A Survey of Ethics-Related Training Within Behavior Analysis

Abstract

Ethics guidelines, trainings, and continuing education requirements are frequently updated to reflect the ongoing need to better prepare behavior analysts to face ethical dilemmas in their daily practice. In terms of the ethics trainings that behavior analysts are currently experiencing, they are potentially encountering a narrow and rigid set of trainings and resources, which may then necessitate an expanded approach to ethics. If behavior analysts are not adequately trained and are not supported in developing their ethical repertoire, then these gaps in training can detrimentally impact clients served as well as the field at large. The present study aimed to survey practitioners in the field on their ethics training experiences in supporting their ethical daily practices using questions targeted toward pre-certification ethics coursework, ethics continuing education units, and ongoing environmental supports. Data suggest that several factors significantly impact practitioner's perception of their ethics trainings (e.g., preparedness and relevance) to complete their job responsibilities in compliance with the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB) Ethics Code. Implications for ethics guidelines and training requirements for the field are discussed.