Ethics in Action – How to Decode Vignette-Based Ethics Questions on the National Psychology Exam

One of the most underestimated parts of the National Psychology Exam is how ethics is assessed. Many provisional psychologists study the APS Code of Ethics and Guidelines like a checklist, assuming it will be tested in isolation. But ethics in the NPE is never just theory—it’s embedded within complex, clinical vignettes that challenge your reasoning, judgement, and ability to respond appropriately under pressure.

Let’s talk about how to navigate these questions with confidence and nuance.

Why Ethics in the National Psychology Exam Is So Tricky

When ethics is assessed in the NPE, it’s rarely a direct question like “Which principle does this fall under?” Instead, you’re presented with a clinical scenario—maybe a client misses sessions and now disputes fees, or perhaps a parent asks for their child’s therapy notes. The question might be framed around communication, assessment, or intervention, but make no mistake: it’s really testing your ethical competence.

💡 That’s why memorising the code isn’t enough. You need to apply it, often when two or more principles seem to clash.

Spotting Ethics Questions Hiding in Plain Sight

In the NPE, ethics is integrated into every domain. You might be reviewing an assessment vignette, but the real question is whether you've breached informed consent. Or you’re choosing a therapy modality—but the underlying issue is around competence.

To succeed, you must:

Read the question carefully. Don’t rush past clues. Ethical red flags are often subtle.
Look for competing values. Are you trying to balance confidentiality with duty of care? Respect with professional integrity?
Ask: What would be the safest and most ethical action here? Not necessarily the easiest.

Applying Ethical Decision-Making Models

When you’re stuck between two plausible answers, use a structured ethical decision-making model. The one from the APS Code of Ethics (Gillon’s principles or similar frameworks) is ideal. Ask yourself:

What are the relevant ethical principles involved (e.g. respect, propriety, integrity)?
Who are the stakeholders, and what are the potential risks and benefits?
What course of action would be most consistent with ethical guidelines and client welfare?

Even if you don’t have time to go through this process explicitly during the exam, having internalised it will help you intuitively identify the best response.

Common Mistakes to Avoid in Ethics Questions

Let’s talk about traps I see candidates fall into when approaching ethics in the National Psychology Exam:

Assuming good intentions = correct answer. Just because something sounds kind doesn’t mean it’s ethical.
Choosing what you’d do in real life without constraints. The exam tests your ability to navigate dilemmas within professional guidelines—not personal values.
Overlooking legal considerations. Sometimes the correct answer is driven by legislation, not just ethics. Think: mandatory reporting, client access to records, consent laws.

Preparing for Ethics in the NPE: What Actually Helps?

✔ Case-based practice: Find vignette-style questions and practise identifying ethical themes. My NPE Preparation Course includes a dedicated ethics module with real-life examples.

✔ Flashcards with context: Instead of memorising standalone definitions, try flashcards that include short dilemmas and test you on appropriate responses.

✔ Discussion and reflection: Ethics isn’t just about finding the “correct” answer—it’s about reasoning. Discuss tricky scenarios with a supervisor or study group to build confidence.

Final Thoughts: Don’t Let Ethics Trip You Up

Ethics is one of the most important areas in our profession—and in the National Psychology Exam. The key is understanding that it won’t be served to you in a neat little question. It’s baked into the fabric of clinical scenarios and requires you to think like a psychologist: contextually, ethically, and with sound judgement.

If you want structured support and realistic practice for the ethics components of the exam, my National Psychology Exam Preparation Course walks you through exactly how to decode these tricky questions—with strategies that build both confidence and clarity.