With the rise of artificial intelligence (AI) across various industries, namely our own, behavior analysts are beginning to address the elephant in the room and ask THE question:
Is it ethical TO use AI in behavior analysis?
I have attended several conferences this year and this question has been asked with high frequency focal at all types of behavior analysis and autism conferences from ABAI to CASP. While this is a critical question, there is another crucial question that many behavior analysts may be missing:
Is it ethical NOT to use AI?
In behavior analysis, we are obligated to maximize outcomes for clients, use data-driven decision-making, and ensure interventions are effective. What happens when AI, which enhances accuracy, reduces human error, and provides faster access to research, is ignored?
Could AVOIDING AI be the real ethical oversight?
I thought it would be helpful to review the BACB Ethics Code with this question in mind to determine whether or not we should be integrating AI into our professional endeavors. Consider the following three ethics code items:
2.01 Providing Effective Treatment: A Case for AI
The BACB’s Ethics Code requires behavior analysts to deliver effective, evidence-based treatments (Code 2.01). One of the ways we can meet this obligation is by leveraging AI to improve treatment decisions. I have already seen the emergence of several AI companies that offer clinical decision support technology, but more broadly, AI technologies can scan and analyze large quantities of research and clinical data in real-time, allowing behavior analysts to refine interventions more efficiently and effectively (Twyman, 2024). For example, AI can highlight trends in client behavior that may be difficult to detect manually by an individual human, helping us make informed, DATA-driven decisions.
Ultimately, avoiding AI might mean we’re missing out on opportunities to deliver better client outcomes, and that could conflict with our ethical responsibilities.
2.17 Collecting and Using Data: AI’s Role in Precision
The BACB code of ethics also emphasizes the importance of data collection and use (Code 2.17). AI can improve the precision and reliability of data collection, ensuring that decisions are based on accurate information. For example, machine learning algorithms can process large datasets, identify patterns, and predict outcomes that human data collection might overlook (Twyman, 2024).
Neglecting these tools may result in data inaccuracies, which could prevent us from meeting ethical standards for reliable, effective data use. In other words, avoiding AI could potentially be an ethical shortfall for behavior analysts.
2.13 & 2.14: Research and Practice Integration
Codes 2.13 and 2.14 focus on selecting, designing, and implementing assessments and behavior-change interventions. These code items also discuss the importance of ensuring our practices are aligned with the most current research (i.e. scientific evidence). AI helps behavior analysts bridge the gap between research and practice by quickly identifying and integrating relevant studies into treatment plans (Twyman, 2024). By ignoring AI, we risk falling behind on best practices, possibly failing to provide the most effective interventions available.
Why Avoiding AI May Be an Ethical Oversight
There are legitimate concerns about AI in behavior analysis, including issues related to bias, privacy, and accountability. However, avoiding AI entirely due to fear of these challenges could result in missed opportunities to enhance client outcomes. Instead, behavior analysts should embrace AI responsibly, ensuring they remain in control of AI outputs and continue to apply their professional judgment (Jennings & Cox).
THE LESSON: AI has the potential to improve client outcomes and enhance our practice, and avoiding it might actually be an ethical misstep. As behavior analysts, we are ethically obligated to use tools that improve client well-being. Ignoring AI could mean failing to meet those obligations.
What's Next?
It’s time for behavior analysts to take a proactive approach to AI. By understanding its capabilities, limitations, and ethical implications, we can harness AI to elevate our practice and improve outcomes for our clients.
References
Twyman (2024). Navigating the Ethical Terrain of Generative AI in Behavior Analysis. Retrieved from https://science.abainternational.org
Jennings and Cox. (2024). Starting the Conversation Around the Ethical Use of AI in ABA. Retrieved from https://link.springer.com
Womack & Olive. (2024). Artificial Intelligence and Clinical Skills: Ethical Guidance for Today's ABA. Retrieved from https://behaviorlive.com/courses/artificial-intelligence-and-clinical-skills-ethical-guidance-for-todays-aba-orga
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