Case Studies in Engineering Ethics: Interactive Learning Quizzes

Question 1

In the Alaska oil pipeline case study, which ethical dilemma was paramount in the debate?

Accepted Answer

Balancing environmental concerns with economic benefits

Answer

Addressing indigenous communities' rights

Answer

Ensuring fair resource distribution

Answer

Promoting technological advancements

Question 2

Which ethical framework emphasizes evaluating engineering actions' potential consequences?

Accepted Answer

Utilitarianism

Answer

Deontology

Answer

Virtue ethics

Answer

Ethical egoism

Question 3

Which is NOT a component of ethical decision-making in engineering?

Accepted Answer

Suppressing dissent and opposing viewpoints

Answer

Identifying stakeholders and their concerns

Answer

Analyzing potential risks and benefits

Answer

Applying ethical theories and principles

Question 4

In the Kobe Steel data fabrication scandal case study, what was the primary ethical violation?

Accepted Answer

Falsifying data to conform to customer specifications

Answer

Concealing information from regulatory authorities

Answer

Disregarding safety concerns to increase profits

Answer

Violating contractual obligations

Question 5

Which ethical concern led to the premature termination of the Stanford Prison Experiment?

Accepted Answer

Severe psychological distress among participants.

Answer

Violation of participants' privacy.

Answer

Lack of informed consent from participants.

Question 6

How does the IEEE Code of Ethics guide engineers in resolving ethical conflicts between competing interests, such as project deadlines and financial constraints?

Accepted Answer

By establishing a framework for engineers to weigh competing interests and make informed decisions

Answer

By providing a strict set of rules that must be followed in all situations

Answer

By prioritizing the interests of the employer or client above all else

Answer

By absolving engineers of any responsibility for ethical violations

Question 7

Which ethical dilemma is central to the Ford Pinto case study, highlighting the tension between safety concerns and financial interests?

Accepted Answer

Balancing safety concerns with financial interests

Answer

Resolving conflicts between environmental regulations and economic growth

Answer

Addressing ethical implications of emerging technologies

Answer

Protecting whistleblowers from retaliation

Question 8

In the context of the Whistleblower Dilemma, which ethical principle holds the greatest significance in guiding engineers' actions?

Accepted Answer

Non-maleficence

Answer

Autonomy

Answer

Beneficence

Answer

Justice

Question 9

What is the fundamental purpose of ethical decision-making frameworks in the field of engineering?

Accepted Answer

Guiding engineers in analyzing ethical issues and making informed judgments

Answer

Providing definitive solutions to all ethical dilemmas

Answer

Eliminating the need for incorporating ethical considerations into engineering

Answer

Establishing a universally applicable code of ethics for all engineers

Question 10

Which ethical theory emphasizes the overall well-being and minimizing harm, focusing on the consequences of actions?

Accepted Answer

Utilitarianism

Answer

Deontology

Answer

Virtue ethics

Answer

Contractualism

Question 11

Which of the following is not a core principle of the IEEE Code of Ethics?

Accepted Answer

Advancing technological progress without regard to societal impacts

Answer

Public safety and welfare

Answer

Professional competence

Answer

Respect for intellectual property rights

Question 12

In engineering, ethical decision-making involves several key steps. Outline these steps and explain how engineers can ensure the ethical soundness of their choices.

Accepted Answer

Identify the ethical issue, gather relevant information, generate and evaluate alternative solutions, select the best solution, implement the solution, and evaluate the outcome.

Answer

Consult with colleagues, consider the ethical implications, and make a decision based on personal values.

Answer

Apply ethical theories and frameworks without considering the specific context.

Answer

Prioritize maximizing benefits for the most people, regardless of other ethical considerations.

Question 13

Which ethical theory prioritizes the consequences of an action as the primary criterion for judging its rightness or wrongness?

Accepted Answer

Utilitarianism

Answer

Virtue ethics

Answer

Deontology

Answer

Contractarianism

Question 14

In the Challenger disaster, engineers raised concerns about the O-rings but were ignored. This underscores the importance of:

Accepted Answer

Whistleblowing

Answer

Risk assessment

Answer

Objectivity

Answer

Integrity

Question 15

Which of the following is not a principle of the NSPE Code of Ethics?

Accepted Answer

Hold paramount personal interests

Answer

Protect the health, safety, and welfare of the public

Answer

Maintain high standards of professional conduct

Answer

Avoid conflicts of interest

Question 16

When faced with an ethical dilemma, the most appropriate course of action for an engineer is to:

Accepted Answer

Consult with colleagues and seek external guidance

Answer

Follow their personal beliefs

Answer

Seek legal advice only

Answer

Delay making a decision until external pressures subside

Question 17

The Bhopal disaster, a catastrophic chemical leak in India, is primarily an example of which ethical issue in engineering?

