Psychology
Student Name
Professor Name
Course
Date
Psychology
Scenario 1
In the first scenario, the Core Principles guiding ethical decision-making are critically
relevant. As a new Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst (BCaBA), I must apply these
principles effectively.
Benefiting Others: The primary goal is to ensure Ramona's well-being while considering
her classmates (Board, 2014). Her sensory behaviors are enjoyable, but they put her in a social
prison. It is essential to address these behaviors to help her fit into the social environment
without discomfort (Board, 2014). Her behavior was redirected initially, making her
uncomfortable, thus suggesting that this approach was not in her best interest (Board, 2014). Thus,
it is crucial to identify a compromise that would be in Ramona's best interest, and that would
benefit her peers.
Treating Others with Compassion, Dignity, and Respect: Ramona's play during recess is
essential to her dignity and respect (Board, 2014). This principle is violated when she is deprived
of her joyful behaviors without an adequate replacement (Board, 2014). On the other hand, kindly
assisting her classmates in appreciating and dealing with Ramona's behaviors can help create a
more welcoming environment (Board, 2014). This approach is more accepting of Ramona's
current condition and aims to increase her social participation.
Behaving with Integrity: Ethical conduct is defined as integrity, which means that one
should tell the truth about the competencies possessed, and if these are not sufficient, the person
should ask for more help (Bailey et al. 2016). When you tell a client that you want to teach him
how to enhance his social skills, but you need formal training in teaching social skills, then it is
unethical to proceed with the program (Bailey et al. 2016). Stating this limitation and looking for
more training or supervision is the right professional approach.
Incompetence means understanding one's skills and knowledge and knowing when to
seek supervision or further training (Bailey et al. 2016). Since the request is for intensive social
skills training, recognizing the absence of such training and asking for help guarantees that
Ramona gets the best help (Bailey et al. 2016). This approach follows the principle of competence,
meaning that the interventions being implemented are both appropriate and moral.
In conclusion, it is possible to address Ramona's needs in the context of these core
principles by being compassionate, respecting her, and competent in providing her with
enjoyment while meeting the social integration goals of her parents and the camp (Bailey et al.
2016). This not only serves Ramona’s self-interests but also her dignity and the ethical practice of
the profession.
References
Board, B. A. C. (2014). Professional and ethical compliance code for behavior analysts.
Bailey, J., & Burch, M. (2016).%Ethics for behavior analysts. Routledge.
