7-1 Discussion: Eight-Step Model

Module Overview17.html

The Eight-Step Ethical Decision-Making Model and Alternative Models

You can’t make decisions based on fear and the possibility of what might happen.

—Michelle Obama

Figure 7.1 (flatworldknowledge.com)

As professionals working in the field of psychology, it behooves us to have a way to work though dilemmas that present as we engage in being of service to others. The eight-step model shown above and described in the class text is one of several models used by psychologists to step through a process with the goal of arriving at a decision that abides by the ethical code, the law, the person(s) we serve, and our own integrity. The eight-step model is considered a supported model for resolving ethical dilemmas. It is supported because it adheres to the APA Code of Ethics and because psychology professionals throughout the world use it. It is, so to speak, a tested approach to engaging in ethical dilemmas.

There are a number of other models similar to the eight-step model, but they are all based on the same components. Some are shortened to seven or even five steps. As long as the main ingredients remain, one can assume it is a supported model.

An alternative model for resolving ethical dilemma would be one that attempts to engage in specific problem solving while also using some of the components we see in the eight-step model. An example of this might be the restorative justice model, which is a part of this module’s lesson plan. Below is a diagram of how the restorative justice model works:

Figure 7.2 (iirp.edu)

As you can see, the restorative justice model deals primarily with a specific category of victim and offender psychology, responsibility, reparation, restoration, and reconciliation. The goal of healing is the core premise in this model.

Unsupported models regarding how one makes ethical decisions or behaviors associated with working through dilemmas are not highly researched or written about. The reason for this is that they are not supported and they seldom, if ever, work. Below are some diagrammatic representations that show a variety of different styles of thinking where ethics and decisions are concerned. The first demonstrates five scenarios that can get in the way of making good ethical decisions. The second speaks to parenting styles, and the third compares the ethics of Plato and Aristotle.

Example 1:

Figure 7.3 (hbr.org)

Example 2:

Figure 7.4 (savagechickens.com)

Example 3:

Figure 7.5 (celebritytypes.com)

Reading and Resources6.html

Textbook: Ethics in Psychology and the Mental Health Professions: Standards and Cases, Chapter 17 This chapter discusses the eight-step ethical decision-making model proposed by the authors.

Reading: The PLUS Ethical Decision Making Model This article explains the PLUS ethical decision-making model and defines the filters to determine whether the ethical components of the decision are being addressed. 

Reading: Ethical Considerations for Psychologists in the Time of COVID-19 This article provides guidance for addressing ethical issues that may arise from concerns about the ethical implications associated with transitioning from face-to-face to online or virtual formats, when conducting research, practice, education, and advocacy.

Discussion Guidelines and Rubric.html

PSY 570 Discussion Guidelines and Rubric

Overview

You will write an initial post (2–3-paragraph response) to the discussion and reply to at least two posts during the week outside of your initial post thread. These discussions offer you the opportunity to express your own thoughts, ask questions for clarification, and gain insight from your classmates’ responses and instructor’s guidance. A response needs to be respectful and substantive, indicating a response with depth beyond “I agree” or “I disagree.” Your participation posts must also demonstrate greater critical thinking beyond reframing another post.

Recommended best practices:

Initial post (1):

• Composed of two to three paragraphs unless otherwise noted
• In Module One, complete the initial post by Thursday at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time.
• In Modules Two through Ten, complete the initial post by Thursday at 11:59 p.m. of your local time zone.
• Considers material (course content, other discussions, etc.) from the current module and previous modules

Response posts (2):

• Reply to at least two other classmates outside of your own initial post thread
• In Module One, complete the two response posts by Sunday at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time.
• In Modules Two through Ten, complete the two response posts by Sunday at 11:59 p.m. of your local time zone.
• Must have more depth and critical thinking than simply “I agree” or “you are wrong”

Discussion Rubric

Module Overview17.html

The Eight-Step Ethical Decision-Making Model and Alternative Models

You can’t make decisions based on fear and the possibility of what might happen.

—Michelle Obama

Figure 7.1 (flatworldknowledge.com)

As professionals working in the field of psychology, it behooves us to have a way to work though dilemmas that present as we engage in being of service to others. The eight-step model shown above and described in the class text is one of several models used by psychologists to step through a process with the goal of arriving at a decision that abides by the ethical code, the law, the person(s) we serve, and our own integrity. The eight-step model is considered a supported model for resolving ethical dilemmas. It is supported because it adheres to the APA Code of Ethics and because psychology professionals throughout the world use it. It is, so to speak, a tested approach to engaging in ethical dilemmas.

There are a number of other models similar to the eight-step model, but they are all based on the same components. Some are shortened to seven or even five steps. As long as the main ingredients remain, one can assume it is a supported model.

An alternative model for resolving ethical dilemma would be one that attempts to engage in specific problem solving while also using some of the components we see in the eight-step model. An example of this might be the restorative justice model, which is a part of this module’s lesson plan. Below is a diagram of how the restorative justice model works:

Figure 7.2 (iirp.edu)

As you can see, the restorative justice model deals primarily with a specific category of victim and offender psychology, responsibility, reparation, restoration, and reconciliation. The goal of healing is the core premise in this model.

Unsupported models regarding how one makes ethical decisions or behaviors associated with working through dilemmas are not highly researched or written about. The reason for this is that they are not supported and they seldom, if ever, work. Below are some diagrammatic representations that show a variety of different styles of thinking where ethics and decisions are concerned. The first demonstrates five scenarios that can get in the way of making good ethical decisions. The second speaks to parenting styles, and the third compares the ethics of Plato and Aristotle.

Example 1:

Figure 7.3 (hbr.org)

Example 2:

Figure 7.4 (savagechickens.com)

Example 3:

Figure 7.5 (celebritytypes.com)