Definitions ©Behavior Analyst Certification Board®

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Get the Scoop: What You Need to Know About the BACB’s Transition to the 6th Edition

You may have heard horror stories about the last BACB transition from the 4th to the 5th edition Task List. Not without good reason, too. The 5th edition brought changes to the supervision requirements, an increase to the number of test questions, and the introduction of the Ethics Code. Luckily, this time around won’t be such a shake up. Candidates caught on the cusp of this transition will be relieved to know that most of the updates are minor. Many find these transitions intimidating and overwhelming because they think they’ll have to learn an entire list of new information. Thankfully, that’s not the case. Think of it as more of a restructuring, rather than a total revamp.

BACB®’s definition of applied behavior analysis (ABA)

A science based on the use of learning principles to improve socially important behavior. ABA practice focuses on assessing the environmental influences on behavior, implementing assessment-based interventions, and making data-based …

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Code’s definition of behavior analyst

An individual who holds BCBA® or BCaBA® certification or who has submitted a complete application for BCBA® or BCaBA® certification.

Code’s definition of behavior-change intervention

The full set of behavioral procedures designed to improve the client’s wellbeing.

Code’s definition of behavioral services

Services that are explicitly based on the principles and procedures of behavior analysis and are designed to change behavior in meaningful ways. These services include, but are not limited to, …

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Code’s definition of client

The direct recipient of the behavior analyst’s services. At various times during service provision, one or more stakeholders may simultaneously meet the definition of client (e.g., the point at which …

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Code’s definition of clients’ rights

Human rights, legal rights, rights codified within behavior analysis, and organization rules designed to benefit the client.

Code’s definition of conflict of interest

An incompatibility between a behavior analysts’ private and professional interests resulting in risk or potential risk to services provided to, or the professional relationship with, a client, stakeholder, supervisee, trainee, …

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Code’s definition of digital content

Information that is made available for online consumption, downloading, and/or distribution through an electronic medium (e.g., television, radio, eBook, website, social media, videogame, application, computer, smart device). Common digital content …

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Code’s definition of informed consent (service/research)

The permission given by an individual with the legal right to consent before participating in services or research, or allowing their information to be used or shared. Providing the opportunity …

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Code’s definition of informed consent (information use/sharing)

Information Use/Sharing: Providing the opportunity for an individual to give informed consent to share or use their information involves communicating about: 1) the purpose and intended use; 2) the audience; …

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Code’s definition of legally authorized representative

Any individual authorized under law to provide consent on behalf of an individual who cannot provide consent to receive services or participate in research.