Ethical Dilemmas in Behavior Analysis – Applying the Seven-Step Model
There are two aspects that need to be considered in Alba’s case: the level of experience and training of the BCaBA and the intricacy of the case (Bailey & Burch, 2016). In this scenario, it is clear that there is a mismatch since the BCaBA Alba is inexperienced in handling dietary disorders and a child in dire need of improving his feeding. With this complication, further complications can follow if Alba were to attend to the child. This is because the child may be harmed further due to inexperience and lack of training of the expert. Therefore, it would be wise for the BCaBA to reject the case. The BCaBA can refer the case to an experienced BCaBA who handles feeding disorder cases.
The relevant codes that can be applied to this scenario include the responsible conduct of the BCaBA. Specifically, the behavior analyst needs to rely on scientific knowledge to make professional judgments of service provision and maintain boundaries of competence (BCBA, 2023). Another code applied in the scenario is the analyst’s responsibility toward clients. Under this code, the analyst must maintain the consultation code, which entails arranging for proper consultation and referrals, considering the client’s best interests and applicable contract obligations and law (BCBA, 2023).
Using the seven-step model, the first step is finding out if the scenario is in the code of ethics, and as discussed above, it is. The next step is analyzing the actors, including the BCaBA, client, supervisor, head of the agency, and other organizations (Bailey & Burch, 2016). The BCaBA needs to analyze if she is ready for the uncomfortable situation, given that she may face conflict at her workplace. According to Bailey & Burch (2016), the BCaBA is the first actor, then the client who is the beneficiary of the correct decision and needs protection. As highlighted in the scenario, the supervisor does not seem to consider the client’s well-being since he has imposed the case on the inexperienced analyst. According to Bailey & Burch (2016), supervisors must consider clients’ interests and participate amicably in the ethical issue. The other players are not included in the scenario.
The third step is contingency plans. The BCaBA thought her first plan, going to the supervisor, would work, but it did not. The second plan would be speaking directly to the child’s parents, explaining the matters at stake, and, if possible, referring to the right professional even if it risks her job. In the fourth step, the BCaBA needs to use her skills and influence to make the right decision. For instance, she could use her leadership, critical thinking, handling difficult persons, and assertiveness to stand up for the client against her supervisor to make the right decision that would be in the client’s best interest.
The next step is about the risk surrounding the scenario. It would be risky for the baby to be attended to by the BCaBA because the expert is inexperienced in the case and may cause more health problems for the baby. To Alba, the BCaBA, the risk is losing her license if she chooses to attend to the client or losing her job if she fails to do what his supervisor wants. The benefit is that she may get another job elsewhere and maintain her integrity. In the implementation step, the BCaBA needs to choose to speak directly to the client’s parents, explain the intricacies of the case, and make an appropriate referral according to the code of ethics of analysts’ responsibility to clients. After that, she needs to evaluate her decision and determine how to handle it the next time the case resurfaces.
References
Bailey. J.S. & Burch, M.R. (2016). Ethics for Behavior Analysts, 3rd Edition. New York: Routledge.
BCBA (2023). Ethics Codes. https://www.bacb.com/ethics-information/ethics-codes/.
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Question 
For this unit, you have examined the Seven-Step Model. This tool covers questions you must ask yourself when analyzing an ethical dilemma. This model examines the behavior analyst’s education and experience level, the threat of possible harm to clients, conflicts, and potential legal issues. The readings showed how the Seven-Step Model can be used. When working to resolve ethical dilemmas, it is important to be prepared for any legal questions that may arise. Unit 2 covered many steps to take to make sure you, as a practitioner, are protected.
Ethical Dilemmas in Behavior Analysis – Applying the Seven-Step Model
Scenario 1
Alba, a new Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst (BCaBA), has been working for a local company providing home-based applied behavior analysis (ABA) services to children diagnosed with autism. Recently, she was assigned a case that required expertise in feeding disorders. The baby, 9 months old, has been labeled “failure to thrive” and has only gained 5 pounds since birth. She told her supervisor she had no expertise in this severe condition and would like to be removed from the case. Her supervisor told her that no one on staff has experience with this type of behavior and that she would have to research the condition.
Scenario 2
Yukito has worked for Behavior Incorporated for 6 months. He recently had lunch with a colleague, and they discussed the stress of meeting the billable hour quota each week. His colleague told him that he finally got sick of the pressure and began padding his hours about 3 weeks ago. “Oh, I do a little literature review for each client and add 30 minutes to each client’s hours for billing. No more stress!” Yukito is shocked! He is faced with the question of how to handle his colleague’s breach of the Code.
Discussion
Choose one of the scenarios and determine possible approaches to resolving the ethical dilemma in the case. Discuss the relevant codes that apply to this scenario. Describe the Seven-Step Model and explain the purpose of each step. Use the Seven-Step Model to explain the next steps to follow.