Unit 3 Quiz

Question 1

Behavior analysis is a unique helping profession, in part because:

Answer 1

a. A scientific methodology is applied based on single-subject design research where individuals serve as their own control.
b. Each client is evaluated individually using a custom-tailored measurement procedure that is based on the person’s referred behavior of concern.
c. Continuous measurement evaluation of the intervention occurs until the intervention has terminated.

Question 2

Evidence-based treatment is a popular phrase in psychology and medicine today. In the field of applied behavior analysis, research-based interventions that have been proven effective in the laboratory or other controlled settings have been in use:

Answer 2

Since the late 1960s and early 1970s

Question 3

Although there is a solid body of research for behavior analyst practitioners to rely upon, there is still a considerable degree of judgment required when:

Answer 3

a. Adapting a procedure to a specific client that may differ from the population or client characteristics in available research studies.
b. Modifying procedures to work with teachers and paraprofessionals, or with nonprofessional caretakers or parents.
c. The procedure must be applied in diverse real-world settings outside of the clinical settings used by many other professionals.

Question 4

Which of the following is a potential ethical dilemma for a behavior analyst?

Answer 4

Some third parties may expect the behavior analyst to quickly reduce a severe behavior challenge using whatever punishment procedure works fastest. However, it is usually necessary to conduct a functional assessment in order to develop an appropriate intervention, which may include teaching the client functional communication skills that may reduce or replace the challenging behavior.

Question 5

A reason that behavior analysis is unique is that many behavior analysts work for state agencies or private consulting firms, often with little direct supervision in the field. Employers should provide proper oversight to the behavior analyst. However, it is often the behavior analyst who must individually be responsible for his or her own ethical conduct. This may be especially difficult when:

Answer 5

a. The employer may expect the behavior analyst to engage in unseemly or possibly unethical behavior, such as cutting corners to increase profits.
b. The behavior analyst must refuse an employer’s request, because it violates ethical guidelines.
c. The employer threatens termination if the behavior analyst does not comply with his or her request.

Question 6

A frequently cited area of ethical concern relates to the behavior analyst’s responsibility to recommend scientifically supported treatments. This is a significant problem because parents apparently prefer to choose from a variety of non-behavioral therapeutic approaches:

Answer 6

Influenced by recommendations from celebrities, high-profile persons, and professionals with competing theories.

Question 7

As a result of the early and inappropriate use of aversive consequences, there was a backlash by client-advocate and consumer groups. Behavior analysts were portrayed as pro-punishment. This placed the profession on the radar and under close observation by society. A related goal for each behavior analyst today is:

Answer 7

a. To be sure in their dealings with clients and the public that their conduct is above reproach and well within the law, and to be recognized by those around them as exemplary citizens.
b. To emerge onto the scene with (and maintain) a strong reputation for truth, honesty, integrity, reliability, and confidentiality.
c. To reject personal biases, and deal with people of different ages, genders, sexual orientations, races, ethnicities, national origins, languages, religions, appearances (such as weight, height), disabilities, and socioeconomic statuses in an open and nondiscriminatory manner.

Question 8

When conducting themselves responsibly, behavior analysts provide services, teach, and conduct research only within the boundaries of their training and supervised, professional experience. In the language of the BACB ethical code, behavior analysts operate within the boundaries of their:

Answer 8

Competence

Question 9

Besides being truthful and honest, the behavior analyst also conforms to the legal and moral codes of the social and professional community. In the language of the BACB ethical code, this type of responsible conduct for behavior analysts is described as:

Answer 9

Integrity

Question 10

Which of the following is likely to be a violation of the BACB ethical code regarding professional and scientific relationships for a behavior analyst?

Answer 10

An informal, verbal agreement to provide pro bono work for a family.

Question 11

Which of the following is most likely to be a violation of the BACB ethical code for responsible conduct of a behavior analyst?

Answer 11

a. Taking advantage of, or exploiting, people who are clients, research participants, students, supervisees, or employees.
b. Becoming involved in a sexual relationship with a student, supervisee, or client.
c. Bartering or exchanging goods or services in lieu of payment.

Question 12

Early behavior modifiers placed a great emphasis on the use of consequences. Because there was a lack of clear ethical or professional guidelines, this resulted in the use of some very _________ consequences that tarnished the field. Advances in ethical training and guidelines, and greater emphasis on positive reinforcement procedures, have helped restore the reputation of the field of behavior analysis today.

Answer 12

Aversive

Question 13

Bailey and Burch (2011) conducted a non-scientific survey by gathering 500 scenarios that described common ethical issues and concerns faced by behavior analysts. Problems with funding, data collection and falsification, preferences for alternative non-evidence-based treatments, and competing lines of authority represent the most frequently indicated kind of ethical dilemma, specifically the client’s right to effective ______.

Answer 13

Treatment

Question 14

A significant ethical concern for behavior analysts is that some practitioners failed to rely on scientific knowledge by conducting any functional __________ procedures before preparing an intervention plan.

Answer 14

Assessment

Question 15

An important ethical concern for behavior analysts involves special cautions in interactions with a client in any capacity outside of the role of behavioral practitioner. For example, it may be difficult to decide what to do when a client offers a small kindness or gift of appreciation for services received, or invites the behavior analyst to attend social, nonprofessional events. However, one must take care to avoid violation of ethical codes regarding conflicts of interest and ______ relationships.

Answer 15

Multiple and/or dual

Question 16

As a child matures into adulthood, he or she learns a unique set of rules for ethical conduct, or what might be called his or her own personal ethics. However, when one enters a career in behavior analysis, these personal ethics may come in conflict with required rules for ________ ethics.

Answer 16

Professional

Question 17

Accepting favors, gossiping about other people, avoiding or covering up problems by telling white lies, giving casual advice, and failing to accept full responsibility are examples of behaviors that we may experience starting in childhood. A behavior analyst’s ________ ethics must be scrutinized and replaced by the professional ethics represented in the professional and ethical code for behavior analysts.

Answer 17

Personal

Question 18

Pioneering behavior analysts were often respected experimental psychologists who successfully and ethically intervened to reduce the suffering of, or dramatically improve the quality of life for, individuals who desperately needed effective treatment. Later, other poorly trained, insensitive, and inadequately supervised behavior modifiers were exposed in scandals regarding their disturbing and unethical treatment approaches. Today, the first ethical code of the BACB addresses the very high expectations that exist for practicing behavior analysts. This first guideline is titled ________ Conduct of a Behavior Analyst.

Answer 18

Responsible

Question 19

According to the BACB ethical code, responsible conduct after completion of ABA coursework and supervised experience requires ongoing efforts to maintain competence through professional __________.

Answer 19

Development

Question 20

The high standards of professionals in the field of applied behavior analysis noted in the Bailey and Burch text include all of the following except:

Answer 20

Confidence, sincerity, and loyalty

Question 21

Which of the following are considered evidence-based practice in the field of ABA?

Answer 21

Contingent skin shock

Question 22

Which element in the ethics codes really provides a foundation for all others?

Answer 22

Integrity

Question 23

Currently, how many journals worldwide publish behavior analytic research?

Answer 23

Nearly two dozen

Question 24

As part of being a well-respected professional, the ethical code suggests refraining from giving casual advice to neighbors, friends, and relatives. Giving casual advice may create an unfortunate situation if the advice is not followed or does not yield desired results. Which ethical code element does this follow?

Answer 24

1.05 Professional and Scientific Relationships

Question 25

According to code 1.05, if a behavior analyst experiences challenges in their personal life that may impede upon their professional work, they should:

Answer 25

Request a leave of absence to take care of the personal issues, and return when they are able to perform at their best professionally.