Final answer:
The APA's Ethics Code notes that informed consent for a psychological test is not needed when the test is mandated by law, part of educational assessments and research where consequences are not personal, or when it is a part of routine educational activities.
Step-by-step explanation:
The American Psychological Association's (APA's) Ethics Code outlines that informed consent is not always necessary prior to administering a psychological test in certain circumstances. These exceptions, where informed consent may be waived or deemed unnecessary, are typically:
- When the testing is mandated by law or governmental regulations.
- When conducting educational assessments, program evaluations, or research where it is implicitly understood and no personal consequences will arise.
- When the nature of the test is such that it is part of routine educational practices, such as classroom activities, studying outcomes of classroom exercises, or general assessments.
It is important to remember that outside of these specific situations, obtaining informed consent is crucial to uphold the ethical standards of research and practice in psychology. Informed consent forms should provide participants with information about the study, including its purpose, duration, procedures, risks, benefits, and the voluntary nature of participation.