Ethics & Professional Standards Flashcards
7 cards from real CPW 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 & Professional Standards flashcards as text
A writer uses AI-generated content as the basis for a client deliverable without disclosure. Which ethical principle is most at risk?
Answer: Transparency and honest representation of the work's origin
Failing to disclose AI-generated content violates transparency, as the client may have legitimate concerns about originality, accuracy, or copyright.
When a writer inadvertently publishes inaccurate information, what does professional accountability require?
Answer: Publicly correcting the error and clarifying what was wrong
Professional accountability requires transparent correction of errors, which maintains credibility and reader trust.
A writer includes a lengthy quote from a copyrighted article without permission. Under fair use doctrine, which factor would weigh AGAINST fair use?
Answer: The borrowed excerpt is the creative heart of the original work
Borrowing the 'heart' of a work—its most creative or essential portion—weighs against fair use even if the amount is small.
What distinguishes a 'code of ethics' from a 'style guide' in professional writing?
Answer: A code of ethics governs professional conduct and values while a style guide governs writing conventions
A code of ethics outlines behavioral standards and professional values, while a style guide addresses mechanics of writing such as grammar, punctuation, and formatting.
A writer is simultaneously employed by a PR firm and contributes articles to a news outlet covering the PR firm's clients. This is an example of:
Answer: An undisclosed conflict of interest
Writing news coverage about subjects tied to an employer without disclosing that relationship constitutes a serious undisclosed conflict of interest.
Which of the following is NOT considered plagiarism under professional writing standards?
Answer: Summarizing a source's argument with a proper citation
Properly citing a summarized source is ethical and standard practice; plagiarism occurs when ideas or language are used without proper attribution.
A professional writer is asked to sign a non-compete clause preventing them from writing for competing publications for two years. What should the writer consider first?
Answer: Whether the clause affects their ability to earn a livelihood and whether it is reasonable in scope
Writers should evaluate non-compete clauses for reasonableness in scope, duration, and geographic area, and assess the impact on their livelihood before signing.