Accepted Answer

Negligence in design and operation of the plant

Answer

Lack of informed consent from affected communities

Answer

Insufficient whistleblower protection for employees

Answer

Inadequate environmental stewardship

Question 18

Which principle is NOT included in the core principles outlined in the Belmont Report for ethical human subject research?

Accepted Answer

Cost-effectiveness: Prioritizing research with the lowest financial burden

Answer

Respect for persons: Treating individuals with dignity and autonomy

Answer

Beneficence: Maximizing potential benefits and minimizing harm

Answer

Informed consent: Ensuring participants understand and voluntarily agree to participate

Question 19

According to the code of ethics of the National Society of Professional Engineers (NSPE), which virtue is NOT considered essential for engineers?

Accepted Answer

Empathy: Understanding and considering the feelings and perspectives of others

Answer

Honesty: Adhering to truthfulness and transparency

Answer

Integrity: Upholding ethical principles and moral values

Answer

Competence: Maintaining and developing professional skills and knowledge

Question 20

Which ethical theory places emphasis on fulfilling duties, obligations, and respecting the rights of others?

Accepted Answer

Kantianism: Basing actions on universal moral principles

Answer

Utilitarianism: Maximizing utility or happiness for the greatest number

Answer

Virtue ethics: Developing and practicing virtuous character traits

Answer

Pragmatism: Considering the practical consequences and outcomes of actions

Question 21

In the context of engineering ethics, the precautionary principle advocates for:

Accepted Answer

Taking preventive measures despite scientific uncertainty to minimize potential harm

Answer

Prioritizing economic considerations over environmental protection

Answer

Ignoring ethical concerns in favor of technical solutions

Answer

Delaying decisions until all risks are fully understood

Question 22

In the Ford Pinto case, what was the primary ethical concern for engineers?

Accepted Answer

Prioritizing safety over financial considerations

Answer

Balancing customer demand with technical limitations

Answer

Protecting company reputation over public well-being

Answer

Overlooking whistleblower warnings

Question 23

Which of the following is not a function of ethics committees in engineering?

Accepted Answer

Enforcing ethical codes

Answer

Providing guidance on ethical issues

Answer

Investigating allegations of ethical violations

Answer

Establishing professional expectations

Question 24

In the context of engineering ethics, what does 'conflict of interest' refer to?

Accepted Answer

A situation where an engineer's personal interests could compromise their professional judgment

Answer

A disagreement among engineers regarding a technical matter

Answer

A violation of ethical principles

Answer

A legal obligation

Question 25

In the Challenger disaster, which ethical principle was violated?

Accepted Answer

Non-maleficence

Answer

Autonomy

Answer

Beneficence

Answer

Justice

Question 26

Which ethical theory emphasizes the outcomes of actions and their impact on stakeholders?

Accepted Answer

Utilitarianism

Answer

Deontology

Answer

Virtue ethics

Answer

Rawlsianism

Question 27

Why are whistleblower protection laws important in engineering ethics?

Accepted Answer

They encourage engineers to report unethical behavior without fear of retaliation

Answer

They ensure that engineers are not held responsible for reporting ethical violations

Answer

They provide legal recourse for engineers who experience discrimination

Answer

They are only applicable to government employees

Question 28

Which step is NOT part of the ethical decision-making process?

Accepted Answer

Make a decision based solely on emotions

Answer

Evaluate the potential consequences

Answer

Gather relevant information

Answer

Identify the ethical dilemma

Question 29

Why is stakeholder analysis crucial in engineering ethics?

Accepted Answer

It helps identify individuals and groups affected by engineering decisions

Answer

It is a legal requirement for engineering projects

Answer

It eliminates potential conflicts of interest

Answer

It ensures equal influence for all stakeholders

Question 30

What is the ethical obligation of engineers when they suspect violations of ethical codes?

Accepted Answer

Report the suspected violations to the appropriate authorities

Answer

Report to their immediate supervisor

Answer

Inform the company's legal counsel

Answer

Remain silent and hope the issue resolves itself

Question 31

In the Challenger space shuttle disaster, the ethical dilemma faced by engineers primarily revolved around:

Accepted Answer

Balancing safety concerns with project deadlines and political pressures

Answer

Disclosing potential risks to the public without considering the consequences

Answer

Overriding the recommendations of safety experts

Question 32

According to the Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy, the primary focus of engineering ethics is on:

Accepted Answer

The ethical obligations of engineers in their professional practice

Answer

The philosophical foundations of engineering design

Answer

The moral implications of technological advancements

Question 33

Which ethical framework emphasizes minimizing harm and maximizing benefits for stakeholders?

