Unit 6 Research Ethics and Responsibility to the BACB code 9, 10

Question 1

Search for knowledge with an open mind, to establish novel facts, solve new or existing problems, prove or disprove new ideas, develop new interventions, or develop new theories

Application of the scientific method to explain the properties of the world around us

Answer 1

Research

Question 2

Research:
Advances our understanding of concepts, principles, and procedures
 Illustrates the power of our applied technology
 Creates an evidence-base that justifies the existence of our field

Answer 2

Purpose and Value of Research

Question 3

1. Protect human and animal participants from abuse, neglect, manipulation, and other forms of maltreatment
   •Protect individual
2. Ensure accuracy of reporting to
   create strong science
   •Protect our field and the general public

Answer 3

Why are Research Ethics Important?

Question 4

Participants believed they were receiving free healthcare

Participants denied information about, and access to, effective treatment

Answer 4

Tuskegee Syphilis Study

Question 5

Participants deceived into believing they were shocking another participant

 Confederate not actually shocked Deception resulted in distress to participants

 Note: As of January 2016, deception in research is not addressed in the Code, but is typically addressed in the IRB process

Answer 5

Milgram Shock Experiments

Question 6

Large data set on dual diagnosis falsified

Answer 6

Breuning NIMH Ruling

Question 7

Obesity research

Falsified grants and published fabricated data

Answer 7

Poehlman Data Fabrication

Question 8

Illustrate why we need protection for the field/community at large

Answer 8

Breuning and Poehlman

Question 9

Look at the antecedents and consequences!

Benefits often go to a different entity than the risks – unbalances the pro/con analysis

Careers of scientists and funding of labs occur through successful scientific inquiry – rationalization and justification

Answer 9

Why Would Scientists Behave Unethically?

Question 10

1964 Helsinki Declaration
• Mandate for human subjects protections

1979 Belmont Report: National Commission for the Protection of Human Subjects

1. Respect for Persons: protecting the autonomy of all people and treating them with courtesy and respect and allowing for informed consent
   Researchers must be truthful and conduct no deception
2. Beneficence (risk versus benefit): the philosophy of “do no harm” while maximizing benefits for the research project and minimizing risks to the research subjects
3. Justice: ensuring reasonable, non- exploitative, and well-considered procedures are administered fairly; the fair and equal distribution of costs and benefits to potential research participants

1989 National Institute of Health (NIH) required ethics training for funded projects

1999 and 2004 NIH updated and strengthened ethics training requirements

Answer 10

History of Ethics Regulations

Question 11

Balance between risks and benefits

Independent ethical review

 Human Subjects Institutional Review Board
(HSIRB)

 Research Review Committee (RRC)

Informed consent

Valid and important research question

Valid methodology (discipline specific)

Answer 11

Requirements for Human Research

Question 12

1. Competence
   • Individual or guardian can give meaningful consent
2. Knowledge
   •Understand the experiment
   •Risks and benefits
3. Volition (Voluntariness)
   •Free from duress or penalty
   •Attention to power differential

Answer 12

Informed Consent

Question 13

Design, conduct, and report research in accordance with recognized standards of scientific competence and ethical research
•Be careful, precise and accurate

Conduct research according to the approved proposal
•Do only and all that has been agreed to

Answer 13

Core Ethics of Research

Question 14

Behavior analysts design, conduct, and report research in accordance with recognized standards of scientific competence and ethical research

Answer 14

9.0 Behavior Analysts and Research

Question 15

As behavior analysts, we have a set of established scientific standards we must follow when conducting research

Our behavior should abide by our
standards!

Answer 15

Behavior Analysts as Researchers

9.0 Behavior Analysts and Research
Behavior analysts design, conduct, and report research in accordance with recognized standards of scientific competence and ethical research

Question 16

1. Boundaries
2. Confidentiality
3. Professionalism
4. Do you know harm

Answer 16

Pillars of Ethical, Responsible, Professional Behavior

Question 17

Behavior analysts plan and conduct research in a manner consistent with all applicable laws and regulations, as well as professional standards governing the conduct of research. Behavior analysts also comply with other applicable laws and regulations relating to mandated- reporting requirements

Answer 17

9.01 Conforming with Laws and Regulations

Question 18

Behavior analysts must:

• Comply with the BACB Ethical Code
• Behave in accordance with local, state, and federal laws, regulations, and standards
• Be aware of regulation on reporting research activities

Answer 18

Conducting Research

9.01 Conforming with Laws and Regulations

Behavior analysts plan and conduct research in a manner consistent with all applicable laws and regulations, as well as professional standards governing the conduct of research. Behavior analysts also comply with other applicable laws and regulations relating to mandated- reporting requirements

Question 19

A systematic investigation, including research development, testing, and evaluation, designed to develop or contribute to generalizable knowledge. Activities that meet this definition constitute research whether or not they are conducted or supported under a program that is considered research for other purposes. For example, some demonstration and service programs may include research activities (45 CFR 46.102d).

