E Test 5 Flashcards
What is volatility?
.Unpredicted result of a treatment plan.
a behavior that might lead to more harm when treated.
What is a risk-benefit analysis?
.weighing risks and benefits of txt and no txt
What is the risk associated with more severe or intense problem behaviors?
.greater risk of failure of the plan/injury
What is the risk regarding mediators?
.not running the protocols properly
- We count on mediators in the client’s natural environment to play a significant role in treatment, having an insufficient number of staff to implement the plan could affect the success of the treatment.
- If mediators are not trained to a high degree of compliance with the program, they may make errors or reinforce inappropriate behavior, making treatment plan unsuccessful, and potentially cause the client harm.
What must mediators be?
.Mediators must be trained to a high degree of compliance with the program.
i.e. well trained
How does the setting increase risk?
.could be dangers in the setting such as drugs or too many people
We work in settings where behavioral procedures are likely to be effective (4.06, 4.07), because unsatisfactory settings put the procedures at risk for failure. In addition, the setting must not put the behavior analyst at risk.
How does competence relate to risk?
if BA is not competent or BI is untrained things can go wrong
BCBAs should operate within the boundaries of their competence (1.02), because to operate outside of the boundaries of one’s competence can present a risk to both the proper implementation of procedures and the safety of clients.
You are consulting to a group home. The participant is aggressive and often throws items, i.e., Shoes, books, plates, glasses, magazines, etc. You have decided to use a DRO procedure where if the person does not aggress for 5 minutes, they will earn their chosen reinforcer. What risks should be discussed?
failure
escalation
risk of doing nothing
In the group home, there is a possible safety risk to nearby clients and staff when procedures are implemented. The DRO might produce unexpected results, such as an escalation of behavior to get attention. The risks of behavior procedures should never be downplayed to gain approval of the process. They should be discussed frankly with all parties so that everyone is aware of possible risks. Mitigation planning should result from the awareness of the risk, and extra staff members may need to be present during the first few days of treatment just to make sure everyone is safe.
What is meant by “buy-in”?
Buy-in means not only that others agree with your program proposal but also that they will do everything possible to ensure that it is implemented according to the plan
What is meant by personal liability?
The parents might hold the BA responsible. Possibly mitigate this by doing the demonstration with the teacher or EA the day before so there is no direct physical contact with the client. This could reduce liability.
What are the 5 benefits of behavioral treatment?
behavior improved environment improved caregivers feel empowered peers change liability reduced (less risk of major problems)
- Client direct benefit (e.g., client behavior is greatly improved shown in change of rates in behavior and the time frame for success, comes into contact with many new reinforcers and choices)
- Indirect benefits to the setting (e.g., client environment is greatly improved because of change in behavior - less stress for caregiver, peers)
- Benefits to mediators and caregivers (e.g., caregivers feel more in charge, improved morale, eagerness to move forward with the client)
- Benefits to peers in the setting (e.g., peers in the setting may change their behavior toward the client, providing more opportunities for social reinforcers)
- General liability to the setting is decreased (e.g., liability to the setting and those involved are greatly reduced)
What are 3 additional benefits for the BCBA and profession?
relief/confidence
reduced liability to BA
Possible contribution to body of knowledge
- The BCBA or BCaBA who is able to make significant improvements in target behaviors as well as to improve the quality of life for the client and others will not only have a sense of relief that everything worked according to plan but also increased confidence in his or her ability to take on similar cases in the future. Being able to show positive effects builds confidence, improves morale, and encourages future participation in the profession.
- Reduction of liability to the designer of the behavior plan. Getting through a case successfully means the dark cloud of uncertainty has disappeared.
- Possible contribution to the body of knowledge of ABA and good public relations for the field. While we cannot solicit testimonials from clients, clients often tell others that they were satisfied or even overjoyed with the behavior analysis services that improved their lives
What is the general rule in providing the ethics message?
When it comes to delivering a message about ethics, you will need to be as much a communicator as you are a behavior analyst.
What are the parts of being an effective communicator of the ethical message?
Thinking on your feet! It is the responsibility of every BA to know and understand the content that is covered in the Code. Buy some time if you are unsure how to respond immediately e..g., “let me get back to you on that,” so you can review the Code, or talk to your supervisor. Fundamentals of good communication: don’t send mixed messages and don’t lie. Think before you speak.
What is the biggest problem in delivering the message to non-behavioral professionals?
.The problem is that other professionals do not have to adhere to our Code.
What are the 2 components in helping others understand the Code?
- The first part of being effective is identifying something that is not quite right
- The second part is knowing what to say and how to say it
What is the first component of a Declaration of Professional services.
Credentials/ areas of expertise
How often should you declaration of expertise be updated?
Every year
Why do you list “What I do and How I work”?
What I do: To explain the basis for behavior analysis services, expressing your understanding of human behavior. As BAs, we work with clients to develop plans, and that family members play a key role in the therapy.
