Ethical decision-making model

Definition

An ethical decision-making model is a structured framework that guides individuals through the process of making decisions that align with ethical principles and standards. This model emphasizes the importance of considering the potential consequences of actions, the rights and welfare of individuals involved, and the broader impact on society when conducting research or making choices in various contexts.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The ethical decision-making model often involves several steps, including identifying the ethical issue, gathering relevant information, evaluating alternative actions, and making a decision.
2. This model plays a crucial role in cognitive research by ensuring that researchers consider the moral implications of their work and the impact it has on participants.
3. Ethical frameworks like the Belmont Report provide foundational principles that inform ethical decision-making models in research settings.
4. Ethical decision-making models help researchers navigate complex situations where there may be competing interests or conflicting values.
5. Utilizing an ethical decision-making model can enhance trust between researchers and participants, promoting a more ethical research culture.

Review Questions

• How does an ethical decision-making model influence the process of conducting cognitive research?
  • An ethical decision-making model influences cognitive research by providing a systematic approach for researchers to evaluate the ethical implications of their studies. By following this model, researchers can identify potential ethical dilemmas, assess the rights and welfare of participants, and ensure compliance with established ethical standards. This ultimately fosters responsible research practices and protects participants from harm while enhancing the integrity of scientific inquiry.
• Discuss the role of informed consent within the context of an ethical decision-making model in cognitive research.
  • Informed consent is a critical component of an ethical decision-making model as it empowers participants to make informed choices about their involvement in research. By ensuring that participants fully understand the nature of the study, including its risks and benefits, researchers uphold ethical standards and respect individual autonomy. This practice is essential in cognitive research where sensitive data may be collected, as it reinforces the commitment to transparency and participant welfare.
• Evaluate how incorporating principles such as beneficence and confidentiality into an ethical decision-making model can improve research outcomes in cognitive psychology.
  • Incorporating principles like beneficence and confidentiality into an ethical decision-making model enhances research outcomes by prioritizing participant welfare and data protection. Beneficence ensures that researchers strive to maximize positive impacts while minimizing any potential harm during studies. Confidentiality safeguards personal information, building trust between participants and researchers. Together, these principles create a supportive environment that encourages participation and yields more reliable data, ultimately advancing knowledge within cognitive psychology.

Related terms

Informed Consent: The process of obtaining voluntary agreement from participants to partake in research after providing them with essential information about the study's purpose, procedures, risks, and benefits.

Confidentiality: The ethical principle that ensures personal information provided by participants is protected and not disclosed without their permission.

Beneficence: The ethical principle that emphasizes the responsibility to maximize benefits and minimize harm to participants during research.