Abstract
Although applied behavior analysis (ABA) is a science committed to improving the lives of others in socially meaningful ways, it exists within complex structures of power that are at odds with the values of our science. Current research practices perpetuate the oppression of people with disabilities. For too long ABA researchers have disproportionately conducted research with people with disabilities without their input. It is time for a paradigmatic change toward more compassionate and participant-centered research practices. In this article, we (1) highlight the concerns with current research practices and how ABA may perpetuate ableism; (2) provide suggestions for more compassionate, participant-centered research using two applied research studies to illustrate compassionate research in action; and (3) point to systems-level changes that we believe will disrupt oppressive and ableist research practices.
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Data sharing not applicable to this article because no datasets were generated or analyzed during the current study.
Tajma Hodzic was a student and thesis advisee of Jamine Dettmering until December 2020.
Notes
The authors use person-first and identity-first language interchangeably in this article.
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Acknowledgements
The authors acknowledge the following people for their ongoing education and guidance on developing an anti-ableist, neurodiversity-affirming perspective: Madi Holcomb, Ashton Holt, Amy Bodkin, Worner Leland, Janani Vaidya, August Stockwell, Tiffany Hammond [@fidgets.and.fries], Terra Vance [NeuroClastic], Tiffany Joseph [@nigh.functioning.autism], and Oswin Latimer.
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Dettmering, J., Hodzic, T. Avoiding Abuse of Power: A Case for Compassionate, Participant-Centered Research. Behav Analysis Practice (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40617-024-00925-1
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s40617-024-00925-1