Module+4+Topic+3+-+Ethical+Decision+Making

When a researcher undertakes ducational research, there are always decisions to be made. Many of these have ethical implications. There are ways of considering the decisions which allow an ethical perspectiove to be taken. This approach is adapted from that developed by Dr David Moltow, at the University of Tasmania who has studied ethical issues in depth. > This is usually fairly straightforward. It may be a procedural problem, a dilemma caused by an unusual or unanticipated situation or some personal matter that impacts on the researcher in such a way that it could impact on the study or project. > This may require some imagination. Think of everything that could be done - whether you think these actiona are realistic or not. The idea is to generate a variety of solutions.At this stage you are not making judgements about the merit of any particular way of proceeding. > If the problem is a major one, this stage could be quite time consuming. If you think of all the stakeholders as representatives of groups, this stage sometimes becomes easier. It is also important to take the emotion out of the process at this stage. You may have a strong preference for one solution over another but until every possible combination has been considered, try not to close on a solution.
 * 1) Identify the problem.
 * 1) List ALL possible actions that could help to solve the problem.
 * 1) Consider the impact of each one of these solutions on EVERYBODY involved.
 * 1) Choose the solution that has the least impact on all stakeholders and justify the decision. This step is the most difficult in the process. Rarely does a solution have no consequences to anyone. The principle is "Do No Harm" and if you have looked at the National Statement you can see how this applies

Goldilocks and the Three Bears



 The Problem:

Goldilocks, who is lost in the words, comes upon a little cottage nestled amongst the trees. What should she do?




 * Possible Actions **

We identified 4 possible solutions for Goldilocks.

Action 1: Goldilocks knocks on the door. When no-one answers she goes away..

Action 2: Goldilocks knocks on the door. No-one answers so she decides to sit on the step and wait for the owners to come home.

Action 3:

Goldilocks peeked in through the window.  ﻿Action 4: Goldilocks knocks on the door. When no-one answers she goes into the house anyway.


 * Impact on the Stakeholders **
 * [[image:goldilocks1.jpg width="94" height="114" align="left" link="Goldilocks' Impact Statements"]] || [[image:bear_mother.gif width="115" height="101" align="left" link="Mother Bear's Impact Statements"]] || [[image:father_bear_II.jpg width="118" height="145" link="Father Bear's Impact Statements"]] || [[image:babybear.jpg width="98" height="136" align="left" link="Baby Bear's Impact Statements"]] ||

Click on image to see the impact on each of the stakeholders.


 * Best Action: **

**After considering all the possible actions and the impact each would have on the individual stakeholders, we decided that the best action would be to ‘wait for the bears to return home’ (Action 2).** **This action has the least negative impact on each of the stake holders. ‘Do no harm!’**

**Goldilocks is successful in meeting her basic needs (food, rest and shelter). She may be a little frightened when she first sees the Bears approaching, but once she realises they are friendly she is able to relax. She might even gain some new friends. Father Bear will probably be able to help her find her way home too. There is no real negative impact on her.**

**The Bears do not have their personal space invaded by an uninvited visitor. Instead, they have the opportunity to demonstrate their ability to be kind and compassionate to another species.**

**Mother bear has the opportunity to ‘mother’ the sweet little girl. She is able to show off her porridge cooking skills as she feeds Goldilocks. The only negative impact may be the slight shock she experiences when she sees the poor little lost waif sitting on her doorstep.**

**Father bear also suffers very little negative impact. He is able to grab an opportunity to instruct his young son on the dangers of wandering off alone in the forest. He is able to show off his superior knowledge of the forest as he instructs Goldilocks on how to get home safely. The only negative impact may be the realisation that there are strangers in the forest, so he may need to become more security conscious.** **Baby Bear, who appears to be fairly spoilt, may experience some unpleasant jealousy when he is required to share his chair, bed and probably toys too. He will however, have the opportunity to interact with a new friend.**

** All in all, this is the solution that offers least harm to all stake holders. ** <span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 210%; line-height: 150%;">** ﻿ ** Module 4 Topic 3 - Ethical Decision Making