Structuring Case-Based Ethics Training: How Comparing Cases and Structured Prompts Influence Training Effectiveness

Lauren N. Harkrider, Alexandra E. MacDougall, Zhanna Bagdasarov, James F. Johnson, Chase E. Thiel, Michael D. Mumford, Shane Connelly, Lynn D. Devenport

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

31 Scopus citations

Abstract

This study examined how structuring case-based ethics training, either through (a) case presentation or (b) prompt questions, influences training outcomes. Results revealed an interaction between case presentation and prompt questions such that some form of structure improved effectiveness. Specifically, comparing cases led to greater sensemaking strategy use and decision-ethicality when trainees considered unstructured rather than structured prompts. When cases were presented sequentially, structuring prompts improved training effectiveness. Too much structure, however, decreased future ethical decision making, suggesting that there can be too much of a good thing when structuring case-based ethics education. Implications for designing ethics training programs are discussed.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)179-198
Number of pages20
JournalEthics and Behavior
Volume23
Issue number3
DOIs
StatePublished - May 2013

Keywords

  • case comparison
  • case-based learning
  • ethical decision making
  • structured prompts

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