Answer 19

Research Defined by US Federal Regulations

Question 20

Any data-based activity designed to generate generalizable knowledge for the discipline, often through professional presentations or publications…

…The use of an experimental design does not by itself constitute research. Professional presentation or publication of already collected data are exempt from elements in section 9.0 (Behavior Analysts and Research) that pertain to prospective research activities (e.g., 9.02a)…

Answer 20

Research Defined by the BACB

Question 21

“Generalizable knowledge”

 Information gained applicable on broader scale

“Data-based”

 Quantitative, not just a description

“Designed”

 Planned to answer a question

Answer 21

Research: Key Terms

Question 22

a) Behavior analysts conduct research only after approval by an independent, formal research review board
b) Behavior analysts conducting applied research conjointly with provision of clinical or human services must comply with requirements for both intervention and research involvement by client- participants. When research and clinical needs conflict, behavior analysts prioritize the welfare of the client
c) Behavior analysts conduct research competently and with due concern for the dignity and welfare of the participants
d) Behavior analysts plan their research so as to minimize the possibility that results will be misleading
e) Researchers and assistants are permitted to perform only those tasks for which they are appropriately trained and prepared. Behavior analysts are responsible for the ethical conduct of research conducted by assistants or by others under their supervision or oversight
f) If an ethical issue is unclear, behavior analysts seek to resolve the issue through consultation with independent, formal research review boards, peer consultations, or other proper mechanisms

Answer 22

9.02 Characteristics of Responsible Research

Question 23

One type of formal review board

Universities/institutions

Protection of human subjects in research

Responsible for reviewing proposed research that will be conducted at, or in conjunction with, the institution

Answer 23

Institutional Review Boards

9. 02 Characteristics of Responsible Research
   a) Behavior analysts conduct research only after approval by an independent, formal research review board

Question 24

Independent
•Members not participating in or benefiting from the research they review

Consists of five or more members with expertise in human subject research

Answer 24

IRB Characteristics

9. 02 Characteristics of Responsible Research
   a) Behavior analysts conduct research only after approval by an independent, formal research review board

Question 25

Research conducted in connection with a university (or other institution)
•Sponsored by the institution
•Conducted on institution’s property or under the direction of an employee
• Uses institution’s non-public information to identify/contact subjects/prospective subjects

Answer 25

IRB Approval Required

9. 02 Characteristics of Responsible Research
   a) Behavior analysts conduct research only after approval by an independent, formal research review board

Question 26

Examples:
  • Paying participants/withholding payment
  •Extra credit
  •Animal research
  •Deception in research

Answer 26

Some Issues Covered by IRBs

Question 27

Contact a university
•Solicit faculty or student involvement

Research review boards within organizations

Build a research review board within your behavior analytic community

Answer 27

Not Affiliated with a University?

IRB -Independent review board

Question 28

Five or more members

Independent

Composed of individuals with expertise in research
•Note: See also 9.02c referencing research competence

Answer 28

Forming a Review Board

Question 29

…The use of an experimental design does not by itself constitute research. Professional presentation or publication of already collected data are exempt from elements in section 9.0 (Behavior Analysts and Research) that pertain to prospective research activities (e.g., 9.02a)…

Answer 29

Research Defined by the BACB (continued)

Question 30

Not “prospective research activities”
•Existing data
•Program evaluation
• Discovery “along the way”
•Interesting findings as the result of clinical practice BUT…

Answer 30

Exempt from 9.02a

Behavior analysts conduct research only after approval by an independent, formal research review board

Question 31

Research in Applied Settings

Conducting research in human service settings has many advantages

However… be wary of conducting applied research
•You may also be your participant’s service provider
•No federal mandate for review board approval – however, external review IS highly recommended!

