This comparison draws in part from “Development Of A Pyramidal Training Model To Improve Implementation Of PFA/SBT” by Jacob Huber, M.A., BCBA, LBA (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 development of a pyramidal training model to improve implementation of pfa/sbt, 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Scale Capacity | Standard BST: Scales poorly; requires one expert trainer per small training cohort; training bottleneck at expert level | Pyramidal Model: Scales efficiently; intermediate trainers multiply training capacity without proportionally increasing expert burden |
| Fidelity Ceiling | Standard BST: High fidelity ceiling if delivered by expert trainers; direct quality control at every training interaction | Pyramidal Model: Fidelity ceiling determined by intermediate tier quality; requires rigorous certification and ongoing monitoring to maintain |
| Infrastructure Investment | Standard BST: Low infrastructure investment; requires trained expert trainers and BST delivery capacity | Pyramidal Model: High infrastructure investment; requires certification systems, intermediate trainer oversight, and multi-tier fidelity monitoring |
| Sustainability | Standard BST: Dependent on expert trainer availability; training capacity diminishes if expert trainers leave | Pyramidal Model: More sustainable; organization builds internal training capacity that survives individual personnel changes |
| Best Application | Standard BST: Small organizations, pilot implementations, simpler protocols, or initial training of intermediate trainers | Pyramidal Model: Large or growing organizations, complex protocols requiring extensive practice, and sustainable system-wide implementation |
| Quality Monitoring | Standard BST: Straightforward — supervisor monitors direct care staff fidelity from expert perspective | Pyramidal Model: Multi-level — requires monitoring of direct care staff AND intermediate trainer fidelity as separate data streams |
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 development of a pyramidal training model to improve implementation of pfa/sbt 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.
Development Of A Pyramidal Training Model To Improve Implementation Of PFA/SBT — Jacob Huber · 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.
280 research articles with practitioner takeaways
279 research articles with practitioner takeaways
252 research articles with practitioner takeaways
1.5 BACB Supervision CEUs · $30 · 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.