This comparison draws in part from “Civil Discourse:” by Bruce Tinor (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 civil discourse:, 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 | Competitive debate: Persuade the audience or opponent that your position is correct; demonstrate superiority of your argument over theirs | Collaborative inquiry: Arrive at the most accurate or most useful answer to a shared question; update positions based on evidence |
| Information Handling | Competitive debate: Present evidence that supports your position; minimize, reframe, or counter evidence that challenges it | Collaborative inquiry: Actively seek disconfirming evidence; treat challenging information as valuable input rather than obstacle to be overcome |
| Relationship to Other Party | Competitive debate: Opponent is the adversary whose position must be defeated to win the exchange | Collaborative inquiry: Conversational partner brings a different perspective that may contain information you need to reach a better answer |
| Outcome Criteria | Competitive debate: Success is persuading others or winning the exchange; changing one's own position feels like defeat | Collaborative inquiry: Success is reaching the best available answer; changing position based on good evidence is a positive outcome |
| Applicability to Clinical Decisions | Competitive debate: Can entrench positions that are clinically suboptimal when practitioners become invested in defending their initial recommendations | Collaborative inquiry: Supports clinical decision-making that updates based on client data, team input, and evolving evidence |
| Organizational Culture Effect | Competitive debate: Tends to suppress minority views; creates winners and losers; staff with less formal power disengage from contributing | Collaborative inquiry: Creates psychological safety for raising concerns; distributes expertise more effectively across the team |
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Use this framework when approaching civil discourse: 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.
Civil Discourse: — Bruce Tinor · 1 BACB Supervision CEUs · $25
Take This Course →1 BACB Supervision CEUs · $25 · 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.