When resolving an ethical dilemma, behavior analysts should

When resolving an ethical dilemma, behavior analysts should

• A. Use structured decision-making process
• B. Document information that is essential to decision making, actions, and outcome
• C. Follow the spirit and letter of the code's core principles and specific standards
• D. Protect confidentiality in preparing and starting documentation of the incident

Answer: (A)

When faced with an ethical dilemma, using a structured decision-making process provides a clear, repeatable way to evaluate the situation, apply the relevant standards, and justify the chosen action. This approach helps ensure decisions are reasoned, consistent, and defensible, even in complex or novel cases. It guides you through identifying the facts, recognizing ethical issues, consulting the applicable sections of the ethics code, considering potential consequences for all stakeholders, generating and evaluating alternatives, implementing a course of action, and reviewing the outcome. Documenting essential information, following the code, and protecting confidentiality are all important parts of ethical practice, but they function within the framework of a structured process. The process ensures that documentation, adherence to standards, and confidentiality considerations are integrated into a coherent, defensible resolution rather than treated as isolated steps.

When faced with an ethical dilemma, using a structured decision-making process provides a clear, repeatable way to evaluate the situation, apply the relevant standards, and justify the chosen action. This approach helps ensure decisions are reasoned, consistent, and defensible, even in complex or novel cases. It guides you through identifying the facts, recognizing ethical issues, consulting the applicable sections of the ethics code, considering potential consequences for all stakeholders, generating and evaluating alternatives, implementing a course of action, and reviewing the outcome.

Documenting essential information, following the code, and protecting confidentiality are all important parts of ethical practice, but they function within the framework of a structured process. The process ensures that documentation, adherence to standards, and confidentiality considerations are integrated into a coherent, defensible resolution rather than treated as isolated steps.