Ethics of Creative Nonfiction: Essential Considerations for Writers

Question 1

Which of the following is a primary ethical responsibility for writers of creative nonfiction?

Accepted Answer

Protecting the privacy of individuals depicted in their work

Answer

Maintaining objectivity and neutrality

Answer

Prioritizing storytelling over accuracy

Answer

Avoiding controversial topics

Question 2

An ethical guideline that emphasizes protecting an individual's privacy is:

Accepted Answer

Protecting confidentiality

Answer

Truthfulness in storytelling

Answer

Objectivity in perspective

Answer

Verifying sources thoroughly

Question 3

Informed consent in creative nonfiction primarily involves:

Accepted Answer

Obtaining permission from individuals before using their personal experiences or information in a publication.

Answer

Ensuring that the writer has thoroughly researched the topic before writing about it.

Answer

Using only publicly available information in one's writing.

Answer

Avoiding writing about controversial topics.

Question 4

Copyright law plays a crucial role in creative nonfiction because:

Accepted Answer

It protects the intellectual property rights of writers and prevents unauthorized reproduction or distribution of their work.

Answer

It ensures that publishers have exclusive rights to publish and distribute creative nonfiction works.

Answer

It dictates the length and structure of creative nonfiction pieces to ensure uniformity.

Answer

It prohibits writers from using real-life characters and events in their writing without permission.

Question 5

Informed consent in creative nonfiction should be obtained:

Accepted Answer

In all cases where the writer is using personal experiences or information of others, regardless of whether they can be identified.

Answer

Only from individuals who are directly involved in the events being written about and can be easily identified.

Answer

Only if the writer intends to publish the work commercially and make a profit from it.

Answer

Only if the individuals involved are public figures or have given their consent in writing.

Question 6

A potential ethical pitfall when writing about sensitive experiences is NOT:

Accepted Answer

Proper citation

Answer

Triggering negative emotions

Answer

Re-traumatization

Answer

Personal gain

Question 7

Which of the following is NOT a fundamental ethical principle in creative nonfiction writing?

Accepted Answer

Sensationalism and entertainment value

Answer

Accuracy and truthfulness

Answer

Objectivity and fairness

Answer

Respect for privacy and confidentiality

Question 8

The concept of 'truthfulness' in creative nonfiction writing refers to:

Accepted Answer

Telling a story that is emotionally and authentically true to the writer's experience

Answer

Strict adherence to objective, verifiable facts

Answer

Avoiding exaggeration or embellishment

Answer

Consulting multiple sources before writing to ensure accuracy

Question 9

The copyright law in the United States grants creators:

Accepted Answer

Exclusive rights to reproduce, distribute, and adapt their works

Answer

The right to use copyrighted works without permission for educational purposes

Answer

The right to profit from the work of other authors

Answer

The public's right to access and use copyrighted materials freely

Question 10

The ethical principle of confidentiality in creative nonfiction means that writers:

Accepted Answer

Should protect sensitive information and avoid unauthorized disclosure

Answer

Must keep the identities of their subjects secret under all circumstances

Answer

Can use real names and personal details with informed consent

Answer

Have no obligation to maintain confidentiality if it conflicts with their artistic intentions

Question 11

Informed consent in creative nonfiction refers to:

Accepted Answer

Obtaining permission from subjects before writing about them

Answer

Protecting subjects' privacy

Answer

Ensuring that the narrative is objective

Answer

Using only factual information

Question 12

Avoiding plagiarism means:

Accepted Answer

Citing sources correctly and acknowledging borrowed ideas

Answer

Writing everything from scratch without using any references

Answer

Transforming the original material extensively

Answer

Only using information that is common knowledge

Question 13

Which ethical principle emphasizes the need to protect subjects from potential harm?

Accepted Answer

Non-maleficence

Answer

Beneficence

Answer

Autonomy

Answer

Justice

Question 14

The practice of manipulating information to create a biased perspective is called:

Accepted Answer

Cherry-picking

Answer

Objectivity

Answer

Fairness

Answer

Impartiality

Question 15

The fundamental ethical responsibility of writers in creative nonfiction is to:

Accepted Answer

Respect the truth and minimize harm to subjects

Answer

Follow all legal and ethical guidelines

Answer

Produce an entertaining and engaging narrative

Answer

Adhere to the expectations of readers

Question 16

Which of the following is NOT a primary ethical consideration in creative nonfiction?

Accepted Answer

Employing fictionalized characters as literary devices

Answer

Respecting the privacy of individuals and their personal information

Answer

Obtaining informed consent from individuals portrayed

Answer

Maintaining accuracy in factual reporting

Question 17

Informed consent in creative nonfiction typically entails:

Accepted Answer

Obtaining permission from individuals who are portrayed in the work and ensuring they understand how their information will be used

Answer

Citing all sources used in the work to avoid plagiarism

Answer

Avoiding controversial topics to minimize potential harm

Question 18

Which of the following is a specific challenge writers face when addressing privacy issues in creative nonfiction?

Accepted Answer

Balancing the public's right to know with the privacy rights of individuals

Answer

Obtaining permission for all interviews to ensure ethical conduct

Answer

Citing sources accurately to avoid accusations of plagiarism

Question 19

Which of the following is a recommended strategy for ensuring accuracy in creative nonfiction?

Accepted Answer

Consulting multiple sources and conducting thorough fact-checking to verify information

Answer

Incorporating fictional elements to enhance readability and reader engagement

Answer

Writing solely from personal experience without external research

Answer

Avoiding controversial topics to minimize potential disputes

Question 20

What is the primary ethical responsibility of any creative nonfiction writer?

Accepted Answer

To prioritize truthfulness and avoid intentional deception in their writing

Answer

To seek informed consent from all parties involved in the work

Answer

To avoid using offensive language or potentially harmful content

Answer

To protect the privacy of sources at all times

Question 21

Which of the following is a key element of ethical decision-making in creative nonfiction?

Accepted Answer

Weighing the potential harm and benefits to individuals and society before proceeding

Answer

Following strict adherence to personal beliefs and values

Answer

Seeking guidance from legal counsel on all ethical matters

Question 22

What is the fundamental purpose of obtaining informed consent in creative nonfiction?

Accepted Answer

To ensure that individuals portrayed in the work have consented to the use of their personal information and understand the context in which it will be presented

Answer

To guarantee that all sources are properly cited and acknowledged

Answer

To avoid potential legal liability for defamation or invasion of privacy