Accepted Answer

Utilitarianism

Answer

Care ethics

Answer

Deontology

Answer

Virtue ethics

Question 34

In the Bhopal gas leak tragedy, which of the following contributed to the ethical breach?

Accepted Answer

Negligence of safety measures and disregard for community well-being

Answer

Pressure from shareholders to increase production

Answer

Lack of clear ethical guidelines for chemical plant operations

Question 35

Who is considered a whistleblower in engineering ethics?

Accepted Answer

An engineer who reports safety concerns in a product to regulatory authorities

Answer

An engineer who mentors young professionals in the field

Answer

An engineer who advocates for the use of sustainable materials in product design

Question 36

According to the IEEE Code of Ethics, engineers must:

Accepted Answer

Act in a manner that serves the public interest

Answer

Obey the orders of their superiors without question

Answer

Maximize financial gain for their clients

Answer

Prioritize their personal beliefs over professional responsibilities

Question 37

Which of the following is a crucial skill for navigating ethical decision-making in engineering?

Accepted Answer

Critical thinking and analysis of potential consequences

Answer

Memorization of ethical codes and regulations only

Answer

Sole reliance on the viewpoints of renowned experts

Question 38

In the context of engineering ethics, the concept of 'moral distress' signifies:

Accepted Answer

The psychological distress experienced when forced to compromise one's ethical values

Answer

The discomfort caused by observing ethical violations by others

Answer

The pressure caused by making challenging ethical decisions

Question 39

What is a key advantage of incorporating case studies in the teaching of engineering ethics?

Accepted Answer

They offer real-world scenarios that students can connect with

Answer

They provide definitive answers to all ethical dilemmas

Answer

They eliminate the necessity for theoretical discussions

Question 40

In the case study involving the collapsed bridge, which ethical value was compromised?

Accepted Answer

Safety

Answer

Integrity

Answer

Transparency

Answer

Accountability

Question 41

Which ethical framework provides a systematic approach to ethical decision-making in engineering?

Accepted Answer

NSPE Code of Ethics

Answer

Virtue ethics

Answer

Kantianism

Answer

Utilitarianism

Question 42

In the case study of the data breach, which legal obligation was violated?

Accepted Answer

Confidentiality

Answer

Justice

Answer

Autonomy

Answer

Non-maleficence

Question 43

In the case study involving the design of a flood control system, which social responsibility should be paramount?

Accepted Answer

Environmental sustainability

Answer

Cultural sensitivity

Answer

Economic efficiency

Answer

Political feasibility

Question 44

Which step in the ethical decision-making process requires identifying and analyzing the interests of all affected parties?

Accepted Answer

Stakeholder analysis

Answer

Problem definition

Answer

Values clarification

Answer

Alternative evaluation

Question 45

In the case study of the whistleblower engineer, what was the primary ethical conflict?

Accepted Answer

Loyalty to the organization versus protecting public safety

Answer

Justice versus mercy

Answer

Sustainability versus economic growth

Answer

Autonomy versus duty

Question 46

The Ford Pinto case exemplifies which ethical principle, where a decision is made based on balancing costs against potential benefits?

Accepted Answer

Cost-benefit analysis

Answer

Kantian ethics

Answer

Virtue ethics

Answer

Utilitarianism

Question 47

Virtue ethics emphasizes the importance of:

Accepted Answer

Developing positive character traits

Answer

Following ethical rules

Answer

Defining rights and duties

Answer

Maximizing consequentialist outcomes

Question 48

In the Boeing 737 MAX case, inadequate consideration of the potential impact of a malfunctioning flight control system is an example of:

Accepted Answer

Negligence

Answer

Misfeasance

Answer

Malfeasance

Answer

Retaliation against whistleblowers

Question 49

A fundamental ethical responsibility of engineers is to:

Accepted Answer

Protect public safety

Answer

Obey orders from superiors

Answer

Maximize profits

Answer

Advance their own careers

Question 50

The Bhopal gas leak disaster resulted from:

Accepted Answer

Negligence and prioritizing cost-cutting measures

Answer

Natural disaster

Answer

Equipment failure

Answer

Terrorism

Question 51

Which of the following is a potential benefit of using case studies in engineering ethics education?

Accepted Answer

Developing critical thinking skills

Answer

Increasing student enrollment

Answer

Memorizing ethical rules

Answer

Reducing exam anxiety

Question 52

Utilitarianism seeks to maximize:

Accepted Answer

Overall happiness

Answer

Good character traits

Answer

Social order

Answer

Individual rights