Question
Difficulty: medium. Skill: apply. Type: ethics professional judgment.
During a home program, parent asks the BCBA to act quickly even though the requirement related to multiple relationships and risk mitigation is directly relevant. What is the most appropriate response? The case file includes 5 recent sessions, 2 implementers, and 3 settings.
AAddress the risk early with documentation, consultation, and safeguards before harm occurs in relation to child's dropping to the floor when demands are presentedCorrect answer
BChange the intervention immediately based on the concern alone
CContinue unchanged and ignore the new contextual information
DAdd a punishment procedure before clarifying function, risk, or feasibility
Explanation
Answer AThe clue is the combination of caregiver notes plus one direct observation, dropping to the floor when demands are presented, and the required task: Multiple relationships and risk mitigation. The case file includes 5 recent sessions, 2 implementers, and 3 settings. Address the risk early with documentation, consultation, and safeguards before harm occurs in relation to child's dropping to the floor when demands are presented is best because it answers that clue through risks and prevention of unethical behavior instead of treating the scenario as a generic behavior problem. On exam items like this, name the decision point first, then eliminate options that rely on one report, a label, a familiar protocol, or an action that skips the relevant data check.
Why this question is hard
ClueKey scenario clueThe clue is the combination of caregiver notes plus one direct observation, dropping to the floor when demands are presented, and the required task: Multiple relationships and risk mitigation. The case file includes 5 recent sessions, 2 implementers, and 3 settings.
TrapCommon trapThis is weaker because it skips the assessment, integrity, or decision rule needed before changing procedures.
NextIf you missed it, review Risks and prevention of unethical behaviorThen answer a few related scenarios before moving back to broad practice.
Why the other choices are weaker
BChoice BThis is weaker because it skips the assessment, integrity, or decision rule needed before changing procedures.
CChoice CIgnoring relevant data or context prevents a defensible behavior-analytic decision.
DChoice DA punishment-first response is weaker when less intrusive, function-based, or assessment steps have not been addressed.
Study tags
Risks and prevention of unethical behaviorMultiple relationships and risk mitigationunethical behaviorrisk mitigation
Related concept pages
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