This comparison draws in part from “AM Workshop: Think-Say-Do: Modern Day Ethical Problem Solving for Today's Behavior Analyst” by Landria Seals Green, SLP-BCBA (BehaviorLive), 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 am workshop: think-say-do: modern day ethical problem solving for today's behavior analyst, 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Approach to Ambiguity | Seeks a definitive right answer for every situation based on Code provisions | Acknowledges ambiguity and uses structured reasoning to identify the best available course of action |
| Handling Competing Principles | Prioritizes one principle over another based on a fixed hierarchy | Analyzes how competing principles interact in the specific context and seeks solutions that honor multiple values |
| Response to Novel Situations | May struggle when situations do not clearly map to specific Code provisions | Applies ethical reasoning principles to navigate situations that the Code does not specifically address |
| Communication About Ethics | Cites specific Code numbers to justify decisions, may appear rigid to stakeholders | Explains ethical reasoning in accessible terms while referencing the Code, promoting understanding and buy-in |
| Professional Development | Focuses on memorizing Code provisions and staying current with updates | Focuses on developing ethical reasoning skills, cultural competence, and communication alongside Code knowledge |
| Outcome Evaluation | Evaluates whether the correct rule was followed regardless of outcome | Evaluates whether the reasoning was sound and the outcome served client welfare across multiple dimensions |
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 am workshop: think-say-do: modern day ethical problem solving for today's behavior analyst 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.
AM Workshop: Think-Say-Do: Modern Day Ethical Problem Solving for Today's Behavior Analyst — Landria Seals Green · 3 BACB Ethics CEUs · $150
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.
280 research articles with practitioner takeaways
279 research articles with practitioner takeaways
258 research articles with practitioner takeaways
3 BACB Ethics CEUs · $150 · BehaviorLive
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.