This comparison draws in part from “The Impact of Cultural Factors on Behavior Analysis Practice in a Multi-cultural Society” by Eyal Cohen, BCBA (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 the impact of cultural factors on behavior analysis practice in a multi-cultural society, 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Core orientation | Cultural Competence: Knowledge acquisition and skill development focused on understanding specific cultural groups and adapting practices accordingly | Cultural Humility: Ongoing self-reflection and openness to learning from clients, recognizing the limits of one's own cultural understanding |
| View of expertise | Cultural Competence: Practitioner develops expertise about cultural groups through study and training | Cultural Humility: Client and family are the experts on their own cultural experience; practitioner is a learner |
| Risk of stereotyping | Cultural Competence: Higher risk if cultural knowledge is applied as generalizations rather than hypotheses to test | Cultural Humility: Lower risk because emphasis is on individual inquiry rather than group-based assumptions |
| Measurability | Cultural Competence: More amenable to structured training and assessment; specific knowledge and skills can be evaluated | Cultural Humility: More difficult to quantify; assessed through self-reflection quality and client feedback rather than knowledge tests |
| Power dynamics | Cultural Competence: Does not explicitly address power imbalances between practitioner and client | Cultural Humility: Explicitly addresses redistributing power in the therapeutic relationship and centering client voice |
| Application to supervision | Cultural Competence: Supervisor teaches cultural knowledge and skills to supervisees through didactic training | Cultural Humility: Supervisor models self-reflection, creates space for cultural dialogue, and learns alongside supervisees |
| Endpoint | Cultural Competence: Implies a level of mastery that can be achieved through sufficient training and experience | Cultural Humility: Explicitly frames cultural learning as a lifelong process with no endpoint of complete understanding |
| Ethical alignment | Cultural Competence: Aligns with Code 1.05 scope of competence and Code 1.07 professional development requirements | Cultural Humility: Aligns with Code 2.09 involving stakeholders, Code 2.01 client best interest, and the spirit of client-centered practice |
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 the impact of cultural factors on behavior analysis practice in a multi-cultural society 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.
The Impact of Cultural Factors on Behavior Analysis Practice in a Multi-cultural Society — Eyal Cohen · 1 BACB Ethics CEUs · $18
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.
258 research articles with practitioner takeaways
252 research articles with practitioner takeaways
239 research articles with practitioner takeaways
1 BACB Ethics CEUs · $18 · 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.