Guidance or Compliance: What Makes an Ethical Behavior Analyst?

Area of Science:

• Behavior analysis
• Professional ethics
• Ethical decision-making

Background:

• The Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB) updated its ethical code in 2016, replacing the 2001 version.
• The revised code uses language of enforceable rules, a significant shift from the previous guidelines.
• This transition in ethical standards for behavior analysts has not been extensively examined in the field.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the implications and consequences of the BACB's shift to enforceable ethical rules.
• To review historical approaches to ethical behavior in behavior analysis.
• To propose a novel ethical decision-making process for behavior analysts.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of the BACB's ethical code revisions.
• Historical review of ethical frameworks in behavior analysis.
• Development and application of a proposed ethical decision-making model.

Main Results:

• The shift to enforceable rules represents a significant change in ethical governance for behavior analysts.
• Historical approaches reveal diverse methods for addressing ethical conduct.
• The proposed decision-making process offers a structured framework for resolving ethical dilemmas.

Conclusions:

• The revised BACB ethical code necessitates careful consideration of its implications for professional practice.
• A structured ethical decision-making process can enhance ethical behavior among behavior analysts.
• Further discussion and implementation of ethical frameworks are crucial for the field.