E.1: Identify and apply core principles underlying the ethics codes for BACB certificants (e.g., benefit others; treat others with compassion, dignity, and respect; behave with integrity).
Free practice questions for this part of the BCBA, with an explanation for every option.
Which of the following is one of the core principles on which the BACB Ethics Code for Behavior Analysts is based?
- A. Maximize client productivityIncorrect. Productivity is not a core principle; client benefit is defined by the client's best interest and well-being, not output.
- B. Defer to stakeholder preferences in all mattersIncorrect. Stakeholder input is important, but behavior analysts prioritize the client's best interest and do not defer to stakeholders in every matter.
- C. Ensure their competenceCorrect. The four core principles are: benefit others; treat others with compassion, dignity, and respect; behave with integrity; and ensure their competence.
- D. Protect the reputation of the profession above the interests of individual clientsIncorrect. The Code centers on benefiting clients and others; protecting the field never overrides an individual client's welfare.
During a group session, a BCBA hears a technician refer to a 7-year-old client as "the biter" in front of the child and other clients. Which core principle is most directly at issue?
- A. Benefit othersIncorrect. Benefiting others is relevant in a general way, but the most direct principle at issue is dignity and respect.
- B. Behave with integrityIncorrect. Integrity is about honesty and acting in line with commitments. Here the main problem is disrespectful treatment.
- C. Ensure their competenceIncorrect. The issue is not a lack of skill in carrying out procedures but how the technician talks about and treats the client.
- D. Treat others with compassion, dignity, and respectCorrect. Labeling a client by a problem behavior in public is demeaning, which goes against treating people with dignity and respect.
While reviewing session notes, a BCBA finds that she billed an insurer for three 2-hour sessions that were cancelled. No one else has noticed. Which action best reflects the principle of behaving with integrity?
- A. Make up for it by not billing three future sessions that do take placeIncorrect. This creates a second set of inaccurate records instead of fixing the first.
- B. Correct the billing promptly and tell the funder about the error, following the agency's proceduresCorrect. Behavior analysts take responsibility and fix billing inaccuracies right away, as soon as they find them.
- C. Leave the claims as they are, since the dollar amount is small and the client still needs servicesIncorrect. The size of the error doesn't matter. Keeping known inaccurate claims in place is misrepresentation.
- D. Wait to see whether the funder catches the error during a routine auditIncorrect. Behaving with integrity means fixing known errors yourself, not hoping someone else finds them.