ABA Exam Coach

E.2: Identify the risks to oneself, others, and the profession as a result of engaging in unethical behavior.

Free practice questions for this part of the BCBA, with an explanation for every option.

A behavior analyst posts exaggerated claims online that ABA "cures" autism. Apart from possible disciplinary action against that individual, what is the main risk to the profession?
  1. A. Public and consumer trust in behavior analysis is damaged, which can hurt the field's credibility and access to services
    Correct. Misrepresentation damages the public's trust in behavior analysis, along with its reputation and how it is regulated.
  2. B. More families will seek ABA, which only helps the field
    Incorrect. Demand created by misrepresentation leads to unrealistic expectations and eventual distrust.
  3. C. Insurance reimbursement rates will automatically go up
    Incorrect. Funding is not tied to public claims, and false claims can bring more scrutiny, not more support.
  4. D. There is no risk to the field, because ethics violations affect only the individual
    Incorrect. Unethical behavior by individual practitioners reflects on the whole profession.
A BCBA with no training in pediatric feeding disorders agrees to treat food refusal in a child who has a history of aspiration. She plans to use escape extinction with physical guidance. What is the most serious immediate risk of practicing outside her competence?
  1. A. Treatment may take longer than planned
    Incorrect. Slow progress matters, but it is far less serious than the risk of physical injury.
  2. B. Physical harm to the client, such as choking or aspiration
    Correct. Practicing outside one's competence with a medically complex client most directly endangers the client's health and safety.
  3. C. The family might pick a different provider later
    Incorrect. Losing a client is a business concern, not the main ethical risk.
  4. D. The BCBA might need extra CEUs at recertification
    Incorrect. CEU requirements are unrelated and trivial next to harm to the client.
A BCBA is charged with driving under the influence. She decides not to tell the BACB because she expects the charge to be reduced. Which statement best describes the risk to her?
  1. A. There is no risk, because only convictions ever need to be reported
    Incorrect. The self-reporting requirement covers certain criminal charges, not just convictions.
  2. B. She only has to tell her employer, which meets all reporting obligations
    Incorrect. Telling an employer does not replace the obligation to report to the BACB (and to licensure boards, if applicable).
  3. C. Not self-reporting within the required timeframe is a separate violation that can bring sanctions regardless of how the charge turns out
    Correct. Behavior analysts must self-report critical information to the BACB within 30 days. Failing to do so can lead to sanctions on its own.
  4. D. The only risk is a fine from the court, since the BACB has no interest in matters outside practice
    Incorrect. The BACB requires self-reporting of critical information, including certain legal matters outside work.

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