Ethical Code for Behavior Analysts

Consider section 1 of the Ethical Code for Behavior Analysts. Look at the ethical code and individual elements being discussed for the week. Do a search for a current event or news story that highlights a violation of one of the specific elements addressed during the week. Because behaviorism addresses all human behavior across disciplines and environments, you may search broadly. Post the article as a link or a document for your classmates and briefly summarize the news story; give a behavioral interpretation of the occurrence or event. What was the human behavior(s) occurring? Was this behavior ethical through the lens of the BACB ethical code? If our ethical code were applied to this story, what would the violation be?

Full Answer Section

     

Behavioral Interpretation: Teodora Vrînceanu's actions demonstrate operant conditioning principles. She is likely motivated by positive reinforcement in the form of online attention and engagement (likes, comments, etc.) She might also be influenced by social comparison with other influencers who promote unrealistic body image standards.

Ethical Analysis: This situation potentially violates the following elements of the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB) Ethical Code:

  • 1.1 Welfare and Rights of Others: Promoting an unsafe weight loss challenge could endanger the physical and mental health of viewers who attempt it.
  • 2.0 Competence: The influencer is not a qualified healthcare professional and is not competent to provide advice on safe weight loss practices.
  • 3.0 Integrity: Promoting an unrealistic and potentially harmful challenge undermines public trust in the influencer and the field of social media influence.

The BACB code emphasizes protecting the welfare of others and ensuring competent practice. Vrînceanu's actions prioritize online attention over the potential risks to her followers.

Note: This is just one example, and there might be other news stories that showcase violations of different elements of the BACB Ethical Code.

Sample Answer

     

Ethical Code Violation: Teen Influencer Encourages Dangerous Weight Loss Challenge

News Story: https://www.eatingwell.com/social-media-influencer-on-losing-and-regaining-weight-8567808

Summary: Teodora Vrînceanu, a Romanian social media influencer with millions of followers, has come under fire for promoting an extreme 75-pound weight loss challenge in just 5 months. Critics, including medical professionals, have slammed the challenge as unrealistic and potentially dangerous.