Research and mentorship in behavior analysis from a lens of cultural responsiveness and antiracism
Make your research and mentorship antiracist today by using inclusive language and diversifying every layer of the study process.
01Research in Context
What this study did
Jimenez-Gomez (2024) wrote a how-to paper for researchers and mentors in ABA.
The author gives real examples and tools for adding cultural responsiveness and antiracist steps into every part of a study.
No new data were collected; the paper is a roadmap you can use today.
What they found
The paper shows that small moves matter.
Use inclusive consent forms, cite scholars of color, and ask participants how they want to be described.
These steps turn antiracism from a slogan into daily behavior.
How this fits with other research
Levy et al. (2022) first told the field to audit itself for racism. Jimenez-Gomez narrows the lens to labs and mentor meetings.
Najdowski et al. (2021) gave program-level fixes for graduate training. The new paper hands the baton to individual PIs and mentors.
Machalicek et al. (2022) showed how one BCBA can track personal antiracist acts with self-management. Jimenez-Gomez extends that idea to whole research teams, adding grant writing, peer review, and subject recruitment.
Why it matters
If you run studies, advise students, or sit on thesis committees, this paper is your checklist. Start next session by updating your consent script with community-approved terms and adding three citations from scholars of color. These two moves take ten minutes and model antiracist science for your trainees.
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02At a glance
03Original abstract
Although scientific endeavors strive to be objective, they are the work of individuals whose unique perspectives and experiences influence their research and interpretations of the world and data. Much has been said and written lately about the need to embed cultural responsiveness in behavior analysis and the need to enhance diversity in the field. In fact, similar conversations are taking place in many areas of science. Despite the current buzz, many behavioral researchers may be left wondering what they can do or whether it is incumbent on them to act. For the field of behavior analysis to move toward adopting the values of diversity, equity, inclusion, and access, members of the scientific community must actively engage in behaviors that foster inclusive and safe learning environments for students, engage in collaborative work, and incorporate culturally responsive research and mentorship practices. This article will describe some current practices, showcase exemplars of culturally responsive research and mentorship, and provide resources for researchers and mentors.
Journal of the Experimental Analysis of Behavior, 2024 · doi:10.1002/jeab.911