Follow the standards outlined in the Code

Answer 31

9. 02 Characteristics of Responsible Research (continued)
   b) Behavior analysts conducting applied research conjointly with provision of clinical or human services must comply with requirements for both intervention and research involvement by client- participants. When research and clinical needs conflict, behavior analysts prioritize the welfare of the client

Question 32

Competently

Do no harm
• Protect dignity and welfare of participants

Answer 32

Responsible Research

9. 02 Characteristics of Responsible Research
   c) BehaviorHi analysts conduct research competently and with due concern for the dignity and welfare of the participants

Question 33

Be careful of drawing the wrong conclusions ourselves
•Don’t extrapolate too much
•Results may not be identical for another participant group

Ensure others don’t draw the wrong conclusions – avoid misleading results!

Answer 33

Responsible and Accurate Research

9. 02 Characteristics of Responsible Research
   d) Behavior analysts plan their research so as to minimize the possibility that results will be misleading

Question 34

Be careful of drawing the wrong conclusions ourselves

 Don’t extrapolate too much

 Results may not be identical for another participant group

Ensure others don’t draw the wrong conclusions – avoid misleading results!

Answer 34

Responsible and Accurate Research

Question 35

Ensure all researchers and assistants are fully competent and behave ethically!
 Everyone trained adequately on research
 Everyone trained on the ethical Code
 Behavior analyst is responsible for entire research team

Answer 35

Research and Training

9.02 Characteristics of Responsible Research

Question 36

f) If an ethical issue is unclear, behavior analysts seek to resolve the issue through consultation with independent, formal research review boards, peer consultations, or other proper mechanisms

Answer 36

9.02 Characteristics of Responsible Research (continued)

Question 37

Ethical Code details responsibilities of behavior analysts in research

If questions, concerns, or potential ethical issues arise, the behavior analyst has an obligation to resolve issues
•Seek assistance if necessary

Answer 37

Ethical Ambiguity

9. 02 Characteristics of Responsible Research
   f) If an ethical issue is unclear, behavior analysts seek to resolve the issue through consultation with independent, formal research review boards, peer consultations, or other proper mechanisms

Question 38

g) Behavior analysts only conduct research independently after they have successfully conducted research under a supervisor in a defined relationship (e.g., thesis, dissertation, specific research project)
h) Behavior analysts conducting research take necessary steps to maximize benefit and minimize risk to their clients, supervisees, research participants, students, and others with whom they work
i) Behavior analysts minimize the effect of personal, financial, social, organizational, or political factors that might lead to misuse of their research
j) If behavior analysts learn of misuse or misrepresentation of their individual work products, they take appropriate steps to correct the misuse or misrepresentation

j) If behavior analysts learn of misuse or misrepresentation of their individual work products, they take appropriate steps to correct the misuse
k) Behavior analysts avoid conflicts of interest when conducting research

l) Behavior analysts minimize interference with the participants or environment in which research is conducted

Answer 38

9.02 Characteristics of Responsible Research (continued)

Question 39

Research requires a specialized skill set

These skills must be taught

Seek supervision and/or mentorship to develop new skills

Answer 39

Research Competence

Question 40

The cost/benefits to the participant should be evaluated

Even when discovery through research is the primary goal, risks should be diminished to the extent possible and advantages to participation maximized

Answer 40

First Do No Harm…

Question 41

ABA research Influences legislation in many states

These judgments can impact:
•Access to. Treatment
•Type of , treatment services delivered
•Intensity of treatment services

Guard against all personal, financial, and social influences that may impact ethical behavior

Answer 41

Factors Influencing Research

Question 42

Even good, ethically conducted research can be misused

Data can be misconstrued, distorted, or used in a way that leads to erroneous conclusions

Examples:
 Altering the axis of a graph
 Drawing conclusions that are unsupported (beware of correlations)

Answer 42

Misuse

9. 02 Characteristics of Responsible Research l
   j) If behavior analysts learn of misuse or misrepresentation of their individual work products, they take appropriate steps to correct the misuse or misrepresentation

Question 43

Digital:

Be sure you are very clear about your research findings and correct others who may use your data in a way that is erroneous..

