00-3321-135665_FM.indd

Ethical Decision Making in Applied Behavior Analysis

Ilene S. Schwartz, Ph.D., BCBA-D
University of Washington
and
Elizabeth M. Kelly, Ph.D., BCBA
University of Washington

Excerpted from Ethical Decision Making in Applied Behavior Analysis By Ilene S. Schwartz, Ph.D., BCBA-D, & Elizabeth M. Kelly, Ph.D.

Contents

1. About the Online Materials. vii
2. About the Authors. ix
3. Preface . xi
4. Acknowledgments . xv
5. Applying Ethics in Your Everyday Practice
6. Introduction to the Ethics Code for Behavior Analysts
7. The Ethical Decision-Making Process
8. Responsibility as a Professional
9. Responsibility in Practice
10. Responsibility to Clients and Stakeholders
11. Responsibility to Supervisees and Trainees
12. Responsibility in Public Statements
13. Responsibility in Research
14. Putting It All Together

About the Authors

Dr. Ilene Schwartz

Dr. Ilene Schwartz is a professor in the area of special education at the University of Washington (UW) and the director of the Haring Center for Inclusive Education at UW. She earned her Ph.D. in child and developmental psychology from the University of Kansas and is a board-certified behavior analyst (BCBA-D). Dr. Schwartz has an active research and professional training agenda with primary interests in the areas of autism, inclusive education, professional ethics, and the sustainability of educational interventions.

Dr. Elizabeth Kelly

Dr. Elizabeth Kelly is a teaching associate in the Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) program within the College of Education at the University of Washington (UW) and a researcher at the Haring Center for Inclusive Education at UW. She earned her Ph.D. in Special Education with an emphasis in ABA from the University of Washington in 2021. Dr. Kelly earned her board certification in behavior analysis (BCBA) in 2013. Her research focuses on ethics in ABA, behavior supports in schools, and family-school partnerships.

Preface

How do we teach behavior analysts and those training to become behavior analysts to use ethical decision making in their everyday practice? We were trying to answer those questions when we started to write this book. What we discovered, not surprisingly, is that there is no simple answer to any of them. In fact, in our early discussions, we raised many more questions than answers. We quickly discovered that ethics are not a set of discrete, observable behaviors that could be taught using behavior skills training. There are multiple definitions of ethics, and often it is difficult to get consensus on a firm definition.

What do we know about ethics? We know that ethics serve as a guiding moral compass that people follow in their lives. Personal ethics help individuals make decisions about what is right and wrong and guide them toward determining the right course of action. Personal ethics are moral codes that may be influenced by many factors, including family, culture, education, and religion.

Responsibilities in Applied Behavior Analysis

Importance of Ethics in ABA

High-quality applied behavior analysis (ABA) is ethical ABA, and ethical ABA is high-quality ABA. This book aims to help students and practitioners of ABA understand what it means to be an ethical behavior analyst. While the Ethics Code for Behavior Analysts is necessary for guiding professional behavior, adherence to the Code alone does not make an ABA practitioner ethical.

Understanding and applying ethics is crucial for ensuring that the needs and rights of clients are prioritized throughout the decision-making processes in behavioral practice. ABA practitioners should strive for interventions to align with clients’ values, preferences, and goals to improve the overall quality of life for those receiving ABA services.

Ethical Theories in ABA

• Deontology: Focuses on individual actions rather than outcomes. Ethical decisions are made based on rules.
• Utilitarianism: Actions are evaluated based on their consequences and the overall happiness they promote.
• Virtue Ethics: Emphasizes developing virtuous character traits to guide ethical behavior.
• Care Ethics: Considers interpersonal relationships and context in ethical decision-making.

Conclusion

This book serves as a guide for both students new to ABA and seasoned practitioners, advocating for ethical practices that uphold the dignity and rights of all clients. It aims to provide insights into how ethical principles can be applied in diverse contexts, enhancing the professional development of behavior analysts and ultimately benefitting the individuals they serve.