In order to determine the Ethical Problem, it is important that you objectively seek to specify the factual information that you are aware of. Try to determine what is factual and what is subjective, assumption, or hypothesis. It may help to imagine what information could be presented to a judge with evidence. Be sure to download the ethical decision making guide if you haven’t already.

Primarily, you are answering the questions: Who did what, and how do I know?

After you identify the ethical problem, move on to step 2, where you will apply the ACA (or other) Code of Ethics.