Research Framework

The Four Component Model of Ethical Behavior

I. ETHICAL SENSITIVITY
Interpreting the situation according to who is involved, what actions to take what possible reactions and outcomes might ensue. Sensitivity must be cultivated in each domain or subject area.

II. ETHICAL REASONING
(Selecting the most ETHICAL action)
Reasoning about the possible actions in the situation and judging which action is most ethical.
This involves general moral reasoning and domain-specific moral reasoning for the particular field

III. ETHICAL MOTIVATION
Prioritizing the ethical action over other goals and needs (either in the particular situation, or as a habit) Professional ethical codes come into play with one’s personal ethical codes.

IV. ETHICAL ACTION
Implementing the ethical action by knowing what steps to take and following through no matter what One must learn the effective steps to take in each domain of study.

*Narvaez, D., & Rest, J. (1995). The four components of acting morally. In W. Kurtines & J. Gewirtz (Eds.), Moral behavior and moral development: An introduction (pp. 385 400). New York: McGraw Hill.
*Rest, J. (1983). Morality. In P. H. Mussen (Series Ed.) & J. Flavell & E. Markman (Vol. Ed.), Handbook of child psychology: Vol. 3, Cognitive Development (4th ed., pp. 556 629). New York: Wiley.