How I work: Spell out for the clients that we do not make judgments about behavior and that it is part of our belief system that psychological pain and suffering come from behaviors that do not adapt well to the current environment. We consult with parents, teachers, and other individuals significant in the life of our client (with permission). We work toward achieving important life goals for the client, “increasing personal happiness and effectiveness.” Also, results aren’t guaranteed.
Why list client responsibilities?
We need and expect their full cooperation and their total honesty in dealing with us.
What do you do about faked or missing data?
The importance of accurate data should be brought up not only prior to the onset of services but occasionally during the entire treatment process.
Buy-in to the BA approach means you will be asking parents to take data, and success of the treatment depends on those who are taking data to be absolutely honest about it.
What should be do about gifts from clients?
don’t accept
What should be done after reviewing the declaration of professional servi es?
Client and behavior analyst should sign the declaration. A witness should also be present to ensure the signatures are authentic. Date the document, provide a copy to the family, and keep one for your files.
What guidelines are suggested for choosing a setting or company?
Primary considerations might involve salary, location, potential for advancement, matching your professional interests, and behavioral skills. Also, consideration of the ethics and values of the company or organization. Ask questions about the position, ask about the history, and purpose or mission of the agency. Are there political issues connected with the agency, or is the agency currently the target of a lawsuit? Number of BAs employed? Turnover rate? Who are the clients, who will you be supervising?
Why meet your supervisor?
strong ethical foundation. Learn their style, interest in working with you, feel certain you won’t be asked to do anything unethical
Why are job expectations important to discuss up front?
Clarify what you are to do on a day-to-day basis. Ask questions so you know how the agency does certain tasks such as doing functional assessments or training staff. Ensure that you will be working within your level of competence or whether you will be asked to take on cases or tasks for which you are not fully qualified. Establish the ethical boundaries necessary to protect yourself from engaging in unethical behavior.
As the new person, many therapists come to you for advice, what is a potential downfall?
Taking on too much affects your quality of work. Doing more is not always associated with doing better, quality counts especially because you are affecting the life of a person with your work. You owe it to your clients and yourself to take on only the number of cases you can handle. Taking on cases for which you have no expertise = unethical to work outside of your boundaries of competence.
Why is IOA so important?
.There is a lot riding on the data;
What is social validity?
social importance and acceptability of treatment goals, procedures, and outcomes..
How do you determine if your treatment was in fact responsible for change?
Look for ways of demonstrating experimental control either with a reversal, multi-element, or multiple baseline design.
How do you demonstrate that other therapists can implement your program procedures correctly?
Make sure you use the most effective antecedents and demonstrate. Ask the supervisees to show you what they’ve learned. Then give immediate positive feedback. Have them practice, make corrections by doing role play and giving more feedback, and do overlaps to ensure programs are run correctly.
Why is it important to document your time and billing?
Accurate and honest time accountability is essential to protect you from any allegation that you have been over billing or that you have attempted to defraud a client or the government.
What is the gold standard to avoid conflicts of interest?
.”What is in the best interest of the client?” to help guide your decision.
Why do you need to identify a trusted colleague?
To help build your confidence in making behavioral decisions, find another behavioral analyst who is knowledgable, easily accessible and not your supervisor or employer.
What guidelines should be in place if you are working with a client and must “touch” the client, e.g. hand over hand prompting; high fives, pats on the back, overcorrection, etc.
(1) . To avoid false client allegation of inappropriate touching, always make sure to have another person (often called a witness) present.
(2) . Make sure the witness knows what you are doing and why you are doing it.
(3) . If you are involved in any sort of physical restraint use, make sure that you have been properly trained and certified to do so.
(4) . If you know of a client who has a history of false reports of inappropriate touching, be wary of close contact with that person unless you have done 1 and 2.
(5) . Avoid cross-sex therapeutic interactions (male therapist and female client) unless there is no alternative.
If you are working with non-behavioral colleagues and reach an impasse in services provided, what must you do?
Inform about studies
Refer to the code
talk in private
connect with supervisor for help
Be ready with copies of published studies to justify your treatments and be scrupulous about taking objective and accurate data to determine if the interventions in fact worked with the client. Make them aware of how you adhere to a code of ethics that is clear on client’s rights, use of empirically based procedures, and the evaluation of treatments using data. Consult with your supervisor if you need to, meet with the person alone to discuss your concerns. If you and your supervisor feel you have done everything possible to have some impact but have been unsuccessful, it may be necessary to terminate your involvement. Code 2.15 on interrupting or discontinuing services. Be ambassadors if they don’t know about ABA, educate them about current developments and how we are concerned about the ethical, effective, and humane treatment of clients. Be patient, let them educate you about their field, and listen.
What is the verbal rule regarding sexual harassment?
As a check on your performance, ask yourself, “What if Channel Six Eyewitness News was here taping this? Would I still engage in this behavior?” If “No,” then you need to modify your own behavior to prevent any misunderstandings or false accusations.
What are stealth dilemmas?
slowly move and pass professional boundaries
