A Delphi-based Basic Study for the Development of an Ethics Code for Korean Behavior Analysts*

Abstract

This research article presents the results of a Delphi study conducted to develop ethics code tailored for behavior analysis experts affiliated with the Korean Association for Behavior Analysis (KABA). The study utilized a comprehensive Delphi survey, consisting of 10 sections, 63 items, and 130 detailed items, constructed based on the analysis of ethical regulations from overseas behavior analysis associations and the human subject treatment experts training association. Furthermore, a second Delphi survey was carried out with 18 domestic behavioral analysis experts. Statistical analysis, including mean, standard deviation, and Content Validity Ratio (CVR) assessments, was performed on the survey data to determine the validity and consensus among the experts. The study resulted in the derivation of a comprehensive ethics code, consisting of 10 sections (complying with regulations, competency, privacy/confidentiality, service provision, customer responsibility and customer rights, personnel relations, supervision and training, record keeping and cost, public documents, research), 58 items, and 119 detained items. Based on the results of the study, the behavior analysis experts’ awareness of ethics code and the challenges and implications for field application of ethics code were discussed.