whether they are in the research group or the control group. However, sometimes subjects in the control group experience changes in symptoms due to the psychological power of suggestion. This is known as the: disruption effect novelty effect Hawthorne effect placebo effect

Correct answer: placebo effect External validity is the degree to which study results can be applied to populations outside of the study. There are many threats to external validity, including the placebo effect. This occurs when control subjects expect to be influenced by the intervention and unintentionally respond to the control treatment (the placebo).

A client says, "I just hate being with my mother. She always needs something from me and it drives me crazy!" In reply, the counselor says, "It sounds like being around her is uncomfortable and frustrating for you." This counselor is using the technique of: reflection restatement congruence confrontation

Correct answer: reflection Reflection refers to the technique of repeating back to the client what he or she has said, but stressing the client's emotional and/or affective experiences. This counselor is emphasizing the client's feelings of frustration and discomfort while also helping the client to feel heard. Restatement is similar to reflection in that it consists of repeating back to the client what he or she just said, but emphasizes the cognitive rather than the emotional message. Congruence refers to either how authentically the counselor is communicating with the client, or how well the client's behaviors and beliefs match. Confrontation occurs when the counselor identifies differences between the client's verbal and nonverbal actions.

High internal consistency means that a measure is: dichotomous valid reliable obtrusive

Correct answer: reliable Reliability refers to the degree to which a study can reproduce results. Internal consistency is the degree to which a test measures what it is intended to measure, while also producing the same results each time. High internal consistency means that a measure is reliable.

All of the following describe qualitative research except: studies individual units in naturalistic settings assumes that there are multiple realities researchers may use their impressions, judgments, and feelings researchers examine for causes and relationships

Correct answer: researchers examine for causes and relationships Qualitative and quantitative research are two different kinds of research, though both have advantages. Qualitative research tends to study individual units in naturally occurring settings; research data is collected through observation; researchers' judgments and impressions are often used; it assumes that there are many different realities held by individuals and groups; it has the goal of describing the nature of things. In quantitative research, researchers tend to examine for causes and relationships and present much more objective data.

Measures of intelligence and aptitude are usually: power-based speed-based reliable but not valid criterion-referenced

Correct answer: speed-based Tests and assessments are administered according to a variety of factors. Power-based tests, such as the National Counselor Examination, have no (or generous) time limits. Speed-based tests, such as intelligence and aptitude tests, are timed, and scores are based on accuracy and speed. These are not necessarily reliable or valid, either or both, such an assessment would be highly variable. They are also not usually criterion-referenced, meaning that they test specific knowledge.

Factorial analysis of variance measures: the effects of two or more independent variables on one dependent variable the effects of one variable at three or more levels the effect of one or more independent variables on a controlled dependent variable the effects of two or more independent variables on more than one dependent variable

Correct answer: the effects of two or more independent variables on one dependent variable Factorial ANOVA is used to find whether significant differences between two variables exist. One-way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) can be used to determine differences between three different forms of one variable, such as levels of income. Multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) is the statistic used when there is more than one dependent variable involved in the analysis. Analysis of Covariance (ANCOVA) is used to determine covariance when an independent variable and its impact on dependent variables is controlled.

A counselor heading a needs assessment of a program insists that random sampling be used as he prepares to arrange interviews and focus groups. This counselor is trying to ensure: predictability validity anonymity reliability

Correct answer: validity A needs assessment is an important element of program planning, as it defines the differences between what currently exists and what is needed or desired to change the situation. When collecting data, random sampling should be used when possible in order to obtain an accurate representation of needs. This ensures that the data is valid and can be applied to the broader system.

The square of the standard deviation is also known as: z-score variance normal curve inclusive range

Correct answer: variance Variance refers to the degree to which scores are different from each other. When measuring variability, researchers may use Standard Deviation (SD) to describe the variability within a distribution of scores. Variance is the square of the standard deviation and is used when conducting statistical analyses.

The Kruskal-Wallis test is used when: you have more than two mean scores on a single variable you have scores for two samples and these scores are correlated you collect data from two independent samples and the scores are not normally distributed you have nominal data that do not fall along a normal curve

Correct answer: you have more than two mean scores on a single variable. Researchers must use nonparametric statistics when it is uncertain whether the distribution of scores falls along a normal curve or whether the variance of the test sample represents the variance within the general population. Examples of nonparametric statistical measures are the Mann-Whitney U test, the Wilcoxen signed-rank test, and the Kruskal-Wallis test. The Kruskal-Wallis test is used when the researcher has more than two mean scores on a single variable, also known as a nonparametric one-way analysis of variance.

