Assessing the Reliability of and Preference for an Ethical Decision Model

Area of Science:

• Behavior Analysis
• Applied Psychology
• Professional Ethics

Background:

• Ethical behavior is crucial for quality services in behavior analysis.
• Decision-making models can enhance ethical reasoning, but research in behavior analysis is limited.
• Investigating ethical decision-making processes among behavior analysts is essential.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effectiveness of a decision-making model in addressing ethical dilemmas for behavior analysts.
• To compare the reliability and preference of using a decision model versus personal methods for ethical problem-solving.
• To explore factors influencing behavior analysts' preference for decision-making approaches.

Main Methods:

• An online survey was administered to 75 Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs).
• Participants initially used their own methods to solve ethical dilemmas (baseline).
• Following exposure to a decision model, participants chose between their method or the model for subsequent dilemmas.

Main Results:

• Significant variability was observed in participants' ethical decisions.
• The decision model increased the reliability of ethical decisions compared to personal methods.
• Participants expressed a preference for their own methods over the decision model.
• Preference for decision-making methods varied with years of experience and demographic factors (race, gender identity).

Conclusions:

• While a decision model enhances ethical decision-making reliability for behavior analysts, personal preference for established methods persists.
• Future interventions should consider individual experience and cultural factors when implementing ethical decision-making models.
• Further research is needed to optimize decision-making models for widespread adoption in behavior analysis practice.