title: Consequences identification in forecasting and ethical decision-making.
abstract: Forecasting involves predicting outcomes based on observations of the situation at hand. We examined the impact of the number and types of consequences considered on the quality of ethical decision-making. Undergraduates role-played several ethical problems in which they forecast potential outcomes and made decisions. Performance pressure (difficult demands placed on the situation) and interpersonal conflict (clashes among people in the problem situation) were manipulated within each problem scenario. The results indicated that the identification of potential consequences was positively associated with both higher quality forecasts and more ethical decisions. Neither performance pressure nor interpersonal conflict affected the quality of forecasts or decisions. Theoretical and practical implications of these findings and the use of this research approach are discussed.
authors: Department of Psychology, Sociology, and Social Work, Angelo State University, ASU Station #10907, San Angelo, TX 76909-0907, USA. cherylstenmark@gmail.com
authors: Cheryl K
authors: CK
authors: Stenmark
authors: Alison L
authors: AL
authors: Antes
authors: Chase E
authors: CE
authors: Thiel
authors: Jared J
authors: JJ
authors: Caughron
authors: Xiaoqian
authors: X
authors: Wang
authors: Michael D
authors: MD
authors: Mumford
mesh_terms: D003220:Conflict, Psychological; D003657:Decision Making / Q000941:ethics*; D005260:Female; D005544:Forecasting; D006801:Humans; D007398:Interpersonal Relations; D008297:Male; D009042:Motivation; D017063:Outcome Assessment, Health Care; D013315:Stress, Psychological; D055815:Young Adult