FREE BCBA Board Certified Behavior Analyst Ethics and Professional Conduct Questions and Answers

Question 1

A BCBA provides in-home services to a child.
The child's parents, who are very pleased with the services, offer the BCBA a standing invitation to have free meals at their family-owned restaurant.
According to the BACB Ethics Code, what is the BCBA's most appropriate course of action?

Accepted Answer

Politely decline the offer, explaining the ethical guidelines regarding multiple relationships and conflicts of interest.

Answer

Accept the offer as a kind gesture, but limit it to once a month to maintain professionalism.

Answer

Accept the offer, as it is a gift of service rather than a monetary gift, and does not violate the code.

Answer

Suggest that the parents instead provide a positive review online for the agency.

Question 2

Under the BACB's Ethics Code for Behavior Analysts, which of the following is an unacceptable practice regarding the use of client testimonials?

Accepted Answer

Using an unsolicited positive review from a current client's parent, found on a public website, in a new promotional brochure.

Answer

Using a testimonial from a former client in an advertisement after obtaining their consent and specifying if it was solicited.

Answer

Using an anonymous testimonial from a current client in a grant application for a non-profit organization.

Answer

Sharing a former client's success story at a professional conference with all identifying information removed.

Question 3

A BCBA is asked by a school principal to help develop a classroom-wide behavior management system. The BCBA conducts observations, analyzes the data, and designs an evidence-based intervention package that is effective in reducing problem behavior and increasing academic engagement for all students. This action primarily exemplifies which core ethical principle?

Accepted Answer

Benefit Others

Answer

Behaving with Integrity

Answer

Ensuring Competence

Answer

Treating Others with Compassion, Dignity, and Respect

Question 4

A behavior analyst is working with a 14-year-old client who has the ability to verbally express their wishes. The client's legal guardians have provided informed consent for a new intervention. When the BCBA introduces the procedure, the client says, "I don't like this, and I don't want to do it." What is the BCBA's ethical obligation?

Accepted Answer

Acknowledge the client's dissent, pause the procedure, and attempt to gain assent by explaining the rationale in a way the client can understand or modifying the procedure.

Answer

Proceed with the intervention, as legal consent from the guardians is sufficient.

Answer

Inform the client that participation is not optional and immediately implement the procedure as planned.

Answer

Discontinue services immediately because the client is refusing to participate.

Question 5

A BCBA with extensive experience in early intensive behavioral intervention for autism is asked by a friend to provide services for the friend's elderly parent, who has dementia and engages in aggressive behavior. The BCBA has never worked with geriatric populations. What is the most ethical course of action?

Accepted Answer

Decline to provide services directly and refer the friend to a behavior analyst with documented experience and competence in gerontology.

Answer

Accept the case, as the principles of behavior analysis are universal.

Answer

Agree to take the case after completing a weekend workshop on behavior analysis in dementia care.

Answer

Agree to take the case but under the direct supervision of a medical doctor.

Question 6

A BCBA is closing their private practice and transitioning all clients to other providers. According to the BACB Ethics Code, what is the BCBA's responsibility regarding the maintenance of client records?

Accepted Answer

The BCBA must maintain and dispose of records in a way that protects confidentiality and complies with laws, generally for a minimum of 7 years.

Answer

All original records must be transferred to the new provider, and the BCBA should not retain any copies.

Answer

All records must be destroyed within 30 days of service termination to protect client confidentiality.

Answer

The client's family should be given the option to take possession of all records, relieving the BCBA of further responsibility.