Select one of the scenarios below and discuss the following points:
1. Why the circumstance is considered an “ethical dilemma”
2. At least one benefit of engaging in the unethical behavior to the person(s) (i.e., the “function”)
3. At least one negative consequences of engaging in the unethical behavior
4. At least one “replacement behavior” that the person can do that provides the same benefit (i.e., serves the same “function”) as the unethical behavior.
Scenario 1: The cost of courses and textbooks is becoming overwhelming for Suri. While talking to a coworker who is currently taking online classes with a different university, Suri learns about a website where she can upload course documents and receive money in return. Suri decides to upload all of her course tests, assignment instructions, and completed assignments/feedback to the website for payment. The money she receives from each course allows her to pay for her textbooks for the following semester.
Scenario 2: Randell is a single parent who is currently working a full-time job as an RBT while also enrolled in graduate school. By the second month in the semester, he has submitted multiple assignments late due to the demands of his other priorities. Jean, a friend and fellow RBT at Randell’s company, has previously passed the course. Randell decides to ask Jean for a copy of her submitted assignments to use as a “template” for future submissions to help him stay on top of his work. Jean allows Randell to use her work for the remainder of the semester.
Scenario 3: Cheyanne and Petra are cousins who are currently enrolled in the same course. Although they have completed all of their assignments separately, they frequently discuss assignment answers, grades, and course material. While Cheyanne and Petra are studying together for the first exam, they discuss the possibility of taking the exam together at the same time in order to help each other with answers. Cheyanne and Petra decide to take the exam together, providing answers to the other person, when needed.
Scenario 4: Mark begins writing his paper the day it is due. He is concerned that he will not meet the page requirement by the deadline, but he initially reviews the research articles and paraphrases appropriately. As the deadline approaches, Mark begins to rush through the assignment and ends up copying multiple paragraphs from the research articles without rephrasing, citing, or referencing the text.