This comparison draws in part from “An Open Discussion about Race & Diversity in Behavior Analysis” by Elizabeth Fong, PhD, MA, BCBA, LBS (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 an open discussion about race & diversity in behavior analysis, 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Theoretical Foundation | Culturally responsive: Recognizes culture as a critical environmental variable that shapes behavior-environment relationships | Culture-neutral: Assumes behavioral principles apply universally without explicit cultural analysis |
| Assessment Practice | Culturally responsive: Includes cultural context, values, and experiences in functional assessment | Culture-neutral: Focuses on antecedent-behavior-consequence relationships without explicit cultural variables |
| Target Behavior Selection | Culturally responsive: Evaluates targets for cultural bias and alignment with client/family values | Culture-neutral: Selects targets based on clinical judgment and standardized criteria |
| Family Engagement | Culturally responsive: Proactively addresses barriers, power dynamics, and cultural preferences in family relationships | Culture-neutral: Uses standard engagement practices without explicit cultural adaptation |
| Practitioner Development | Culturally responsive: Requires ongoing self-reflection on bias and cultural competence development | Culture-neutral: Focuses professional development on technical skills and behavioral methodology |
| Organizational Practices | Culturally responsive: Examines hiring, service delivery, and policies for racial equity | Culture-neutral: Applies uniform organizational practices without equity analysis |
| Ethical Alignment | Culturally responsive: Directly satisfies Code 1.07 requirements for cultural responsiveness and diversity | Culture-neutral: May not fully address ethical mandates regarding cultural responsiveness |
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 an open discussion about race & diversity in behavior analysis 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.
An Open Discussion about Race & Diversity in Behavior Analysis — Elizabeth Fong · 1 BACB Ethics CEUs · $25
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.
239 research articles with practitioner takeaways
231 research articles with practitioner takeaways
224 research articles with practitioner takeaways
1 BACB Ethics CEUs · $25 · BehaviorLive
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.