On citing the literature.

Gillberg (1980) wrote a short position paper about how we talk about research.

The author asked writers to cite documents, not people. Say 'A study showed' instead of 'Smith claimed.'

The goal was to keep science focused on evidence, not on who said it.

No data were collected. The paper is a call to change our words.

The main point: language shapes scientific behavior. Document-focused wording keeps authority with the evidence.

Jimenez-Gomez (2025) extends the idea into today's culture wars. It tells BCBAs to watch their own verbal behavior when topics get hot, keeping the focus on data, not identity.

Uher et al. (2024) also extends the ethic. They give a checklist to audit cultural bias in goals and reports, turning the 1980 rule into an action plan for Standard 1.07.

Coy et al. (2024) supply a conversational tool. Their LADER script helps you stay evidence-based when parents push back, again linking word choice to ethical practice.

Next time you write a report or present at an IEP, swap 'Jones insists' for 'A study found.' Model the habit for supervisees and caregivers. Small wording shifts keep the spotlight on data, reduce hero worship, and nudge the field toward cleaner, bias-resistant science.