This comparison draws in part from “Values: Your Compass Through the Clinical Journey” (Behaviorist Book Club), and extends it with peer-reviewed research from our library of 27,900+ ABA research articles. The decision framework, BACB ethics code references, and cross-links below are synthesized by Behaviorist Book Club.
View the original presentation →One of the most consequential decisions a behavior analyst makes is not just what intervention to use, but how to approach the clinical question in the first place. For values: your compass through the clinical journey, the difference between an evidence-based, individualized approach and a traditional, protocol-driven one can significantly impact outcomes.
This guide lays out the key factors side by side to support your clinical decision-making.
| Factor | Evidence-Based Approach | Traditional Approach |
|---|---|---|
| Goal Selection Process | Protocol-Driven: Goals derived primarily from standardized assessment results and developmental norms | Values-Driven: Goals derived from intersection of assessment results and family-identified priorities |
| Assessment Selection | Protocol-Driven: Standard battery applied consistently across clients | Values-Driven: Assessment tools selected based on relevance to family values and concerns |
| Intervention Selection | Protocol-Driven: Evidence-based packages selected based on target behavior and function | Values-Driven: Evidence-based options evaluated for both effectiveness and alignment with client values |
| Family Engagement | Protocol-Driven: Family informed about treatment plan and trained to implement | Values-Driven: Family actively shapes treatment direction through ongoing values collaboration |
| Progress Evaluation | Protocol-Driven: Progress measured against behavioral objectives and developmental benchmarks | Values-Driven: Progress measured against behavioral objectives AND family-identified quality of life indicators |
| Adaptability | Protocol-Driven: Modifications based on behavioral data and treatment integrity assessments | Values-Driven: Modifications based on behavioral data, treatment integrity, AND evolving family values |
The ABA Clubhouse has 60+ on-demand CEUs including ethics, supervision, and clinical topics like this one. Plus a new live CEU every Wednesday.
Use this framework when approaching values: your compass through the clinical journey in your practice:
Does the data support a need for intervention? Is there a meaningful impact on the individual's quality of life, safety, or access to reinforcement?
YES → Proceed to assessment NO → Document reasoning, monitor
A functional assessment should guide intervention selection. Avoid defaulting to standard protocols without individual analysis. Consider environmental variables, setting events, and private events.
YES → Select evidence-based approach matched to function NO → Complete assessment first
Goals should be co-developed. Assent and informed consent are ethical requirements. The individual's preferences and values matter in selecting both goals and methods.
YES → Proceed with collaborative plan NO → Engage in shared decision-making
This course covers the clinical and ethical dimensions in detail with structured learning objectives and CEU credit.
Values: Your Compass Through the Clinical Journey — Behaviorist Book Club · 1 BACB Ethics CEUs · $
Take This Course →We extended this decision guide with research from our library — dig into the peer-reviewed studies behind each approach, in plain-English summaries written for BCBAs.
280 research articles with practitioner takeaways
279 research articles with practitioner takeaways
252 research articles with practitioner takeaways
1 BACB Ethics CEUs · $ · Behaviorist Book Club
Research-backed educational guide
Research-backed answers for behavior analysts
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All behavior-analytic intervention is individualized. The information on this page is for educational purposes and does not constitute clinical advice. Treatment decisions should be informed by the best available published research, individualized assessment, and obtained with the informed consent of the client or their legal guardian. Behavior analysts are responsible for practicing within the boundaries of their competence and adhering to the BACB Ethics Code for Behavior Analysts.