Reflection Essay

Part 3
The process of ethical decision-making as a team was insightful and eye-opening in many
ways. First, I got to engage with other team members and their different viewpoints on how to
adhere to the ethical guidelines provided by BACB. The discussions were open and interactive.
According to Little (2005), open and two-way communication enhances interpersonal
effectiveness. As we were working on the scenario, we freely exchanged information. The Johari
window identifies four regions that represent information literacy when working in a group. I
was able to specifically relate to the second region, the Blindspot. Through the interactions, I
realized that there was quite a lot of information that different group members knew that I did
not know. This helped me a lot in working on my biases. For instance, when discussing multiple
and dual relationships, I was of the opinion that compliments and small gifts could not lead to
dual relationships since they are a form of appreciation and positive reinforcement if the progress
is responding positively to treatment and honoring meetings.
However, through the discussion, I listened to team members give examples of how
clients can misunderstand certain small gestures to imply that the professional was implying
other things and showing affection. One of the members gave an example of a supervisor who
explained to her how she had to stop offering the client snacks because he thought that she was
interested in him. Such acts may be well-intentioned from the practitioner’s perspective, but the
client could misunderstand such examples; I understood BACB code 1.02 on dual and multiple
relationships and the practicality of this code. Gifts do not constitute well-wrapped items that are
pricey. Small gestures outside the professional’s practice are gifts and should be avoided to

REFLECTION ESSAY 3
ensure that the relationship between the behavior analyst and the client remains healthy and
within the professional limits.
Further, I learned a lot of lessons from the group process, and these will benefit me in my
professional journey as a behavior analyst. I learner every human being is biased in a way, and
not every biased behavior is inherently bad or negative. According to Matsude et al. (2020), bias
is problematic if it leads to adverse outcomes to other people as well as to self. However, as a
behavior analyst, bias can hinder the successful implementation of treatment techniques. I will
work on my own biases as a professional by ensuring that I educate myself on the different
cultures of my clients. Multicultural awareness and competency will help me avoid stereotypical
statements that could hinder the effectiveness of my treatment. I will also work closely with
other practitioners to ensure that I learn from their experiences.
I have also learned that context matters when it comes to ethical decision-making as a
behavior analyst. There are instances whereby adhering to the ethical standards outlined by
BACB will not be straight-forward. According to Rosenberg & Schwartz (2019), there are moral
absolutes for every situation that a behavior analyst might encounter in the field. However, there
are scenarios whereby adhering to the rules stated by BACB might not be considered ethical. The
implication is that following the BACB rules is not always a straightforward thing. As a behavior
analyst, adherence to the rules can sometimes be affected by context. Certain contexts may
necessitate thinking outside the box and addressing the situation in the most appropriate manner.
Further, it is possible for two or more BACB rules to conflict during one’s practice. For
instance, practitioners are obligated to follow through on their contractual and professional
commitments with their clients. Behavior analysts are expected to put the client’s needs above all
others. Code 2.04 explains circumstances when a behavior analyst may discontinue services, and

REFLECTION ESSAY 4
this must be done based on the client’s best interests (Behavior Analyst Certification Board,
2021). however, third parties such as family members may insist on having the practitioner
continue services even when the latter may feel it is no longer necessary. It is evident that there
are scenarios that will present true ethical dilemmas where there is clearly no right or wrong
approach. There are times where one may be ethically and morally condemned regardless of the
decision made. Through the discussions, I realized that there would be instances where I will
have to make the best decisions based on the context and my analysis of the situation.
Overall, the process of ethical decision-making in my practice as a behavior analyst will
be complex. It is a process that will entail systematic evaluation of the ethical dilemma at hand
and reaching a decision that will be based not only on the ethical guidelines provided by BACB
but also on other prevailing factors that might influence an ethical decision. Also, ethical fitness
in practice is needed. I will achieve ethical behavior fluency through constant practice.

REFLECTION ESSAY 5

References

Behavior Analyst Certification Board. (2021). BACB – Behavior Analyst Certification Board.
Retrieved 12 February 2021, from https://www.bacb.com/
Little, L. (2005). Leadership communication and the Johari Window. Administrator, 24(3), 4.
Matsuda, K., Garcia, Y., Catagnus, R., & Brandt, J. A. (2020). Can behavior analysis help us
understand and reduce racism? A review of the current literature. Behavior Analysis in
Practice, 13(2), 336-347.
Rosenberg, N. E., & Schwartz, I. S. (2019). Guidance or compliance: What makes an ethical
behavior analyst?. Behavior Analysis in Practice, 12(2), 473-482.