Ethical Decision-Making Paper Instructions

Criteria

Points Possible

Points Earned

Title Page

0 to 5 points

· Page header (in all upper-case letters) flush left and the page number flush right, both at the top of the page

· Title summarizes main idea of paper

· Title in upper-case and lower-case letters, centered in the upper half of the page

· Title less than 12 words

· Author’s name: first name, middle initial(s), last name (no titles or degrees)

· Institutional affiliation

Abstract

0 to 5 points

· Provides brief, comprehensive summary of contents

· Is 150–250 words

· Single paragraph/no indentation

· Centered, in upper-case and lower-case letters

Step I: Identify the Problem

0 to 10 points

· Outlines the facts

· Correctly identifies the problem

· Identifies the problem as an ethical, legal, professional, or clinical problem

· Identifies the problem as related to self, client, institution, or agency

Step II: Apply the ACA Code of Ethics

0 to 10 points

Identifies all applicable ACA ethics codes

Step III: Determine the Nature and Dimensions of the Dilemma

0 to 10 points

· Correctly identifies moral principles of the profession

· Identifies the relevant professional literature that applies to the dilemma

· Identifies persons that would be consulted

Step IV: Generate Potential Courses of Action

0 to 10 points

Lists all potential courses of action

Step V: Consider Consequences and Determine Course of Action

0 to 10 points

· Describes the potential consequences and implications for each course of action

· Identifies the best course of action and explains why

Criteria

Points Possible

Points Earned

Step VI: Evaluate the Selected Course of Action

0 to 10 points

· Reviews the selected course of action to see if it presents any new ethical problems

· Applies the tests of justice, publicity, and universality

Step VII: Implement the Course of Action

0 to 10 points

Describes what steps will be taken to implement the course of action

Reference Page

0 to 5 points

· Provides web address for state rules/regulations

· The assignment contains a reference page free of errors.

· References are from professional sources (Professional journals, and professional texts; no informal websites) and are cited on the reference page AND in the body of the paper.

Format of Paper

0 to 5 points

Paper formatted in current APA style including:

· Double-spaced;

· Margins of 1-inch on all sides;

· Times New Roman 12-point font;

· Page header (also known as the “running head”) at the top of each page, flush left, in all upper-case letters;

· Page number at the top of each page, flush right; and

· Appropriate headings.

Grammar

0 to 5 points

· Correct spelling and grammar used effectively

· Sentences well-phrased and varied

· Sentences are smoothly connected, logically constructed, and include effective wording

· Absence of comma splices, run-on sentences, fragments, etc.

Professional Writing Style

0 to 5 points

· Clear, focused, engaging style

· Clear transitions between paragraphs

· Well-organized

· Direct language

· Easily readable; appropriate voice, tone, and style for assignment

Total

Instructor’s Comments: