Guided Supervision Conversation
Read the following transcript of a conversation between a BCBA called Fred and an RBT called Tia. In this discussion, they explore the necessity of following a set of professional ethical guidelines.
Fred (ABA Supervisor): Good morning, Tia. How are you today?
Tia (RBT Supervisee): Morning, Fred. I’ve been thinking a lot about something lately and I’m hoping you can help me out. What’s the difference between morality, ethics, and law?
Fred: Great question, Tia. Let’s break it down. Morality is like your personal compass. It’s about what you personally believe is right or wrong. Ethics, on the other hand, is more about decision-making frameworks. It’s how we analyze objectives and ensure that what we’re doing is not just right for us but also for the greater good.
Tia: Okay, that makes sense. But why do we need professional ethics as RBTs? Isn’t it enough to just follow the law?
Fred: Professional ethics and the law both create obligations. Following the law does not replace following the RBT Ethics Code. If you are unsure how a requirement applies, seek guidance from your supervisor and use the appropriate reporting channels.
Tia: I get that, but why is clarity so important in this?
Fred: Imagine you are asked to use a teaching procedure you have not been trained to implement. You want to help, but the learner appears uncomfortable. Clear ethical guidance helps you recognize when to pause, describe your concerns, and ask for training and supervision.
Tia: So I should explain what I observed and ask for guidance, rather than carry on just because I was asked?
Fred: Exactly. Respect the learner’s communication and choices, report your observations accurately, and work within your training and supervised role. You can suggest ideas, but you do not independently redesign the intervention.
Tia: So, professional ethics is about being purposeful in our work?
Fred: Absolutely. It’s about knowing what you’re trying to achieve, ensuring it’s the best objective, and making every effort count towards achieving it. Professional ethics give us that clarity.
Tia: I see. It’s not just about following rules; it’s about making sure we’re doing the absolute best for our clients.
Fred: You got it, Tia. It’s about raising the bar, making sure our decisions are evidence-driven and contribute to the best possible outcomes. Any other questions on this?
Tia: No, that clears it up, Fred. Thanks for explaining it so well.
Fred: Anytime, Tia. It’s crucial stuff, and I’m glad you’re digging into it. Let me know if you have more questions down the road.
The nine ethical principles introduced in the main lesson are a learning framework. They do not replace the RBT Ethics Code or applicable requirements.
Optional Video
This short video from Ethilogical Consulting explains the difference between professional ethics, personal preferences, and laws.
Conversation Exercise
Click the conversation icon in the bottom right-hand corner of your screen to begin the conversation exercise with FRED, our AI-powered chatbot. Alternatively, open the chat interface directly.
If you have not already, read this guide on getting the most from your conversations with FRED.
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