This comparison draws in part from “Survey on Culturally Responsive Mentorship Practices in Behavior Analysis” by Denice Rios Mojica, Ph.D, BCBA-D (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 →Mentorship practices in behavior analysis can be conceptualized along a continuum from standard approaches that treat all mentees identically regardless of cultural background to culturally responsive approaches that intentionally adapt mentorship practices based on cultural dynamics. While standard approaches may be well-intentioned, they can inadvertently disadvantage mentees whose cultural backgrounds differ from the dominant culture of the field. Understanding the differences between these approaches helps mentors evaluate their current practices and identify opportunities for improvement.
| Factor | Evidence-Based Approach | Traditional Approach |
|---|---|---|
| Cultural Awareness | Culturally responsive mentorship actively identifies and addresses cultural dynamics in the relationship, with ongoing self-reflection and adaptation | Standard mentorship may acknowledge cultural diversity in principle but does not systematically address cultural dynamics in the mentoring process |
| Communication Style | Adapts communication approach based on the mentee's cultural preferences for directness, formality, and feedback reception | Uses a consistent communication approach with all mentees, which may align with the dominant culture's norms for professional interaction |
| Feedback Delivery | Considers cultural context in how feedback is framed, delivered, and discussed, recognizing that feedback reception varies across cultures | Delivers feedback using a standard approach, which may be experienced differently by mentees from different cultural backgrounds |
| Goal Setting | Incorporates the mentee's cultural values and career aspirations into professional development goals, recognizing culturally influenced definitions of success | Sets goals based on standardized competency frameworks without explicit consideration of cultural context |
| Power Dynamics | Explicitly acknowledges and addresses the power differential, including how cultural factors may amplify perceived authority differences | May not explicitly address power dynamics, potentially leaving mentees from cultures that defer to authority feeling unable to advocate for themselves |
| Professional Identity Development | Supports the mentee in developing a professional identity that integrates their cultural background with their behavior-analytic expertise | Focuses on developing professional identity aligned with the field's dominant cultural norms, potentially requiring cultural assimilation |
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 survey on culturally responsive mentorship practices in behavior analysis 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.
Survey on Culturally Responsive Mentorship Practices in Behavior Analysis — Denice Rios Mojica · 1 BACB Ethics CEUs · $20
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.
239 research articles with practitioner takeaways
231 research articles with practitioner takeaways
212 research articles with practitioner takeaways
1 BACB Ethics CEUs · $20 · BehaviorLive
Research-backed educational guide
Research-backed answers for behavior analysts
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.