Which statement correctly distinguishes technical and moral errors?

• A. Technical error is ethical; Moral error is cognitive
• B. Technical error is cognitive; Moral error involves moral competency
• C. Technical errors are emotional reactions
• D. Moral errors are simply mistakes with no responsibility

Answer: (B)

Distinguishing technical from moral errors hinges on whether the failure is about knowledge and skill in carrying out a task versus failing to meet ethical duties. Technical errors arise from gaps in what you know or how you apply a procedure; they are cognitive in nature, tied to reasoning, learning, and execution of technique. Moral errors, on the other hand, involve failing to uphold ethical obligations and reflect a deficiency in moral judgment or responsibility—how one should act toward others, with accountability for those actions. So the statement that best fits is that technical errors are cognitive, while moral errors involve moral competency. For example, misreading a protocol and performing it incorrectly is a technical/cognitive mistake; failing to respect patient autonomy or consent due to ethical disregard is a moral error requiring moral reasoning and responsibility. The other options mix or mischaracterize these domains: technical errors aren’t inherently ethical, moral errors aren’t just cognitive, technical errors aren’t simply emotional reactions, and moral errors imply responsibility rather than being mere mistakes with no accountability.