Applied Behavior Analysis, Second Edition All rights reserved What is worth doing? • Social validity – Are the goals acceptable for the planned behavior change intervention? – Are the procedures acceptable and aligned with best treatment practices? – Do the results show meaningful, significant, and sustainable change?
Applied Behavior Analysis, Second Edition All rights reserved What is worth doing? • Cost-Benefit Ratio – Does the potential benefit to the individual justify the short- and long-term cost for providing the service? • Decisions should be made by committee • Person with highest stake in outcome should be given greatest consideration
Applied Behavior Analysis, Second Edition All rights reserved What is worth doing? • Existing Exigencies – Behaviors that are more serious warrant intervention consideration before behaviors that are less problematic – Must still consider long-term ramifications for treatments that result in quick change
Applied Behavior Analysis, Second Edition All rights reserved The good behavior analyst… • Follows the Golden Rule • Is self-regulating • Calibrates decisions over time to meeting changing cultural values and contingencies
Applied Behavior Analysis, Second Edition All rights reserved Professional Standards • Written guidelines or rules of practice that provide direction for the practices associated with an organization
Applied Behavior Analysis, Second Edition All rights reserved Making and Substantiating Professional Claims • Avoid making unsubstantiated claims (e.g., “I am certain I can help your son”) – Maintain a healthy dose of humility • Only present yourself with valid credentials (never claim to have certifications, licenses that you don’t have)
Applied Behavior Analysis, Second Edition All rights reserved Informed Consent • The potential recipient of services or a participant in a research study gives his or her explicit permission before any assessment or treatment is provided • Permission must follow full disclosure and information has been provided
Applied Behavior Analysis, Second Edition All rights reserved Three Tests for Informed Consent • Person must demonstrate capacity to decide • Person’s decision must be voluntary • Person must have adequate knowledge of all salient aspects of treatment
Applied Behavior Analysis, Second Edition All rights reserved Capacity to Decide • The person must have – Adequate mental process or faculty by which he/she acquires knowledge – Ability to select and express his or her choices – Ability to engage in a rational process of decision making • These are often fluid concepts
Applied Behavior Analysis, Second Edition All rights reserved Knowledge of Treatment • Treatment must be presented in clear, nontechnical language – All important aspects of treatment – All potential risks/benefits – All potential alternative treatments
Applied Behavior Analysis, Second Edition All rights reserved Treatment Without Consent • Life-threatening emergency • Imminent risk of serious harm • Cannot be done when parents simply refuse; have recourse through legal system
Applied Behavior Analysis, Second Edition All rights reserved Confidentiality • Information regarding an individual receiving services may not be discussed with or made available to third parties (unless explicit permission has been given) • Limits – Abusive situations – Imminent, severe harm to the individual
Applied Behavior Analysis, Second Edition All rights reserved Protecting Dignity, Health, and Safety • Do I honor choices? – Do I help the client select outcomes and behavior change targets? • Do I provide adequate space for privacy? • Do I look beyond the disability and treat the person with respect?