This comparison draws in part from “You Down With PDC? Why Isn't Everybody?” by Adriana Anderson, Ph.D., 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 you down with pdc? why isn't everybody?, 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Root Cause Identification | Training-Only: Assumes skill deficit without assessment; root cause not systematically evaluated | PDC-HS-Informed: Systematically evaluates antecedent, material, and consequence variables before intervention selection |
| Intervention Match | Training-Only: Effective only when skill deficit is the actual cause of the performance gap; mismatched to non-training causes | PDC-HS-Informed: Interventions selected from across the full range of antecedent and consequence options, matched to assessed function |
| Resource Efficiency | Training-Only: High resource investment; ineffective and repeated training consumes supervisor and staff time without producing improvement | PDC-HS-Informed: Assessment investment upfront; intervention efficiency improved by targeting actual drivers of the performance gap |
| Staff Experience | Training-Only: Repeated training for problems not caused by skill deficits is experienced as punitive and demoralizing; undermines trust | PDC-HS-Informed: Collaborative assessment process communicates organizational investment in understanding and improving working conditions |
| Systemic Problem Detection | Training-Only: Individual-level intervention does not reveal or address systemic organizational contributors to performance gaps | PDC-HS-Informed: Heat map aggregation reveals systemic patterns requiring organizational-level intervention beyond individual re-training |
| Evidence Base | Training-Only: BST has strong evidence when skill deficit is the correct target; evidence does not support training for non-skill deficit problems | PDC-HS-Informed: Published systematic reviews support PDC-HS as a valid assessment tool with demonstrated utility in human services settings |
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 you down with pdc? why isn't everybody? 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.
You Down With PDC? Why Isn't Everybody? — Adriana Anderson · 1 BACB Supervision 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.
279 research articles with practitioner takeaways
258 research articles with practitioner takeaways
252 research articles with practitioner takeaways
1 BACB Supervision CEUs · $20 · 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.