Create a PowerPoint presentation (minimum 10 slides) that demonstrates the use of professional guidelines and tools that create a strategy for dealing with an ethical dilemma
Ethical principles, professional standards, theories, and decision-making models provide guides for navigating complex moral choices in professional contexts.
An ethical dilemma is a situation that is difficult to resolve because no course of action will be a perfect solution. In such situations, critically analyzing and thinking about all applicable ethical principles and standards is important. Even then, it can be hard to make ethical decisions, but decisions must be made. Often, avoidance of making a decision is a decision within itself, and it can bring the worst possible outcome.
The process for solving ethical dilemmas can be multifaceted. You must consider all parts of a situation in order to make an informed and responsible decision about how to proceed ethically. The more layers, the more difficult an ethical dilemma is to resolve.
The American Psychological Association’s “Ethical Principles of Psychologists and Code of Conduct” and similar standards developed by other professional organizations are important sources of guidance. Ethical theories provide general frameworks for evaluating ethical positions. In addition, ethical decision-making models are important tools to resolve ethical dilemmas. These two concepts can be confusing.
To deepen your understanding, you are encouraged to consider the questions below and discuss them with a fellow learner, a work associate, an interested friend, or a member of your professional community.
- Why are ethics important for practitioners?
- What specific values, skills, and knowledge might you need to be ethical in your planned professional role as a psychological practitioner, educator, researcher, or organizational change agent?
- What are the main theoretical positions in regard to ethics? Which do you think are most valuable? Why?
- What ethical dilemmas might arise in your specialization?
- How can ethical codes and standards help?
- What are the strengths and limitations of these ethical codes and standards?
- What are the differences between ethical theories and ethical decision-making models? How can each help you in your profession?
- What are your current strengths (specific characteristics, beliefs, attitudes, knowledge, skills, and behaviors) that contribute to your ethics? What areas do you need to develop?
Note: The assessments in this course build upon each other, so you are strongly encouraged to complete them in sequence.
Use the Ethics Case Study Template [PPTX to complete your Ethics Case Study assessment. Do not submit a paper for this assessment. Papers will not be graded.
Review Fisher’s Ethical Decision-Making Model to support your work on this assessment.
Capella Multimedia
Click the links provided below to view the following multimedia pieces:
Download and use the Ethics Case Study Template. You will complete this assessment by replacing all language that is enclosed with brackets […] in the PowerPoint with your own words. As in the previous assessment, you may enhance the design of the presentation to make it more effective. Again, links to tips for using PowerPoint and designing effective presentations are provided in PowerPoint Resources activity.
Your PowerPoint should include the following:
- Title slide: On the first slide of the PowerPoint:
- Enter a descriptive title of approximately 5–15 words that concisely communicates the heart of the case study. It should stir interest while maintaining professional decorum.
- Enter your name, and a job title and organization that would fit with your case study.
- Case Study Overview slides: Provide the briefest possible narrative description of the professional conflict in the case. Additional supporting details and references can be added in the notes section in the slide. The overview should include:
- The professional setting of the case.
- Brief descriptions of the individuals involved and their roles.
- A brief summation of the ethical dilemma presented in the case study.
- Ethical Concerns slides: Bullet point three or more ethical concerns in the case and apply one or more ethical standards to each concern. Additional supporting details and references can be added in the notes section on the slide. Be sure to link to elements of the code.
- Comparison of Ethical Theories slides: In the first row of the provided table, enter the names of two ethical theories that you think would be the most appropriate for the situations in the case. In the following rows, enter comparisons of relevant features of the two theories. In the notes section, evaluate which theory provides a more functional framework for your case and explain why. (Note that ethical theories and ethical decision-making models are two different things. Please make sure you are comparing, contrasting, and evaluating two ethical theories).
- Ethical Decision-Making Model slides:
- Choose an ethical decision-making model, and identify each step in the model.
- Apply the model to your case and, under each step of the model, describe how that step would look if you applied it to the case.
- Incorporate multicultural issues presented in the case study within the selected ethical decision-making model.
- Add copies of this slide as needed, and combine steps on the slides as necessary or appropriate. In the notes section, write out supporting narrative details for your bullet points. (Note that ethical theories and ethical decision-making models are two different things. Please make sure you are applying steps of the ethical decision-making model to your case).
- Proposed Resolution slide: Use bullet points to summarize your proposed resolution to the ethical dilemmas in the case. In the notes section, write out supporting narrative details for your bullet points.
- References slides: Use current APA style and formatting guidelines.
- Citation requirements: You must cite at least three scholarly research articles. You may cite reputable sources form Web sites, books, textbooks, and suggested resources as well, but these will not count toward the three required scholarly research references.
- Written communication: Should be free of errors that detract from the overall message.
- Format: Use the Ethics Case Study Template linked above. Use current APA style and formatting guidelines as applicable to this assessment.
- References: Three scholarly research articles.
- Length of PowerPoint: A minimum of 10 slides.
By successfully completing this assessment, you will demonstrate your proficiency in the following course competencies and assessment criteria:
- Competency 1: Apply ethical principles and standards to ethical dilemmas.
- Ethical Concerns: Apply ethical standards to ethical concerns pertaining to a case study.
- Competency 2: Employ models of ethical reasoning and ethical decision making.
- Ethical Theory: Analyze ethical theories and justify application of one theory in an attempt to resolve the ethical dilemma in the case study.
- Ethical Decision Making: Apply steps in an ethical decision-making model to an ethical dilemma in the case study.
- Solution: Design a viable solution for an ethical problem.
- Competency 5: Communicate in a manner that is scholarly, professional, and consistent with expectations for members of the psychological professions.
- Communication: Write clearly, with correct spelling, grammar, syntax, and good organization, following APA style standards.
