This comparison draws in part from “What Got You Here, Won't Get You There: BCBA Edition” by Mellanie Page (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 →Most professional development content — books, workshops, conferences — operates on an implicit theory of change: provide insight into effective professional behavior, and practitioners will change their behavior accordingly. This theory has limited empirical support. Knowledge of what effective leadership looks like does not reliably produce effective leadership behavior, for the same reason that knowledge of effective communication strategies does not reliably produce effective communication in stressful situations. Behavior is maintained by its consequences, not by knowledge of best practices. The behavior-analytic approach to professional development takes this seriously, focusing on contingency analysis and environment design rather than insight delivery.
| Factor | Evidence-Based Approach | Traditional Approach |
|---|---|---|
| Theory of change | Insight-based: behavior changes when practitioners understand what effective practice looks like | Contingency-based: behavior changes when the contingencies maintaining current patterns are modified |
| Assessment focus | Insight-based: what does the practitioner know and believe about effective practice? | Contingency-based: what are the antecedents and consequences currently maintaining existing behavior patterns? |
| Intervention mechanism | Insight-based: provide information, models, and frameworks; motivate change through goals and values | Contingency-based: modify antecedents and consequences; shape successive approximations of target behaviors |
| Measurement approach | Insight-based: pre/post knowledge assessment; self-reported practice change | Contingency-based: direct tracking of target behaviors; outcome data from supervisees, staff, or organizational metrics |
| Sustained behavior change | Insight-based: behavior change often fails to generalize or maintain without environmental support | Contingency-based: behavior maintains when reinforcing consequences are in place; fades when contingencies revert |
| Applicability for BCBAs | Insight-based: accessible and widely available; may not leverage BCBAs' specific training | Contingency-based: directly applies BCBAs' existing functional analysis and behavior change skills to their own professional development |
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 what got you here, won't get you there: bcba edition 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.
What Got You Here, Won't Get You There: BCBA Edition — Mellanie Page · 0 BACB Supervision CEUs · $14.99
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.
280 research articles with practitioner takeaways
279 research articles with practitioner takeaways
258 research articles with practitioner takeaways
BACB Supervision CEUs · $14.99 · 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.