Guidance for Behavior Analysts in Addressing Racial Implicit Bias

Abstract

In the practice of applied behavior analysis (ABA) treatment, implicit bias, which can be defined in behavioral terms, needs to be addressed as it may inadvertently lead to overt forms of discrimination on the basis of race. While little research has been conducted within the field of ABA on racial implicit bias, information gathered from related fields can provide insight as to how behavior analysts can promote positive change in this area. Drawing from existing literature, recommendations are provided regarding assessment and administration of interventions to reduce racial implicit bias for clinicians. The purpose of this paper is to provide strategies that behavior analysts can implement immediately to assess and reduce behaviors related to implicit bias exhibited by practitioners, thereby reducing racial discrimination with clients and staff.

Book Review: Ethics for behavior analysts

“…As such, readers would benefit from elaboration and direction incorporating these values into their professional activities. Potential topics for discussion include: (a) the role of implicit bias/ derived relational responding in decision-making (Barnes-Holmes et al, 2010), (b) direct/functional assessment of overt communicative behaviors (e.g., microaggressions), (c) outcomes of language training for children with varied linguistic backgrounds, and (d) facilitation of collaborative decision-making involving extended family members and stakeholders (Jaramillo & Nohelty, 2022).…”

“…For example, behavioral descriptions of racism and bias emphasize that these are behaviors “… that people do rather than something that people possess” (DeHouwer, 2019). Not satisfied to lament intractable “unconscious” processes, behavioral research contributes to a more systematic understanding of how these behaviors are learned and how they can be changed (Arhin & Thyer, 2004; Barnes-Holmes et al, 2010; Jaramillo & Nohelty, 2022). Clearly, behavior analysts and social workers seek compatible goals that can best be achieved through collaborative efforts.…”

Neurodiversity-Affirming Applied Behavior Analysis

“…Implicit bias contributes to the development and maintenance of ableism (Huang et al, 2023). Implicit bias has long been thought to be outside the purview of ABA (Jaramillo & Nohelty, 2022). Extensions can be made from the limited but growing body of behavior analytic literature related to racism (Machado & Lugo, 2022;Matsuda et al, 2020;Jaramillo & Nohelty, 2022).…”

“…Implicit bias has long been thought to be outside the purview of ABA (Jaramillo & Nohelty, 2022). Extensions can be made from the limited but growing body of behavior analytic literature related to racism (Machado & Lugo, 2022;Matsuda et al, 2020;Jaramillo & Nohelty, 2022). For example, implicit biases have been operationalized a "set of behaviors that can be changed" (Jaramillo & Nohelty, 2022, p. 1181) and as "something people do rather than something that people possess" (De Houwer, 2019, p. 836).…”

Improving the Methodological, Analytical, and Cultural Impact of Behavior Analysis Via Utilization of Group Design Methods and Statistical Analyses

“…And furthermore, if the field's reaction to such criticism is with rhetoric and not data, increased dismissal of the utility and value of the overall field may result. Even those who speak up about creating change in the discipline (e.g., Jaramillo & Nohelty, 2022;Mathur & Rodriguez, 2022;Pritchett et al, 2022;Wright, 2019), doing better than in the past (e.g., Baires et al, 2022;Li et al, 2019), or improving inclusivity (e.g., Deochand & Costello, 2022;Levy et al, 2022;Lovelace et al, 2022) cannot and should not rest after such assertions alone, but only after producing data by which to support such claims. We believe that only through data that change will occur at the magnitude of impact that appears desired, and most importantly the type of data that will yield the greatest change-making potential will be gathered using between group, large sample sized research designs and statistical analyses.…”