Answer 43

9. 02 Characteristics of Responsible Research
   j) If behavior analysts learn of misuse or misrepresentation of their individual work products, they take appropriate steps to correct the misuse or misrepresentation

Question 44

Conflicts may arise if those conducting the research have multiple relationships with those sponsoring the research or those participating in the research
•Example: Being paid to evaluate a new tool

Pressure to publish, negative results, and the perfect data

Answer 44

Conflicts of Interest

9. 02 Characteristics of Responsible Research l
   j) If behavior analysts learn of misuse or misrepresentation of their individual work products, they take appropriate steps to correct the misuse or misrepresentation

Question 45

 Applied research frequently conducted in homes, work settings, or other personal environments

 It is the behavior analyst’s responsibility to minimize disturbances

 Interfere with participants/environments only in a manner that is appropriate and necessary for the research design

 Do not collect data or make manipulations that were not agreed to in advance

Answer 45

Minimize Interference

9. 02 Characteristics of Responsible Research
   l) Behavior analysts minimize interference with the participants or environment in which research is conducted

Question 46

Behavior analysts inform participants or their guardian or surrogate in understandable language about the nature of the research; that they are free to participate, to decline to participate, or to withdraw from the research at any time without penalty; about significant factors that may influence their willingness to participate; and answer any other questions participants may have about the research

Answer 46

9.03 Informed Consent

Question 47

Steer clear of highly technical behavior analytic terms
•Avoid jargon, use everyday language

Don’t make participants feel trapped!
•They can decline or withdraw at any time with no consequences…
• Answer any and all questions before the participants give their consent

Answer 47

Informed Consent for Research

9.03 Informed Consent
Behavior analysts inform participants or their guardian or surrogate in understandable language about the nature of the research; that they are free to participate, to decline to participate, or to withdraw from the research at any time without penalty; about significant factors that may influence their willingness to participate; and answer any other questions participants may have about the research

Question 48

a) Behavior analysts do not disclose personally identifiable information concerning their individual or organizational clients, research participants, or other recipients of their services that they obtained during the course of their work, unless the person or organization has consented in writing or unless there is other legal authorization for doing so
b) Behavior analysts disguise confidential information concerning participants, whenever possible, so that they are not individually identifiable to others and so that discussions do not cause harm to identifiable participants

Answer 48

9.04 Using Confidential Information for Didactic or Instructive Purposes

Question 49

Is it really necessary or meaningful to identify a research participant?
•The answer is… NO!!!

What should be important are the scientific findings of the research study!
•In some cases, general characteristics of your participants may be important to reveal but not any identifying information

Protect, protect, protect… our participants’ identities!!!
How can we do this?
•Use a pseudonym (false name)
• Use initials
•Use letters (Participant A, Participant B, etc.)

Answer 49

Participant Confidentiality

9.04 Using Confidential Information for Didactic or Instructive Purposes

Question 50

Behavior analysts inform the participant that debriefing will occur at the conclusion of the participant’s involvement in the research

Answer 50

9.05 Debriefing

Question 51

Provide information about the study to participant(s)
• What was found
•How the child performed

Make information understandable

Ensure information is complete, but Not excessive

Answer relevant questions

Answer 51

After the Study

9.05 Debriefing

Question 52

Behavior analysts who serve on grant review panels or as manuscript reviewers avoid conducting any research described in grant proposals or manuscripts that they reviewed, except as replications fully crediting the prior researchers

Answer 52

9.06 Grant and Journal Reviews

Question 53

Participation in grant/article review is a privileged position

Gives one access to research protocols and ideas before the public

Unethical to take these protocols/ideas for one’s own use

Answer 53

Research Review

9.06 Grant and Journal Reviews

Question 54

a) Behavior analysts fully cite the work of others where appropriate
b) Behavior analysts do not present portions or elements of another’s work or data as their own

Answer 54

9 .07 Plagiarism

Question 55

Do not take credit that is not earned

Give credit where credit is due

Answer 55

Avoiding Plagiarism

Question 56

Behavior analysts acknowledge the contributions of others to research by including them as co-authors or footnoting their contributions. Principal authorship and other publication credits accurately reflect the relative scientific or professional contributions of the individuals involved, regardless of their relative status. Minor contributions to the research or to the writing for publications are appropriately acknowledged, such as, in a footnote or introductory statement

Answer 56

9.08 Acknowledging Contributions

Question 57

Research is rarely a solo endeavor

Generally, the level of acknowledgement depends upon the contribution of each member of the research team

Those who made a significant contribution are generally listed as co-authors

Those who provided supportive roles are generally listed in the footnote
E.g., Data collectors

