Ethics, Safety & Legal Considerations Flashcards
7 cards from real CPI practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Ethics, Safety & Legal Considerations flashcards as text
A client requests that you investigate their neighbor's property without the neighbor's knowledge or permission. What is the correct ethical response?
Answer: Decline and explain that investigations require permission from the property owner
Ethical paranormal investigators require explicit permission from property owners before any investigation, regardless of client requests.
During an investigation, a team member discovers a potential gas leak. What is the immediate priority?
Answer: Evacuate all personnel immediately and contact emergency services
A gas leak is a life-threatening safety hazard requiring immediate evacuation and contact with emergency services before any other action.
Which federal law most directly governs wiretapping and audio recording consent requirements that paranormal investigators must consider?
Answer: Electronic Communications Privacy Act (ECPA)
The Electronic Communications Privacy Act (ECPA) governs the interception of electronic communications, including audio recording, and informs investigators about consent requirements.
A client shares deeply personal information about trauma associated with their haunting experience. How should an ethical investigator handle this information?
Answer: Keep it strictly confidential and share only on a need-to-know basis within the team
Client confidentiality requires that sensitive personal information be protected and shared only when operationally necessary within the investigation team.
Before investigating a building constructed before 1978, what safety precaution is particularly important?
Answer: Test for asbestos and lead paint hazards
Buildings constructed before 1978 may contain asbestos insulation and lead paint, which pose serious health hazards when disturbed during investigations.
An investigator captures what appears to be compelling paranormal evidence but later identifies a natural explanation. What is the ethical obligation?
Answer: Disclose the natural explanation even though it weakens the case
Ethical investigators must disclose when evidence has been debunked, even if it undermines the case, to maintain integrity and scientific credibility.
Which of the following best describes 'informed consent' in the context of paranormal investigation?
Answer: The property owner and all affected parties understand and agree to the investigation's scope, methods, and risks before it begins
Informed consent requires that all relevant parties have complete understanding of what the investigation involves before agreeing to participate.