MHS 3001
Ethics of Behavior
Analysis
Q & A w/ Rationales
2024
,1. A behavior analyst is working with a client who has a
history of self-injurious behavior. The behavior analyst
wants to implement a differential reinforcement of
alternative behavior (DRA) procedure to reduce the self-
injury and increase appropriate coping skills. The behavior
analyst has obtained consent from the client and his legal
guardian, and has explained the risks and benefits of the
intervention. However, the behavior analyst is concerned
that the client may experience some initial increase in self-
injury due to extinction burst. What should the behavior
analyst do in this situation?
a) Implement the DRA procedure as planned and monitor
the client closely for any signs of distress or harm.
b) Modify the DRA procedure to include a response cost
component, such as removing a preferred item or activity,
for each occurrence of self-injury.
c) Discontinue the DRA procedure and use a less intrusive
intervention, such as positive reinforcement for absence of
self-injury.
d) Consult with a supervisor or colleague who has
expertise in treating self-injurious behavior and seek their
input on how to proceed.
Answer: D. The behavior analyst should consult with a
supervisor or colleague who has expertise in treating self-
injurious behavior and seek their input on how to proceed.
This is consistent with the ethical principle of competence,
which states that behavior analysts should provide services
only within their areas of training and experience, and
should seek consultation or supervision when necessary.
, Additionally, this is consistent with the ethical principle of
beneficence, which states that behavior analysts should act
in the best interest of their clients and avoid or minimize
harm.
2. A behavior analyst is conducting a functional analysis of
challenging behaviors for a client who lives in a group
home. The behavior analyst has obtained consent from the
client and his legal guardian, and has coordinated with the
staff members who will assist in implementing the
functional analysis conditions. The behavior analyst has
also explained the purpose, procedures, and potential risks
of the functional analysis to the staff members. However,
one of the staff members expresses discomfort with
participating in the functional analysis, especially in the
contingent attention condition, where she will have to
ignore the client's challenging behaviors and provide
attention only after a period of calm behavior. The staff
member says that she feels this is cruel and unethical, and
that she does not want to be part of it. What should the
behavior analyst do in this situation?
a) Respect the staff member's decision and assign another
staff member who is willing to participate in the functional
analysis.
b) Educate the staff member on the rationale and evidence
for conducting a functional analysis, and address any
misconceptions or concerns she may have.
c) Persuade the staff member to participate in the
functional analysis by emphasizing its importance for
developing an effective intervention for the client.
Ethics of Behavior
Analysis
Q & A w/ Rationales
2024
,1. A behavior analyst is working with a client who has a
history of self-injurious behavior. The behavior analyst
wants to implement a differential reinforcement of
alternative behavior (DRA) procedure to reduce the self-
injury and increase appropriate coping skills. The behavior
analyst has obtained consent from the client and his legal
guardian, and has explained the risks and benefits of the
intervention. However, the behavior analyst is concerned
that the client may experience some initial increase in self-
injury due to extinction burst. What should the behavior
analyst do in this situation?
a) Implement the DRA procedure as planned and monitor
the client closely for any signs of distress or harm.
b) Modify the DRA procedure to include a response cost
component, such as removing a preferred item or activity,
for each occurrence of self-injury.
c) Discontinue the DRA procedure and use a less intrusive
intervention, such as positive reinforcement for absence of
self-injury.
d) Consult with a supervisor or colleague who has
expertise in treating self-injurious behavior and seek their
input on how to proceed.
Answer: D. The behavior analyst should consult with a
supervisor or colleague who has expertise in treating self-
injurious behavior and seek their input on how to proceed.
This is consistent with the ethical principle of competence,
which states that behavior analysts should provide services
only within their areas of training and experience, and
should seek consultation or supervision when necessary.
, Additionally, this is consistent with the ethical principle of
beneficence, which states that behavior analysts should act
in the best interest of their clients and avoid or minimize
harm.
2. A behavior analyst is conducting a functional analysis of
challenging behaviors for a client who lives in a group
home. The behavior analyst has obtained consent from the
client and his legal guardian, and has coordinated with the
staff members who will assist in implementing the
functional analysis conditions. The behavior analyst has
also explained the purpose, procedures, and potential risks
of the functional analysis to the staff members. However,
one of the staff members expresses discomfort with
participating in the functional analysis, especially in the
contingent attention condition, where she will have to
ignore the client's challenging behaviors and provide
attention only after a period of calm behavior. The staff
member says that she feels this is cruel and unethical, and
that she does not want to be part of it. What should the
behavior analyst do in this situation?
a) Respect the staff member's decision and assign another
staff member who is willing to participate in the functional
analysis.
b) Educate the staff member on the rationale and evidence
for conducting a functional analysis, and address any
misconceptions or concerns she may have.
c) Persuade the staff member to participate in the
functional analysis by emphasizing its importance for
developing an effective intervention for the client.