 It is wise to make clear at the outset of the research project the benefits and responsibility of each contributor

 The APA encourages open discussion about authorship throughout the research process
• See APA, A Graduate Student’s Guide to Determining Authorship Credit and Authorship Order

 First author = person who contributed most

 Second author = person who contributed second most…

Answer 57

Acknowledgement

9.08 Acknowledging Contributions

Question 58

Behavior analysts conduct research competently and with due concern for the dignity and welfare of the participants

Answer 58

Part c- Of 9, Behavior analyst responsible Researcher

Question 59

a) Behavior analysts do not fabricate data or falsify results in their publications. If behavior analysts discover errors in their published data, they take steps to correct such errors in a correction, retraction, erratum, or other appropriate publication means
b) Behavior analysts do not omit findings that might alter interpretations of their work

c) Behavior analysts do not publish, as original data, data that have been previously published. This does not preclude republishing data when they are accompanied by proper acknowledgment.
(Cannot publish same data in more than one journal unless clearly disclosed in subsequent publications)

d) After research results are published, behavior analysts do not withhold the data on which their conclusions are based from other competent professionals who seek to verify the substantive claims through reanalysis and who intend to use such data only for that purpose, provided that the confidentiality of the participants can be protected and unless legal rights concerning proprietary data preclude their release

Answer 59

9.09 Accuracy and Use of Data

Question 60

Behavior analysts and researchers do NOT:
 Fabricate data
 Exaggerate findings
 Present another’s work as one’s own

Errors or inaccurate data should be reported and retracted or corrected immediately!

Answer 60

9.09 Accuracy and Use of Data

Question 61

Replication:
Replication of findings is important to our field

Makes our findings believable

Extends our findings to new individuals, settings, etc

Provide data when requested for reexamination or reanalysis

Answer 61

9. 09 Accuracy and Use of Data
   d) After research results are published, behavior analysts do not withhold the data on which their conclusions are based from other competent professionals who seek to verify the substantive claims through reanalysis and who intend to use such data only for that purpose, provided that the confidentiality of the participants can be protected and unless legal rights concerning proprietary data preclude their release

Question 62

Be honest

Behave ethically in conducting research and in interpreting and reporting research findings

Ensure our research is used appropriately

Answer 62

In Research

Question 63

Andrew Wakefield 1998 publication in The Lancet suggesting a link between autism and the MMR vaccine
British Medical Journal Investigation
• Fraud, profit motive…seems to be a deliberate attempt to create an impression that there was a link by falsifying the data.” Fiona Godlee, British Medical Journal Editor-in-Chief
Vaccines and Autism
 British General Medical Council (GMC) investigation panel found dishonesty, abuse
 Wakefield and others unable to replicate findings of his study
 The Lancet retracted the 1998 study
 Andrew Wakefield barred from practicing
medicine in the UK
 Numerous SCIENTIFIC studies have since debunked the “link” between autism and the MMR vaccine
The Fall-Out No causal connection
 Though debunked as fraudulent and research shown to have numerous ethical violations, 1998 study continues to contribute to fear of vaccines
Decrease in vaccination rates in US and UK

Answer 63

Research Ethics

Question 64

Example 1
Johnson and Johnson Risperdal Lawsuit. Downplayed risk of breast growth in males
 Recently suggested it was a “data analysis error”
 Ethical mandate to double check findings, ensure accuracy of reporting, correct any incorrect impressions

Answer 64

Research Ethics

Question 65

When an error is detected in scientific reporting, correct it no matter how small
– subsequent publication that states that a prior error occurred and provides the correct information

Answer 65

Erratum

Question 66

Example of Error in Printed pAges

In Rapp, Vollmer, St. Peter, Dozier, and Cotnoir (2004) the following ages were listed incorrectly for individual participants: Alice was 13 years old, not 10 years old; Greg was 8 years old, not 10 years old.

In Gutierrez, Vollmer, Dozier, Borrero, Rapp, Bourret, and Gadaire (2007), Malcom was 8 years old, not 6 years old.

Answer 66

ERRATUM

Question 67

Example of Error in Printed Ages

In Rapp, Vollmer, St. Peter, Dozier, and Cotnoir (2004) the following ages were listed incorrectly for individual participants: Alice was 13 years old, not 10 years old; Greg was 8 years old, not 10 years old.
In Gutierrez, Vollmer, Dozier, Borrero, Rapp, Bourret, and Gadaire (2007), Malcom was 8 years old, not 6 years old.

