Ch 16 Flashcards
What is volatility?
An unpredicted result of a treatment plan.
e.g., rather than a treatment plan reducing self-stimulatory behavior such as hand flapping, the target behavior becomes far worse and morphs into face slapping and screaming tantrums.
What is a risk?
Exposure to injury, loss, or danger.
Client could get hurt; danger or loss related to reputation of an individual or the field.
What is a risk-benefit analysis?
The comparison of the risk of a situation to its related benefits.
e.g., some procedures such as time-out can produce “emotional responses” such as “crying, aggressiveness, and withdrawal;” doing nothing has its risks as well.
What is the risk associated with more severe or intense problem behaviors?
Generally, the more severe or intense the problem behavior, the greater the risk of failure of the plan.
What is the risk regarding mediators?
That they may not be well-trained with respect to compliance with the program and may make errors.
What must mediators be?
Trained to a high degree of compliance with the program.
How does the setting increase risk?
The setting must be a place where behavioral procedures are likely to be effective because unsatisfactory settings put the procedures at risk for failure. In addition, the setting must not put the behavior analyst at risk.
How does competence relate to risk?
BCBAs are specifically required to operate within the boundaries of their competence. However, it is not specifically stated that to operate out of the boundaries of one’s competence can present a risk to both the proper implementation of procedures and the safety of clients.
You are consulting to a group home. The participant is aggressive and often throws items, e.g., shoes, books, plates, glasses, magazines, etc. You have decided to use a DRO procedure where if the person does not aggress for five minutes, they will earn their chosen reinforcer. What risks should be discussed?
The participant is at risk of injuring himself or herself as well as any other individuals in his or her presence at the group home. A related risk is property damage, either the thrown items or other things that the projectiles hit.
What is meant by “buy-in?”
Buy-in means not only that others agree with your program proposal but also that they will do everything possible to ensure that it is implemented according to the plan. Buy-in will vary from setting to setting.
What is meant by personal liability?
Risk to the BCBA. If a client gets hurt, the BCBA could be considered liable by the parents.
What are the 5 benefits of behavioral treatment?
Client direct benefit
Indirect benefits to the settings
Benefits to mediators and caregivers
Benefits to peers in the settings
General liability to the setting is decreased
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Client behavior is greatly improved, comes into contact with many new reinforcers and more choices; client environment is greatly improved because of change in behavior – less stress for caregiver, peers; caregivers feel more in charge, improve morale, eagerness to move forward with the client; peers in the setting may change their behavior toward the client, providing more opportunities for social reinforcers; liability to the setting is greatly reduced
What are the benefits for the BCBA and the field?
- The BCBA or BCaBA who is able to make significant improvements in target behaviors as well as to improve the quality of life for the client and others will have not only a sense of relief that everything worked according to plan but also increased confidence in her ability to take on similar cases in the future.
- The reduction of liability to the designer of the behavior plan.
- The possible contribution to the body of knowledge of ABA and good public relations for the field.
