This comparison draws in part from “Addressing Equity, Diversity and Inclusion w/ Muriel McClendon” (The Daily BA), 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 addressing equity, diversity and inclusion w/ muriel mcclendon, 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Focus of Effort | Visible representation, cultural celebrations, and awareness activities that signal organizational values | Analysis and restructuring of policies, contingencies, and practices that produce inequitable outcomes |
| Training Approach | One-time diversity workshops focused on awareness and attitude change, often without follow-up or measurement | Ongoing skill-based training in culturally responsive practices with behavioral objectives, practice opportunities, and performance feedback |
| Measurement and Accountability | Limited measurement, often tracking only workforce demographics without examining processes or outcomes | Comprehensive data collection on hiring, retention, promotion, client outcomes, and staff experiences disaggregated by demographic variables |
| Sustainability | Efforts tend to be episodic and may lose momentum after initial enthusiasm or when leadership attention shifts | Changes are embedded in organizational structures, policies, and contingency systems, making them self-sustaining |
| Impact on Service Quality | Minimal direct impact on the quality or cultural responsiveness of services delivered to diverse client populations | Directly improves service quality through culturally adapted assessment, goal selection, intervention design, and family engagement |
| Alignment with Behavioral Principles | Relies primarily on verbal rules and awareness, which behavior analysts know are often insufficient to change behavior | Uses contingency analysis, environmental modification, skill training, and reinforcement to produce measurable behavior change |
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 addressing equity, diversity and inclusion w/ muriel mcclendon 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.
Addressing Equity, Diversity and Inclusion w/ Muriel McClendon — The Daily BA · 1 BACB Ethics CEUs · $24.99
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.
231 research articles with practitioner takeaways
224 research articles with practitioner takeaways
212 research articles with practitioner takeaways
1 BACB Ethics CEUs · $24.99 · The Daily BA
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.