Answer 67

ERRATUM

Question 68

Project and protocol driven:
 Large scale evaluations of ongoing
practices
Nothing differs for the consumers
 Specific protocols that may differ somewhat from typical practice
Clinical practice:
 Carefully conducted clinical work that illustrates effects of a specific procedure

Answer 68

Research in Applied Service Settings

Question 69

Module 1: Clinical Research Mission and Research Ethics (50 minutes)

Module 2: Measurement and Data Collection (3 - 4 hours)

Module 3: Research Design and Analysis (3 - 4 hours)

Module 4: Logistics of Protocol Implementation (3 - 4 hours)

Answer 69

Research Training Curriculum

Question 70

Have you benefited from the efforts of researchers in our field?

 Iwata et al., (1982/1994)

 Fisher et al., (1992)

 Charlop-Christy et al., (2002)

Answer 70

Importance of Research

Question 71

Research enhances our knowledge and understanding of behavior analysis
Natural contingencies could lead to misconduct in the absence of STRONG rules to countermand
Take precautions to manage the risk to others while enhancing the benefit

Answer 71

Summary and Conclusions

Question 72

a) Behavior analysts only provide truthful and accurate information in applications and documentation submitted to the BACB
b) Behavior analysts ensure that inaccurate information submitted to the BACB is immediately corrected

Answer 72

10.01 Truthful and Accurate Information Provided to the BACB

Question 73

Falsification
 Supervised experience
 Continuing education (CEs)
 The case of someone who is a BCBA- D and what she lied about (or failed to read)…

Answer 73

Falsifications, Inaccuracies, and Failures to Disclose

Question 74

Behavior analysts must comply with all BACB deadlines including, but not limited to, ensuring that the BACB is notified within thirty (30) days of the date of any of the following grounds for sanctioning status…

a) A violation of this Code, or disciplinary investigation, action or sanction, filing of charges, conviction or plea of guilty or nolo contendre (sic) by a governmental agency, health care organization, third-party payer or educational institution…
a) …Procedural note: Behavior analysts convicted of a felony directly related to behavior analysis practice and/or public health and safety shall be ineligible to apply for BACB registration, certification, or recertification for a period of three (3) years from the exhaustion of appeals, completion of parole or probation, or final release from confinement (if any), whichever is later; (See also, 1.04d Integrity)

b)Any public health- and safety-related fines or tickets where the behavior analyst is named on the ticket;
c) A physical or mental condition that would impair the behavior analysts’ ability to competently practice; and
d) A change of name, address or email
contact

Answer 74

10.02 Timely Responding, Reporting, and Updating of Information Provided to the BACB

Question 75

Code violation Disciplinary investigation Action or sanction Filing of charges Conviction or plea Fines or tickets

Answer 75

Report to BACB

Question 76

Alcoholism / drug addiction?

Depression?

Medical conditions?

It’s not what you’ve got, it’s what you do. But if the labeled conditions impair your performance, then…

Answer 76

Impairing Conditions

Question 77

Behavior analysts do not infringe on the BACB’s intellectual property rights, including, but not limited to the BACB’s rights to the following…
a) BACB logo, ACS logo, ACE logo, certificates, credentials and designations, including, but not limited to, trademarks, service marks, registration marks and certification marks owned and claimed by the BACB (this includes confusingly similar marks intended to convey BACB affiliation, certification or registration, or misrepresentation of an educational ABA certificate status as constituting national certification);

b) BACB copyrights to original and derivative works, including, but not limited to, BACB copyrights to standards, procedures, guidelines, codes, job task analysis, Workgroup reports, surveys; and

c) BACB copyrights to all BACB-developed examination questions, item banks, examination specifications, examination forms and examination scoring sheets, which are secure trade secrets of the BACB. Behavior analysts are expressly prohibited from disclosing the content of any BACB examination materials, regardless of how that content became known to them…
Behavior analysts report suspected or known infringements and/or unauthorized access to examination content and/or any other violation of BACB intellectual property rights immediately to the BACB. Efforts for informal resolution (identified in Section 7.02 c) are waived due to the immediate reporting requirement of this Section.

