Cross-Cultural

Standard Three: Cross-Cultural Application

Behavior Analysts shall use appropriate, culturally-sensitive methodological approaches, skills, and techniques that reflect the professionals' understanding of the role of culture in the life of the client.

Course Learning Objective #1

Define and explain the importance of cultural sensitivity and cultural humility in the practice of applied behavior analysis.    

Course Learning Objective #2

Propose ways to provide opportunities for clients and their families to communicate their cultural identities and preferences at the onset of applied behavior analytic services.

Course Learning Objective #3

Describe how behavior analytic intervention (i.e., assessment, goals, and treatments) can be affected by differences between the behavior analyst's and client's cultural norms, values, and beliefs.    

Course Learning Objective #4

Provide examples of culturally sensitive assessment and treatment when establishing new skills. Explain how these practices improve social validity.

  • Behavior Assessment and Intervention; Organizational Behavior Management    

  • E.9 Engage in cultural humility in service delivery and professional relationships.
    E.10 Apply culturally responsive and inclusive service and supervision activities.
    E.11 Identify personal biases and how they might interfere with professional activity.
    F.2 Identify and integrate relevant cultural variables in the assessment process.
    F.3 Design and evaluate assessments of relevant skill strengths and areas of need.
    F.7 Interpret assessment data to determine the need for behavior-analytic services and/or referral to others.
    F.8 Interpret assessment data to identify and prioritize socially significant, client-informed, and culturally responsive behavior-change procedures and goals
    H.2. Identify and recommend interventions based on assessment results, scientific evidence, client preferences, and contextual fit (e.g., expertise required for implementation, cultural variables, environmental resources).
    H.3 Select socially valid alternative behavior to be established or increased when a target behavior is to be decreased.    

  • 2.13 Selecting, Designing, and Implementing Assessments.
    2.14 Selecting, Designing, and Implementing Behavior-Change Interventions    

Course Learning Objective #5

Provide examples of culturally sensitive approaches to coaching stakeholders. Explain how these practices improve social validity.    

Course Learning Objective #6

Describe tenets of culturally sensitive research practices and discuss the implications of research practices that are not culturally sensitive on equity and evidence-based treatment in applied behavior analysis.     

Copyright ©2026 Meghan A. Deshais,  Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey.  All rights reserved.