Ethical Practice Across the Service Lifecycle: Applying the BACB Ethics Code

Ethical Practice Across the Service Lifecycle: Applying the BACB Ethics Code

Assignment Summary

Purpose: This assignment is designed to help you apply the BACB Ethics Code for Behavior Analysts (2020) across the full client service lifecycle. By mapping ethical standards to common professional activities, you will develop the ability to identify relevant codes and explain how they guide ethical decision making in practice.

Start Here

1. Review the Assignment Overview.
2. Review the rubric before you begin.
3. Review the Assignment Instructions and follow all requirements.
4. Download and complete the timeline template.
5. Review the checklist before you submit.

Assignment Overview

For this assignment, you will use the Ethics Code for Behavior Analysts (2020) to map out ethical standards for yourself to follow when you accept your first client as a newly certified BCBA. You must create a “timeline” of codes to follow, starting with those that apply to accepting a case and continuing through the procedures needed to transfer or terminate services.

Note: You may not encounter all of the case activities listed for every case you accept in actual practice.

• Use the template provided to create your timeline of codes to follow.
• Fill in the relevant code(s) and explain how to apply the code(s) in practice.
• The first row/activity in the template is completed for you as an example.
• Most, but not all, rows/activities will have more than one possible code.
• Aim for 1–4 codes per row/activity. Be specific in explaining how each code applies to the scenario, not just what the code states.
• Once you complete the timeline chart, respond to the Reflection Question in the space provided in the template.

Reflection Question: Identify one point in your timeline where an ethical dilemma could realistically arise. Describe the potential conflict and briefly explain how you would resolve it using an ethical decision-making process.

Assignment Instructions

Your response should demonstrate accurate understanding of course concepts, application of behavior-analytic reasoning and ethical standards, graduate-level academic writing, and proper APA 7th edition formatting where required by the template/rubric.

• Use Microsoft Word and the template provided to create your timeline of codes to follow.
• Your work should be clear, professional, and organized.
• Your response should clearly demonstrate all rubric criteria, including Ethics Code identification, Ethics Code application, coverage of the service lifecycle, accuracy and relevance of ethical reasoning, clear response to the reflection question, and APA formatting expectations.
• There are 9 rows/activities in the template; the first row has been completed for you as an example.
• Aim for 1–4 codes per row/activity.
• Acceptable Format: Save and upload as a Microsoft Word document.
• Be sure to respond fully to the reflection question.

AI Use Disclosure

If you used AI tools in any part of this assignment, you must submit the required form and follow the course AI policy.

• Student AI Declaration Form: Click here to access the AI Use Declaration Form
• AI Policy: Click here to review the Policy on the Ethical Use of AI
• AI Guidelines: Click here to review the Guidelines for Students on the Ethical Use of AI in Coursework

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Common Pitfalls to Avoid (Read Before You Start)

• Listing Ethics Codes without explaining them: Clearly explain how each code applies in practice.
• Restating code language instead of applying it: Use your own words to connect the code to professional behavior.
• Selecting irrelevant or incorrect codes: Choose codes directly related to each activity.
• Leaving activities incomplete: Complete every row in the timeline.
• Providing vague or general explanations: Avoid statements such as “follow the code” or “be ethical.”
• Treating each activity as isolated: Consider how ethical responsibilities connect across the service process.
• Weak or incomplete reflection response: Include a true ethical dilemma, a clear conflict, and a structured decision-making process.
• Ignoring professional writing expectations: Ensure writing is clear, organized, and professional.

Submission Guidelines

Pre-Submission Checklist: Before uploading your completed timeline template, confirm that you have:

• ☐ Met all formatting requirements
• ☐ Reviewed the grading rubric
• ☐ Completed the student checklist
• ☐ Proofread your work
• ☐ Named your file correctly