This comparison draws in part from “It's Not UNETHICAL You Just Don't Like It: Ethics, Morals & Preferences” (The Daily BA), and extends it with peer-reviewed research from our library of 27,900+ ABA research articles. The decision framework, BACB ethics code references, and cross-links below are synthesized by Behaviorist Book Club.
View the original presentation →One of the most consequential decisions a behavior analyst makes is not just what intervention to use, but how to approach the clinical question in the first place. For it's not unethical you just don't like it: ethics, morals & preferences, the difference between an evidence-based, individualized approach and a traditional, protocol-driven one can significantly impact outcomes.
This guide lays out the key factors side by side to support your clinical decision-making.
| Factor | Evidence-Based Approach | Traditional Approach |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | Ethical Violation: Specific, identifiable breach of a BACB Ethics Code standard | Moral Disagreement: Conflict between your personal beliefs about right and wrong and another's clinical choice |
| Identifiability | Ethical Violation: You can name the specific code section that was violated | Moral Disagreement: You feel something is wrong but cannot point to a specific code |
| Consensus Among Peers | Ethical Violation: Reasonable, informed colleagues would generally agree this is a violation | Moral Disagreement: Reasonable colleagues are likely split in their assessment |
| Appropriate Response | Ethical Violation: Informal resolution attempt, then formal reporting per Code 1.11 | Moral Disagreement: Professional dialogue, peer consultation, respectful disagreement |
| Impact of Inaction | Ethical Violation: Potential ongoing harm to clients or the profession | Moral Disagreement: Continued discomfort but no identifiable harm from the practice itself |
| Role of Personal Bias | Ethical Violation: Identified through objective analysis of code standards | Moral Disagreement: Strongly influenced by personal values, culture, and training |
The ABA Clubhouse has 60+ on-demand CEUs including ethics, supervision, and clinical topics like this one. Plus a new live CEU every Wednesday.
Use this framework when approaching it's not unethical you just don't like it: ethics, morals & preferences in your practice:
Does the data support a need for intervention? Is there a meaningful impact on the individual's quality of life, safety, or access to reinforcement?
YES → Proceed to assessment NO → Document reasoning, monitor
A functional assessment should guide intervention selection. Avoid defaulting to standard protocols without individual analysis. Consider environmental variables, setting events, and private events.
YES → Select evidence-based approach matched to function NO → Complete assessment first
Goals should be co-developed. Assent and informed consent are ethical requirements. The individual's preferences and values matter in selecting both goals and methods.
YES → Proceed with collaborative plan NO → Engage in shared decision-making
This course covers the clinical and ethical dimensions in detail with structured learning objectives and CEU credit.
It's Not UNETHICAL You Just Don't Like It: Ethics, Morals & Preferences — The Daily BA · 1 BACB Ethics CEUs · $24.99
Take This Course →We extended this decision guide with research from our library — dig into the peer-reviewed studies behind each approach, in plain-English summaries written for BCBAs.
239 research articles with practitioner takeaways
223 research articles with practitioner takeaways
195 research articles with practitioner takeaways
1 BACB Ethics CEUs · $24.99 · The Daily BA
Research-backed educational guide
Research-backed answers for behavior analysts
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All behavior-analytic intervention is individualized. The information on this page is for educational purposes and does not constitute clinical advice. Treatment decisions should be informed by the best available published research, individualized assessment, and obtained with the informed consent of the client or their legal guardian. Behavior analysts are responsible for practicing within the boundaries of their competence and adhering to the BACB Ethics Code for Behavior Analysts.