This comparison draws in part from “WIBA 2023 Invited Speaker: From Competition to Cooperation to Community; Using the Core Principles of our Ethics Code as our Compass” by Tiki Fiol, MS, 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 wiba 2023 invited speaker: from competition to cooperation to community; using the core principles of our ethics code as our compass, 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Client Referrals | Competition-Driven: Referrals to other providers are rare, driven by concern about losing revenue; clients may remain with a provider even when another would be a better fit | Community-Driven: Referrals are based on client needs; practitioners maintain networks across organizations and refer proactively when another provider offers a better match |
| Use of Technical Language | Competition-Driven: Jargon used in marketing and communication to establish expertise and differentiate from competitors, often at the expense of clarity | Community-Driven: Plain language prioritized in public communication; technical terms explained when used; clarity and accessibility valued over impressiveness |
| Professional Relationships | Competition-Driven: Colleagues at other organizations viewed as competitors; limited interaction; knowledge and resources guarded | Community-Driven: Colleagues across organizations viewed as partners; active participation in cross-organizational collaboration; knowledge shared freely |
| Marketing Approach | Competition-Driven: Focus on differentiating from competitors; may include inflated claims or subtle disparagement of other approaches | Community-Driven: Focus on accurately describing services; claims supported by evidence; helping families make informed choices based on their needs |
| Recruitment Practices | Competition-Driven: Aggressive recruitment from competitors; emphasis on compensation incentives; may contribute to high turnover industry-wide | Community-Driven: Focus on developing and retaining existing staff; competitive compensation without aggressive poaching; investment in professional development |
| Public Advocacy | Competition-Driven: Advocacy focused on individual organizational interests; limited participation in collective professional efforts | Community-Driven: Active participation in advocacy efforts that benefit the profession as a whole, including initiatives led by other organizations |
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 wiba 2023 invited speaker: from competition to cooperation to community; using the core principles of our ethics code as our compass 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.
WIBA 2023 Invited Speaker: From Competition to Cooperation to Community; Using the Core Principles of our Ethics Code as our Compass — Tiki Fiol · 1 BACB Ethics CEUs · $19.99
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
1 BACB Ethics CEUs · $19.99 · 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.