A Preliminary Assessment of the Qualities and Behaviors of Exemplary Practitioners: Perspectives From U.S.-Based Behavior Analysts
Great BCBAs blend sharp data skills with real compassion—use the 10-item priority list to watch both in yourself and your trainees.
01Research in Context
What this study did
Zayac et al. (2021) asked 1,000 U.S. BCBAs to list traits of an "exemplary" practitioner.
They turned the answers into a 35-item checklist and then asked 30 experts to pick the 10 that matter most.
What they found
The top 10 items mix hard skills (accurate data, clear graphs) with soft skills (shows empathy, respects culture).
Parents and supervisors agreed: kindness plus technical skill defines the best BCBAs.
How this fits with other research
Callahan et al. (2019) got the same message two years earlier. They showed parents pick therapists who score high on "behavioral artistry"—warmth, creativity, flexibility.
MSáez-Suanes et al. (2023) later counted all BCBA supervision studies and found most are just opinion papers. Zayac’s checklist gives the field its first data-based tool to fill that gap.
Allen et al. (2024) extend the checklist into neurodiversity practice. They spell out how "respects culture" looks hour-to-hour: use identity-first language, check assent, invite Autistic voices to social-validity meetings.
Why it matters
You now have a 10-item priority list you can tape to your supervision binder. Rate yourself and your supervisees each week on items like "graphs are easy to read" and "shows genuine care." Pick one low score, set a goal, track it—just like you do with clients.
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02At a glance
03Original abstract
Individuals with credentials (Board Certified Behavior Analyst–Doctoral and Board Certified Behavior Analyst) from the Behavior Analyst Certification Board throughout the United States were asked to identify the characteristics and corresponding behaviors of individuals they consider to be exemplary in the profession. From these responses, a list of 35 characteristics and attendant behaviors was compiled into the Exemplary Behavior Analyst Checklist. This checklist contains a number of characteristics that are traditionally representative of the field (e.g., analytical, applied, conceptually systematic, technological) and relate to technical and conceptual skills. Respondents also identified a number of characteristics associated with compassion and support of clients/individuals (e.g., client centered, culturally competent, empathetic, positive/encouraging). A “top 10” list of the qualities and behaviors of exemplary behavior analysts identified by participants is presented, and a discussion regarding the implications for the training of credentialed professionals is provided.
Behavior Analysis in Practice, 2021 · doi:10.1007/s40617-020-00522-y