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After reading Chapter 17 in the text, discuss the eight-step ethical decision-making model proposed by the authors. List the steps with a brief summary of each step.

Comment on the value or lack of value you perceive in this model.

Explain your understanding of supported and unsupported models used in making important decisions in ethics and life. (For example: The eight-step model is a supported model because it incorporates the APA Code of Ethics design. The restorative justice model may be considered an alternative ethical decision-making model for bringing peace to opposing parties in a conflict. Forms of dogmatic or authoritarian parenting approaches may be considered an unsupported form of resolving conflicts in a family.)

Would a supported or unsupported model best describe your current approach to ethical decision making? Explain your reasoning.  I have attached a sample answer to this homework

Sample Discussion Answer – Do Not Copy Come Up With Your Original Answers

Eight-Step Model

Nathan Klug posted Feb 4, 2019 5:18 PM

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The eight-step ethical decision-making model is an effective technique for resolving ethical conflicts, especially within the field of psychology.  The first step in the model is “identify the problem”.  Before proceeding past the first step, it is important to be fully aware of the main issues at hand.  The second step is “establish decision criteria”.  This means pointing out the specific factors within the problem that one is aiming to fix.  By establishing criteria, an individual is able to easily evaluate the progress being made.  The third step in the model is “weigh decision criteria”.  When a person weighs their decision criteria, this means that they decide which factors within the problem are most important, and which ones are not as important.  The factors that draw the most attention will “weigh” more when it comes to the criteria of the problem.  The fourth step is “generate alternatives”.  This basically means coming up with different decisions or techniques other than the one that was originally purposed.  The fifth of eight steps in the model is “evaluate the alternatives”.  One should consider all of the alternatives available so they can be aware of how to make the best decision possible.  The sixth step is “choose the best alternative”.  Out of all the alternatives available, it is essential to choose the best one in order to follow through with your future decision.  The seventh step in the model is “implement the decision”.  Now that one has considered all options, they can go ahead and put their decision into action.  Last but not least, the eighth step is “evaluate the decision”.  Once the decision has been made, one should overlook the outcome of their decision, as well as pay attention to the overall effectiveness of their choice.

I believe this model holds a fair amount of value.  A big reason why this holds value is because of the detailed steps throughout the process, while emphasizing on making the best choice possible.  By weighing the different criteria options, one is required to critically think about the best decision possible for that specific situation, rather than equalizing the criteria across the board.  I also think that steps 4 through 6 are very significant steps within the model.  Generating, evaluating, and choosing an alternative is meaningful because it goes to show that the individual is fully engaged in the process and understands how the decision can be made in more than one way.  When it comes to supported and unsupported models in the decision making process, you can assume that the supported models like this one (8 step model) draw a lot more attention than the unsupported ones.  Although they do not receive the same attention, this does not imply that they lack effectiveness.  In order to make them more “supported”, professionals within the field of psychology have to give them a try.  If the models seems to be effective, then those professionals can give strong feedback on them as well as recommend them to others.