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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
   • Ethical Workout 1: Process Example
8. Responsibility as a Professional
   • Ethical Workout 2: Scope of Competence
9. Responsibility in Practice
   • Ethical Workout 3: Matching Services to Needs
10. Responsibility to Clients and Stakeholders

• Ethical Workout 4: Accepting Clients

11. Responsibility to Supervisees and Trainees

• Ethical Workout 5: Supervisor Responsibility

12. Responsibility in Public Statements

• Ethical Workout 6: Confidentiality

13. Responsibility in Research

• Ethical Workout 7: Research Responsibilities

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.

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.

Ethical Models and Philosophies

Deontology

Deontology is an ethical theory that emphasizes an individual’s actions rather than the consequences of their actions. It suggests that individuals have certain duties and obligations that they must fulfill, regardless of the outcomes or consequences that may result.

Utilitarianism

Utilitarianism is an ethical theory where the moral worth of an action is determined by its consequences and the extent to which it promotes the greatest amount of happiness for the greatest number of people.

Virtue Ethics

Virtue ethics emphasizes the importance of developing positive moral character to guide ethical decision-making.

Care Ethics

Care ethics highlights the significance of interpersonal relationships in ethical decision-making.

The Purpose of an Ethics Code

Establishing ethical principles, professional standards, and ethics codes in any field, including ABA, serves several primary functions:

1. Defining Discipline: Helps to establish a discipline as separate from others.
2. Public Expression of Values: Communicates how professionals are expected to behave.
3. Guidance for Decision Making: Assists professionals in fulfilling their obligations.
4. Cultivating Shared Virtues: Encourages professionals to embody the field’s values.

Ensuring the Well-Being of Individuals

One fundamental reason why ethics is crucial in ABA is to ensure the well-being of individuals who receive ABA services. Ethical considerations safeguard the rights, dignity, and overall quality of life of those receiving interventions based on ABA.

Working with Vulnerable Populations

The ethical treatment of vulnerable clients with I/DD and autism must be at the center of all ABA services. ABA professionals bear a tremendous responsibility to ensure that their clients’ voices are heard and that their rights safeguarded.

Historical and Current Criticisms of ABA

Mature behavior analysts must acknowledge and learn from mistakes made in the past. Understanding the basic principles of ABA ethics is necessary to incorporate lessons from historical missteps into current practice.