Avoiding Abuse of Power: A Case for Compassionate, Participant-Centered Research

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.