2.5

Question 1

Ethical dilemmas require a complex decision making process which is informed by the

Answer 1

relevant code of ethics

Question 2

Codes of ethics and decision-making models set out to achieve

Answer 2

the best outcome in an available set of circumstances

Question 3

May (1980) suggested five questions to ask yourself when deliberating over an ethical dilemma

Answer 3

What is going on in the case?

By what criteria should decisions be made?

Who should decide?

For whose benefit does the professional act?

How should the professional decide and act?

Question 4

Rest (1984) proposed that ethical decision making involves four distinct psychological processes

Answer 4

moral sensitivity/awareness, moral judgment/evaluation, moral motivation/intention, and moral character/action

Question 5

Moral sensitivity / awareness refers to a psychologist’s ability to

Answer 5

recognise that a situation actually raises an ethical issue and that a chosen action may have the potential to harm and/or benefit another person

Question 6

Moral judgment/evaluation requires a level of reasoning when considering

Answer 6

the possible choices of action and their potential consequences

Question 7

Moral motivation/intention creates the

Answer 7

decision for action, based on values (e.g. personal power versus benefit to another).

Question 8

Moral courage/action refers to a psychologist

Answer 8

manifest behaviour (action) in context

Question 9

The Queensland government advocates the ReFLECT process for use by their employees in the public service

Answer 9

Re: Recognise the potential issue or problem

F: Find relevant information such as facts and evidence, including APS (2007) Code of Ethics

L: Linger at the ‘Fork in the Road’ (consult with supervisors and managers, respected colleagues, peers, or support services)

E: Evaluate your options

C: Come to a decision, and record your actions

T: Take time to reflect and review