This comparison draws in part from “Supervision CSI: Investigate, Analyze, Solve” by Nicole Stewart, MSEd, BCBA, LBA-NY/NJ (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 supervision csi: investigate, analyze, solve, 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 |
|---|---|---|
| How performance gaps are identified | Topic-based: Gaps surface reactively — through trainee self-report, client outcome problems, or supervisor observation during routine case review | Data-based (CSI): Gaps identified proactively through systematic multi-source assessment — observation data, permanent product review, and structured probes |
| Supervision agenda structure | Topic-based: Agenda follows a predetermined content schedule or is driven by trainee questions; topics rotate regardless of whether previous topics have been mastered | Data-based (CSI): Agenda is generated from data collected since last meeting; agenda items map to specific trainee behavior targets with explicit criteria for success |
| Feedback specificity | Topic-based: Feedback tends to be evaluative and impressionistic — 'your session notes need more detail' or 'good work with the prompting hierarchy' | Data-based (CSI): Feedback is anchored to specific observable data — frequency counts, fidelity percentages, task list item-level performance records |
| Training method selection | Topic-based: Training activities (discussion, review, case consultation) are often selected based on convenience or trainee preference rather than matched to the type of skill gap | Data-based (CSI): Training method matched to gap type — BST for skill acquisition deficits, modeling and rehearsal for fluency deficits, case conceptualization probes for analytic deficits |
| BACB compliance documentation | Topic-based: Documentation often records topics covered and hours completed; less likely to include specific trainee behavior data or measurable progress indicators | Data-based (CSI): Documentation includes observation data, competency tracking matrices, meeting notes with specific targets and criteria — fully defensible against BACB audit |
| Generalization of trainee skills | Topic-based: Skill generalization is assumed rather than assessed; trainees may perform well in discussion but inconsistently in the field | Data-based (CSI): Generalization is explicitly assessed through observation across multiple settings and clients; generality deficits are treated as a distinct training target |
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 supervision csi: investigate, analyze, solve 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.
Supervision CSI: Investigate, Analyze, Solve — Nicole Stewart · 1.5 BACB Supervision CEUs · $15
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
258 research articles with practitioner takeaways
1.5 BACB Supervision CEUs · $15 · 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.