Answer 77

10.03 Confidentiality and BACB Intellectual Property

Question 78

Examples
A director of a BACB-approved course sequence markets her program as a BACB-approved BCBA certification program.
Using tasks on the BACB Task List as objectives in one’s courses without crediting the BACB.
Use of the BACB logo

Answer 78

10. 03 Confidentiality and BACB Intellectual Property (continued)
    c) …Behavior analysts report suspected or known infringements and/or unauthorized access to examination content and/or any other violation of BACB intellectual property rights immediately to the BACB. Efforts for informal resolution (identified in Section 7.02 c) are waived due to the immediate reporting requirement of this Section.

Question 79

Breaking copyright law, whether on BACB, IP, or any other materials such as our course materials, may result in civil or criminal penalties
 For example: jail, fines
 Note: IP = Intellectual Property

Answer 79

IP and Copyright Law

Question 80

Behavior analysts adhere to all rules of the BACB, including the rules and procedures required by BACB approved testing centers and examination administrators and proctors. Behavior analysts must immediately report suspected cheaters and any other irregularities relating to the BACB examination administrations to the BACB…

Examination irregularities include, but are not limited to, unauthorized access to BACB examinations or answer sheets, copying answers, permitting another to copy answers, disrupting the conduct of an examination, falsifying information, education or credentials, and providing and/or receiving unauthorized or illegal advice about or access to BACB examination content before, during, or following the examination…

This prohibition includes, but is not limited to, use of or participation in any “exam dump” preparation site or blog that provides unauthorized access to BACB examination questions. If, at any time, it is discovered that an applicant or certificant has participated in or utilized an exam dump organization, immediate action may be taken to withdraw eligibility, cancel examination scores, or otherwise revoke certification gained through use of inappropriately obtained examination content

Answer 80

10.04 Examination Honesty and Irregularities

Question 81

Don’t talk (or write) about the BACB exam!

NOT Only Violating Copyright
Information given to someone may lead to a false positive and….
Questions getting out will invalidate the item
 Exam development and validation

Examples
Telling one’s friends about a “tricky” BCaBA exam question
Writing down questions one remembers after one took the BCBA exam
Posting BCBA exam items on FB
How about non-BACB exams such as the tests in the FIT courses???

Answer 81

The First Rule of the BACB Exam…

10.04 Examination Honesty and Irregularities

Question 82

Behavior analysts ensure that coursework (including continuing education events), supervised experience, RBT training and assessment, and BCaBA supervision are conducted in accordance with the BACB’s standards if these activities are intended to comply with BACB standards (See also, 5.0 Behavior Analysts as Supervisors)

Answer 82

10.05 Compliance with BACB Supervision and Coursework Standards

Question 83

Examples
The supervisor who signed off on someone who…
 … only collected data and implemented procedures.
 … only attended meetings and wrote summary reports of what was being done by others

The supervisor who signed off on supervision hours of someone who was not really supervised (they just worked together)…

Ensuring Compliance:

Coursework
•. Content verification (TL coverage)
• Hours

Continuing Education
• Behavior analytic content
• Expanding knowledge/skills (beyond requirements of certification)

RBT Training
•Required hours/content

Answer 83

10.05 Compliance with BACB Supervision and Coursework Standards

Question 84

Behavior analysts have an obligation to be familiar with this Code, other applicable ethics codes, including, but not limited to, licensure requirements for ethical conduct, and their application to behavior analysts’ work. Lack of awareness or misunderstanding of a conduct standard is not itself a defense to a charge of unethical conduct

This code element is about, “Ignorance is not an excuse.”
Familiar often means “well acquainted”

Answer 84

10.06 Being Familiar with This Code

Question 85

Behavior analysts report non certified (and, if applicable, non-registered) practitioners to the appropriate state licensing board and to the BACB if the practitioners are misrepresenting BACB certification or registration status

Types of misrepresentation
 Non-certified claiming BACB credential
 Non-certified claiming bogus credential
 Non-credentialed claiming to be ABA expert
 Certified claiming higher level credential

The Code calls for reporting the individual. You also may consider setting up a meeting, go see, call, and/or email persons misrepresenting themselves

Using the BCBA credential in reports and other documents when person is not doing BCBA work.
Using a non-behavior analytic credential in card and/or documents when it is misleading.
• Dr. Kant, CBA

Answer 85

10.07 Discouraging Misrepresentation by Non-Certified Individuals