This comparison draws in part from “A Systematic Literature Review of Staff Training on Implicit Bias” by Nic Truong-Marchetto, MA, BCBA, LABA (BehaviorLive), 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 a systematic literature review of staff training on implicit bias, 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Primary target | Awareness-Based: Change in knowledge and attitudes about implicit bias; assumes that awareness leads to behavior change | Behavior-Change: Change in actual clinical behavior patterns; directly targets differential treatment and its effects on outcomes |
| Measurement approach | Awareness-Based: Self-report measures, attitude scales, implicit association tests; indirect measures of the behaviors that ultimately matter | Behavior-Change: Direct observation of practitioner behavior, outcome data disaggregated by client demographics; measures what clients experience |
| Research design | Awareness-Based: Primarily group designs (pre-post surveys, randomized controlled trials); may obscure individual variation in response | Behavior-Change: Single-case designs appropriate for evaluating individual practitioner change; reveals what works for whom |
| Maintenance of effects | Awareness-Based: Limited evidence of long-term maintenance; attitude changes may fade without ongoing environmental support | Behavior-Change: More likely to maintain if environmental contingencies support new behavioral patterns; requires organizational infrastructure |
| Community involvement | Awareness-Based: Often developed by researchers and trainers without systematic input from affected communities | Behavior-Change: Can integrate community perspectives into identifying target behaviors, evaluating social validity, and measuring meaningful outcomes |
| Scalability | Awareness-Based: Easily scaled through workshops, online modules, and organizational mandates; lower per-person cost | Behavior-Change: Requires more intensive individual assessment, observation, and feedback; higher per-person cost but potentially greater return on investment |
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 a systematic literature review of staff training on implicit bias 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.
A Systematic Literature Review of Staff Training on Implicit Bias — Nic Truong-Marchetto · 1 BACB Ethics CEUs · $20
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
258 research articles with practitioner takeaways
1 BACB Ethics CEUs · $20 · BehaviorLive
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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.