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Ethical Reasoning in Action: Validity Evidence for the Ethical Reasoning Identification Test (ERIT)

Author

Listed:
  • Kristen Smith

    (James Madison University)

  • Keston Fulcher

    (James Madison University
    James Madison University)

  • Elizabeth Hawk Sanchez

    (James Madison University
    School of Writing, Rhetoric, and Technical Communication)

Abstract

Professionals in business and law, healthcare providers, educators, policymakers, consumers, and higher education practitioners value ethical reasoning (ER) skills. Because of this, we concentrated campus-wide reaccreditation efforts to help students actively engage in ER. In doing so, we re-conceptualized the ER process, implemented campus-wide ER interventions designed to be experienced by all undergraduate students, and created the ethical reasoning identification test (ERIT) to measure students’ ability to engage in a foundational step in the ER process. Using factor analysis, we demonstrated internal validity evidence for ERIT scores. More specifically, confirmatory factor analysis provided support for a unidimensional factor structure, meaning stakeholders can report and analyze ERIT total scores. The unidimensional factor structure was replicated using two independent samples. Across all samples, ERIT scores demonstrated reliability consistent with professional standards. In addition, we collected external validity evidence for ERIT scores. The ERIT was sensitive to slight differences in ER training. That is, students experiencing a 75-min intervention performed better on the test compared to students without this experience. Overall, results suggested that our ER intervention may effectively increase students ER abilities and the ERIT demonstrated great potential for assessing foundational ethical reasoning skills. To further examine validity, researchers should consider known groups analyses with varying “doses” of the ER intervention, as well as measurement invariance studies.

Suggested Citation

  • Kristen Smith & Keston Fulcher & Elizabeth Hawk Sanchez, 2017. "Ethical Reasoning in Action: Validity Evidence for the Ethical Reasoning Identification Test (ERIT)," Journal of Business Ethics, Springer, vol. 144(2), pages 417-436, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:kap:jbuset:v:144:y:2017:i:2:d:10.1007_s10551-015-2841-8
    DOI: 10.1007/s10551-015-2841-8
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Leonidas Leonidou & Olga Kvasova & Constantinos Leonidou & Simos Chari, 2013. "Business Unethicality as an Impediment to Consumer Trust: The Moderating Role of Demographic and Cultural Characteristics," Journal of Business Ethics, Springer, vol. 112(3), pages 397-415, February.
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    4. Betsy Stevens, 2013. "How Ethical are U.S. Business Executives? A Study of Perceptions," Journal of Business Ethics, Springer, vol. 117(2), pages 361-369, October.
    5. Liz Wang & Lisa Calvano, 2015. "Is Business Ethics Education Effective? An Analysis of Gender, Personal Ethical Perspectives, and Moral Judgment," Journal of Business Ethics, Springer, vol. 126(4), pages 591-602, February.
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