This comparison draws in part from “Part II of WTF: This is NOT the Career I Envisioned” by Ellie Kazemi, PhD (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 part ii of wtf: this is not the career i envisioned, 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 Behavioral Mechanism | Financial: Increases the positive reinforcement magnitude associated with continued employment | Non-Financial: Addresses the aversiveness of working conditions and builds intrinsic reinforcement for high-quality work |
| Effect Duration | Financial: Temporary unless paired with structural improvements; adaptation occurs and new baseline becomes expected | Non-Financial: More durable when built into supervision culture and career systems rather than offered as one-time initiatives |
| Reach | Financial: Affects all staff simultaneously through compensation adjustments | Non-Financial: Typically delivered at the supervisory relationship level, requiring quality implementation across all supervisors |
| Cost Structure | Financial: High direct cost; scales with headcount and requires sustained budget allocation | Non-Financial: Low direct cost but requires significant supervisory skill investment and organizational culture change |
| Targeting Precision | Financial: Broad and uniform; cannot target specific retention drivers for specific staff | Non-Financial: Can be tailored to individual staff needs through stay interviews and individualized career planning |
| Ethics Alignment | Financial: Addresses compensation fairness obligations but does not fulfill supervisory quality obligations | Non-Financial: Directly supports Ethics Code obligations around supervision quality, professional development, and ethical culture |
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 part ii of wtf: this is not the career i envisioned 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.
Part II of WTF: This is NOT the Career I Envisioned — Ellie Kazemi · 1.5 BACB Supervision CEUs · $30
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.
279 research articles with practitioner takeaways
239 research articles with practitioner takeaways
200 research articles with practitioner takeaways
1.5 BACB Supervision CEUs · $30 · 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.