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Challenging Bias and Upholding Consent: Research for Social Justice in Behaviour Practice

On the 13th of August, 2024, we had the privilege of hosting Professor Fernanda Oda in an exclusive webinar, where we explored essential topics in behavioural practice, focusing on social justice and the biases that can influence practitioners' work.

Professor Oda, with an extensive background in Behaviour Analysis and international experience in both research and teaching, guided us through key concepts that directly impact the quality and ethics of professional practice. With her expertise, she covered:

  • How to define and identify examples of bias in practice, encouraging professionals to critically reflect on their approaches;
  • Understanding stimulus bias and biased behaviours, providing tools to enhance objectivity in day-to-day work;
  • The difference between expressed and presumed consent, a crucial topic for ensuring respect and autonomy for clients;
  • An overview of behaviour-analytic research on social justice, showcasing how the field of Behaviour Analysis can support more inclusive and ethical practices.

This topic is crucial for anyone seeking to develop a more just and aware professional practice, ensuring that each individual served is respected and treated without bias. We thank Professor Fernanda Oda for sharing her insights and our participants for their valuable engagement.

To revisit this valuable session or share it with colleagues, please find the webinar video and additional resources linked below. 

Articles mentioned by Dr. Fernanda Oda

During the webinar, Professor Oda mentioned some valuable articles that might interest you:

  1. Kallitsounaki, A., & Williams, D. M. (2023). Autism spectrum disorder and gender dysphoria/incongruence: A systematic literature review and meta-analysis. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 53(8), 3103–3117. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-022-05517-y
  2. Oda, F. S., LeComte, R. S., & Reed, D. D. (2023). Do NOT read this article: The effects of autoclitics and nudge on choosing. The Analysis of Verbal Behavior, 39(2), 190–205. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40616-023-00186-z

MEET THE PRESENTER

Fernanda Oda, PhD.

Fernanda Oda (she/her) is an Assistant Professor in Psychology/Behavior Analysis at the University of the Pacific. She received her bachelor’s degree in Psychology in Brazil from the Federal University of Paraná in 2012, her master’s degree in Behavior Analysis from the University of Houston-Clear Lake (UHCL) in 2019, and her doctoral degree in Behavioral Psychology from the University of Kansas in 2024. Her interests include verbal behavior, bias, decision making, social justice, and international dissemination.