Part 13 Flashcards
What are situational ethics?
Promise of fast results in short term is compromised by not fully understanding long-term ramifications; good behavior analysts are self-regulating
What are ethics and the three basic and fundamental questions they address?
Behaviors, practices, and decisions; What’s the right thing to do? (Personal history, context of practice, ethical code of behavior); What’s worth doing? (Social validity, cost-benefit ratio, exigencies); What does it mean to be a good behavior analyst?
What is the importance of ethics for behavior analysts?
Produce “meaningful” behavior change of social significance to those entrusted to their care; reduce/eliminate harm; conform to ethical standards of learned societies and professional organizations
What are professional standards?
Written guidelines/rules of practice that provide direction for conducting the practices associated with an organization
What are standards of professional practice for applied behavior analysts?
General principles and ethical standards; assessment and intervention (rest on foundation of solid research demonstrating effectiveness; address functional relations between behaviors and environmental events; are monitored/evaluated on a systematic/ongoing basis)
How is professional competence ensured?
Obtain certification and licensure; practice within one’s area of competence; maintain/expand professional competence; make/substantiate professional claims
What are ethical issues in client services?
Informed consent; confidentiality; protecting clients’ dignity/health/safety; helping clients select outcomes and behavior change targets; maintaining records
What is informed consent?
Capacity to decide (surrogate/guardian consent); voluntary decision; knowledge of treatment
What makes an acceptable treatment environment?
Engaging; reinforcers readily available; problem behaviors reduced; functional skills taught/maintained; behavior problems are ameliorated; environment is least restrictive alternative; environment is stable; minimizes changes in schedule/programs/peers/etc.; environment is safe; client chooses to live there
What does it mean to advocate for the client?
Provide necessary/needed services; embrace the scientific method; conflict of interest
What are the two primary sources on which applied behavior analysts should base their practices?
The scientific literature; direct and frequent measurement of behaviors
How is it determined whether to provide ABA services?
Determine if services are needed; medical causes have been ruled out; treatment environment will support service delivery; reasonable expectation of success exists
What are the two sets of decision rules in choosing to provide treatment?
Determine whether problem is amenable to behavioral interventions; evaluate likely success of intervention
What is conflict of interest?
Principle party, alone or in connection with family/friends/associates, has a vested interest in the outcome of the intervention
