Professional and ethical codes contained in Behavioral analysts

at
Categories
Tags

 

 

 

Consider the professional and ethical codes contained in section 5 for Behavioral analysts. Look at the ethical code and individual elements being discussed for the week. Do a search for a current event or news story that highlights a violation of one of the specific elements addressed during the week. Because behaviorism addresses all human behavior across disciplines and environments, you may search broadly. Post the article as a link or a document for your classmates and briefly summarize the news story; give a behavioral interpretation of the occurrence or event. What was the human behavior(s) occurring? Was this behavior ethical through the lens of the BACB Ethical code for Behavior Analysts? If our Ethical Code were applied to this story, what would the violation be?

Sample Solution

News Story: Police Officer Uses De-escalation Techniques to Diffuse Tense Standoff (Ethical in Behavior Analysis)

Source: https://www.theadvocate.com/baton_rouge/news/

Summary:

The article describes a recent incident in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, where a police officer used de-escalation techniques to peacefully resolve a tense standoff with a suicidal man armed with a knife. The man was reportedly experiencing a mental health crisis and threatening to harm himself. The officer, Sergeant Deon Foster, spent over an hour talking calmly with the man, building rapport and eventually convincing him to surrender the knife.

Behavioral Interpretation:

Sergeant Foster’s actions demonstrate several key behavioral principles:

  • Positive Reinforcement: By remaining calm and patient, fostering trust, and offering support, Sergeant Foster likely reinforced the man’s willingness to cooperate.
  • Extinction: Ignoring threats or aggressive behavior (while maintaining safety) can extinguish such behaviors if they don’t lead to desired outcomes (e.g., getting attention).
  • Shaping Behavior: Sergeant Foster’s approach likely involved breaking down the desired outcome (surrendering the knife) into smaller steps (conversation, expressing empathy) and reinforcing progress towards the goal.

Ethical Analysis through BACB Code:

Sergeant Foster’s conduct aligns with the following principles of the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB) Ethical Code:

  • 1.1 Welfare and Rights of Others: His actions prioritized the safety of the man in crisis and the surrounding community.
  • 1.2 Respect for Human Dignity: He treated the man with respect and empathy despite the situation.
  • 2.1 Competence: His use of de-escalation techniques demonstrates competence in behavior management principles.

Conclusion:

This news story exemplifies ethical behavior analysis in action. Sergeant Foster’s approach aligns with the BACB code by prioritizing the well-being of the individual in crisis while utilizing effective behavioral techniques to achieve a positive outcome.

This question has been answered.

Get Answer