Overview

The course will consider ethics in behaviour analysis. The content is drawn from the BCBA Task List (5th Edition), Section 1: Foundations, Content Area E: Ethics

1. Responsible conduct of behaviour analysts
2. Behaviour analysts’ responsibility to clients
3. Assessing behaviour
4. Behaviour analysts and the behaviour-change program
5. Behaviour analysts as supervisors
6. Behaviour analysts’ ethical responsibility to the profession of behaviour analysis
7. Behaviour analysts’ ethical responsibility to colleagues
8. Public statements
9. Behaviour analysts and research
10. Behaviour analysts’ ethical responsibility to the BACB

Assessment Strategy

-threshold -50%%> - Some basic consideration underpinning principles of the applications of behaviourism in the real world. - Adequate knowledge of some of the key concepts in applied behaviour analysis only. - Weaknesses in understanding theoretical issues with multiple/major factual errors. - Limited evidence of critical analysis and evaluation of theory and research. - Arguments are presented briefly, but they are weak with no synthesis or original interpretation. - Answer only briefly focused on question and with some irrelevant material and poor structure. - Weak argument with disjointed structure and major APA format errors.

-good -60%>Some insight into the applications of behaviourism in the real world. • Strong knowledge of key concepts in applied behaviour analysis. • Solid understanding of theoretical issues mostly free of factual errors. • Evidence of critical analysis and evaluation of theory and research. • Coherent arguments presented, with some limited synthesis and original interpretation • Answer focused on question, but with very little irrelevant material and clear structure • Well-structured presentation showing focus of argument and expression.

-excellent -70%> - Depth of insight into behavioural principles underpinning the applications of behaviourism in the real world. - Comprehensive and detailed knowledge of applied behaviour analysis. - Excellent understanding and original interpretation of theoretical issues with no factual errors. - Clear evidence of critical analysis and insightful evaluation of theory and research. - Logically presented and defended arguments presented with coherent synthesis and original interpretation. - Answer focused on question, with no irrelevant material and clear structure. - Well-structured argument showing focus and clarity of argument and expression.

Learning Outcomes

• Students will consider how behave in accordance with the Professional and Ethical Compliance Code for Behaviour Analysts

• Students will consider the complexity of ethical issues that are commonly experienced by practicing behaviour analysts

• Students will critically analyse the how their own professional codes, laws, and personal moral code interacts with the BACB ethical guidance.

• Students will explain how behaviour analysts make ethical decisions with regards to treatment decisions.