Erica

One of the ethical decision-making models was developed by Kitchener. He described a
two-factor model that entails two levels of reasoning. The first level is the intuitive level;
reasoning here is automatic, responses are prereflective and are founded on experience and
knowledge (Rogerson et al., 2011). At this level, ethical action and moral thought are based on
already existing knowledge or what an individual already knows. According to Kitchener, the
intuitive level of moral reasoning was not sufficient in making ethical and moral judgments
(Rogerson et al., 2011). Thus, he presented the second level of reasoning, the critical-evaluative
level. The second level enhances, defends, and evaluates ethical decisions. It consists of well-
reasoned judgments that are founded on guidelines, ethical rules, principles, theories, and
standards. The intuitive level and critical-evaluative level of reasoning provide a formulation that
is helpful and allows for ethical deliberation and prudent guidance upon which ethical decisions
are made.
Behavior analysts encounter many different situations that require ethical decision-
making. For instance, in my practice, I may encounter a situation where one of my clients, a six-
year-old autistic girl, brings me a present on my birthday. The girl overheard a colleague in the
office say that it was my birthday, and she went out of her way to bring me a gift. I know that
BACB code 1.06 states that behavior analysts should not accept gifts from or give gifts to clients
as that could potentially lead to multiple relationships (Behavior Analyst Certification Board,
2014). Relying only on the intuitive level of reasoning only, I would reject the gift because I
know it is wrong. However, based on the critical-evaluative level, I would consider the
implications of my response. My client is only six years old, rejecting the gift would hurt her
feelings and affect our relationship onwards. After critically evaluating the situation, I would

accept the gift. The affect and conflict heuristic bias would affect my decision. Rogerson e al.
(2011) states that emotions affect cognitive processes. My decision to accept the gift would be
influenced by an affective evaluation of the situation. I would end up reacting in an affective
manner, in this case, accept the gift because I do not want to hurt the feelings of a six-year-old
child.

References

Behavior Analyst Certification Board. (2014). Professional and ethical compliance code for
behavior analysts.
Rogerson, M. D., Gottlieb, M. C., Handelsman, M. M., Knapp, S., & Younggren, J. (2011).
Nonrational processes in ethical decision making. American Psychologist, 66(7), 614.