What is a correlation between two variables? A variability index A reliability index A multivariate correlation A bivariate correlation

Explanation Details Correct answer: A bivariate correlation A correlation is a demonstrated relationship between variables. A bivariate correlation is a correlation between two variables. A correlation between three or more variables is called multivariate. Indices of statistical reliability and variability are not referred to by their relationship to correlation.

Which of the following is not a violation of HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act)? A counselor releases information to a client who wants to inspect and review his own records A family counselor at an inpatient psychiatric program talks openly with staff in other units about a client's family dynamics A counselor speaks with a client's spouse about the client's treatment, then tells the client later A school counselor calls the therapist of an 11-year-old child to get information about the child's diagnosis even though a consent has not been signed by the guardian

Explanation Details Correct answer: A counselor releases information to a client who wants to inspect and review his own records Counselors should be very familiar with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), which is federal legislation that sets standards for protecting the privacy of patient information. While clients are allowed to access their own records and request changes, counselors must have a release form signed by the client (or the client's guardian, if under age 18) before the record is shared with others. Even if the counselor is part of a larger program, such as an inpatient facility, the client's information should only be shared with those who are working directly with the client.

How can a researcher change the probability of a Type I error? By rejecting the null hypothesis By recalculating the analysis of variance By retaining the null hypothesis By changing the significance level

Explanation Details Correct answer: By changing the significance level A Type I error, also known as an alpha error, refers to the researchers' rejection of the null hypothesis when it is correct. If the significance level is changed, such as .05 to .01, the probability of a Type I error changes as well.

Which of the following is true regarding confidentiality and group counseling? After the group ends, members are allowed to talk about other group members outside of the group Group counselors may break confidentiality if they are legitimately concerned someone is in danger of hurting themselves or someone else Confidentiality is rarely discussed in groups because of the high probability it will be broken anyway Counselors have the right to discuss with others outside the group some of the information shared by group members

Explanation Details Correct answer: Group counselors may break confidentiality if they are legitimately concerned someone is in danger of hurting themselves or someone else Confidentiality is difficult to ensure in group counseling, though all members should be aware that information shared in the group is confidential. Exceptions to this rule include times when group counselors are concerned someone (not always a group member) is in danger of hurting themselves or someone else. Counselors should keep all other information confidential and refrain from sharing it with members outside of the group. Even after groups terminate, group members should protect the privacy of others within the group.

The ACA Code of Ethics comes from all of the following sources except which one? The wisdom of members of the profession Cultural values and mores Insurance company requirements Legal judgments

Explanation Details Correct answer: Insurance company requirements Counselors should study and be familiar with the American Counseling Association (ACA) Code of Ethics. The code outlines what is right or wrong in terms of professional counselors' conduct. The code's content comes from the experiences of ACA members, legal judgments, opinions, and cultural values, norms, and mores. While insurance companies may occasionally become involved in ethical dilemmas and situations, the code is developed separately from any insurance company requirements.

Which of the following is an accurate statement about deductive research? It tends to be descriptive and correlational It leads to the building of a specific theory It uses existing theories to explore relationships between certain elements It is practical in nature

Explanation Details Correct answer: It uses existing theories to explore relationships between certain elements There are two types of research: inductive and deductive. Inductive research begins at the practical level and tends to descriptively add to developing theories. Deductive research comes from theory that is already established and tends to focus on determining what the relationships between different elements of the theory are.

Given the set of numbers below, what is 68? 55, 57, 59, 61, 64, 68, 68, 70 Mode Median Range Mean

Explanation Details Correct answer: Mode Assessments are often scored using measures of central tendency, including mean, median, range, and mode. Mode refers to the most frequent score within a certain distribution. In the question, 68 is the mode because it occurs more often than any other number.

A graduate student earning his counseling degree wants to conduct a research study examining the relationship between educational level and substance abuse. What type of research would be most helpful in this situation? Experimental comparative design Non-experimental correlational design Non-experimental survey design Quasi-experimental design

Explanation Details Correct answer: Non-experimental correlational design There are many types of quantitative research that can provide tentative explanations for relationships between factors. A non-experimental correlational design uses a correlation coefficient to describe the relationship between variables. The student in this question could gather information about individuals' current substance use and level of education, then calculate the relationship between the two without using any type of experimental design.

