Cultural and Linguistic Diversity in Recent Verbal Behavior Research on Individuals with Disabilities: a Review and Implications for Research and Practice

Abstract

The number of individuals from various culture and language backgrounds who are receiving behavior-analytic services is growing. Therefore, a behavioral understanding of the role of cultural and linguistic diversity (CLD) in language acquisition may be warranted. We searched recent editions of The Analysis of Verbal Behavior and the Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis to determine the degree to which researchers report the CLD of individuals with disabilities who participate in verbal behavior research. Our results indicate that researchers in these journals rarely report the culture and language background of their participants. Given these results, we provide a conceptual analysis and describe implications for research and clinical practice. A further understanding of the role of CLD may aid in the development of better behavioral interventions and culturally sensitive treatments. Finally, research that explores the role of CLD in language acquisition may add to the generality of behavior-analytic research and practice.

Developing the Cultural Awareness Skills of Behavior Analysts

“…We encourage more research on topics of diversity, cross-cultural implementation, and international dissemination of ABA. It has been recommended that when behaviorally oriented researchers publish articles, the BParticipant^section include more information about cultural variables (Brodhead et al 2014;Kaufman et al 2008). We further suggest that authors of textbooks and training manuals, and designers of continuing education and online trainings increase the number and variety of topics related to culture and diversity.…”

“…These behaviors include selecting culturally appropriate treatments (see Rispoli et al 2011), recognizing that Bparenting styles that are culture specific could lead to distinct behavioral consequences for a child^ (Akcinar and Baydar 2014, p. 119), and implementing culturally appropriate language acquisition programs (see Brodhead et al 2014). Cultural awareness could also ensure that behavior analysts treat service delivery as Balways a twoway street^ (Bolling 2002), meaning that the relationship between the behavior analyst and the stakeholders should include input about what cultural contingencies and values may contribute to an effective relationship and intervention.…”

“…Although there is a growing interest in conceptual (e.g., Brodhead et al 2014;Fong and Tanaka 2013) and applied strategies for administering behavioral interventions for clients from diverse cultural backgrounds (e.g., Padilla Dalamau et al 2011;Rispoli et al 2011;Washio and Houmanfar 2007), there is little guidance concerning how practicing behavior analysts can become culturally aware or further develop that awareness. Therefore, guidance on how to become culturally aware may be an important resource for behavior analysts.…”

Impact of language on behavior treatment outcomes

“…Considerations related to cultural and linguistic diversity in the application of behavioranalytic interventions are becoming especially pressing (Brodhead, Durán, & Bloom, 2014;Fong, Ficklin, & Lee, 2017;Sugai, O'Keeffe, & Fallon, 2012;Washio & Houmanfar, 2007). Unfortunately, the behavior-analytic literature has only recently begun to address issues of linguistic diversity that may mediate the efficacy of FCT.…”

Towards the Development of Antiracist and Multicultural Graduate Training Programs in Behavior Analysis

“…Diversity in research is not only understudied, its necessity for consideration is generally up for debate (Li et al, 2017). In fact, cultural information such as race/ethnicity and linguistic ANTIRACIST GRADUATE TRAINING information has been found to be reported in only 3% -10.7% of studies published in behavioral journals (Beaulieu et al, 2019;Brodhead et al, 2014;Li et al, 2017). These low percentages indicate a general consensus to a colorblind-like approach to conducting research.…”