The National Defense Education Act was passed in 1958 and did which of the following? Allowed any individual to attend public school no matter their age Enforced discrimination in public schools Provided money for the training of school counselors Increased spending for schools with military programs

Explanation Details Correct answer: Provided money for the training of school counselors The National Defense Education Act was passed in 1958 and provided additional funding for public schools for a variety of purposes. There are ten titles within the law, and Title V includes funding for the training of guidance counselors along with the addition of standardized testing to identify academically gifted students.

A researcher develops a list of questions to assess the relationship between religious beliefs and child-rearing styles. She randomly divides the list of questions into two sets and finds that the results have a high correlation. This questionnaire has a high degree of which of the following? Split-half reliability Test-retest reliability Inter-rater reliability Parallel-forms reliability

Explanation Details Correct answer: Split-half reliability Split-half reliability is calculated by randomly splitting a list of questions into sets, then finding the correlation between the two. If there is a high correlation between the two sets, the measure is said to have high split-half reliability. Parallel-forms reliability is similar in that two separate sets of questions are administered, but the questions on each form of the assessment are not chosen randomly. Inter-rater reliability is the degree to which different raters score the same responses and behaviors in the same way. Test-retest reliability is the degree to which scores are the same when the same measure is given to the same subjects twice.

At times, counselors are sued by clients for malpractice. For a malpractice claim to succeed in a court of law, three conditions must be met, in addition to the establishment of a professional relationship. Which of the following is not one of these three conditions? There was a breach of duty The counselor did not have professional liability insurance The client suffered physical or psychological injury The injury was caused by a breach of duty

Explanation Details Correct answer: The counselor did not have professional liability insurance Malpractice is the failure to provide services at a level that would be expected of a professional in similar circumstances. When a malpractice claim enters a court of law, there are four conditions that must be met: a professional relationship must have been established; there must have been a breach of duty; the client must have suffered injury, physical or psychological; and the injury must have been caused by a breach of duty. A counselor can be sued with or without professional liability insurance.

An individual's score on an assessment has a z-score of 0. What does this mean? The individual's score is equal to the mean The individual's score is the furthest away from the mean The range for the standard deviation is -1.0 to 1.0 The individual's score is equal to the range

Explanation Details Correct answer: The individual's score is equal to the mean One of the most commonly used standardized scores is the z-score. For a z-score, the mean is 0 and the standard deviation is 1.0. When the raw score is below the mean, the z-score is negative, and when the raw score is above the mean, the z-score is positive. The range for standard deviation of a z-score is -3.0 to 3.0.

What is the main purpose of informed consent? To provide a clear and concise way to communicate information to clients' insurance companies so the counselor can be reimbursed. To determine whether the counselor can truly help the client create change in his or her life. To ensure that the counselor and client have a mutual understanding of the scope of practice, grievance procedures, and when confidentiality may be broken. To protect the counselor from being sued for malpractice or other harm to a client

Explanation Details Correct answer: To ensure that the counselor and client have a mutual understanding of the scope of practice, grievance procedures, and when confidentiality may be broken Informed consent is meant to serve as a clear way for the counselor to communicate their scope of practice, techniques, grievance procedures, and therapeutic approach with the client before treatment begins. Informed consent also includes detailed explanations of when a counselor might break confidentiality, and the process for releasing client information.

The stimulus variable is also known as the: deviation from the mean dependent variable independent variable hypothesis

Explanation Details Correct answer: independent variable In research studies, there are independent and dependent variables. The independent variable is the one that is manipulated in order to observe the effects on the dependent variable, which is unchanging. The independent variable is sometimes called the stimulus variable, predictor variable, or experimental variable. Other terms for the dependent variable include the response variable, the outcome variable, and the criterion variable.

All of the following are commonly used post hoc tests except which one? Newman-Keuls test Scheffe's test Mann-Whitney U test Tukey's HSD test

explanation Details Correct answer: Mann-Whitney U test Researchers might apply a test after the analysis of variance is calculated (post hoc) if it needs to be clarified as to which mean scores are significantly different. Post hoc tests that may clarify this problem include Scheffe's method, Tukey's HSD (Honestly Significant Difference), Newman-Keuls, and Duncan's new multiple range test. The Mann-Whitney U test is a nonparametric measure used when scores collected from two independent samples do not follow normal distributions.