Editorial: Emerging Cultural and Behavioral Systems Science

A Pilot Study Exploring Practices that Support the Longevity of Community Gardens Supported by Religious Organizations

Current food production methods in the United States (US) contribute to environmental degradation as well as food insecurity. Food production by means of community gardens has the potential to reduce the deleterious effects of current production methods. However, many community gardens face challenges that hinder their longevity, thereby reducing the likelihood of the support they might provide for environmentally sustainable food production and decreased food insecurity for community members. Researchers conducted a literature review regarding best practices for community gardens, and used ethnographic research methods to inform a culturo-behavioral systems analysis using the Total Performance System and matrix (systems interdependency) analysis to better understand the cultural practices of two established community gardens in the southwest region of the US. The results of the analyses are presented in terms of recommendations to support each community garden's sustainability. Recommendations regarding future research include environmental manipulations to identify functional relations and potential outcome measures for improving the longevity of community gardens.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s42822-023-00124-7.

Comportamento e seleção pelas consequências: a análise do comportamento no Brasil entre o dogma e a ciência

Resumo Considerando-se as recentes discussões sobre a definição de comportamento e do modelo de seleção por consequências conduzidas por pesquisadores brasileiros, discutimos a necessidade de maior participação das contribuições da análise experimental do comportamento no debate de conceitos da área e mais interação da área com outros sistemas em Psicologia. Criticamos o isolamento em relação à produção de conhecimento de outras áreas e a adoção de figuras de autoridade a partir da qual se possa fazer a avaliação das novidades da área. Para tanto, a análise do contexto no qual Skinner propôs seu modelo de seleção por consequências precisa ser feita para clara compreensão das contribuições mais importantes dessa proposta. Mostramos que a discussão sobre a distinção operante-respondente e a pertinência da noção de metacontingências são exemplos de revisão conceitual feita com base em dados e articulação entre áreas de pesquisa com epistemologias e metodologias diferentes, mas possíveis de serem articuladas.

Research and Training in Culturo-Behavior Science

Culturo-behavior science (CBS) is a developing area and recently formalized specialization in behavior science that brings together principles and techniques from behavior analysis (e.g., Skinner, 1953), behavioral systems analysis (e.g., Brethower, 2008), cultural analysis (e.g., Glenn et al., 2016), and cultural systems analysis (Mattaini, 2020). Culturo-behavior scientists typically work within a selectionist and/or (ecological) systems perspective to advance our understanding of how cultural phenomena develop and change over time and how more effective cultures and systems can be designed (Cihon & Mattaini, 2019, 2020b). The purpose of the current article is to describe CBS, to introduce the recently formulated Association for Behavior Analysis International verified course sequence (VCS) and certificate program in CBS, and to present different pathways to training in CBS. We do this through the presentation of examples from the literature and from four universities that have adopted the CBS VCS and certificate program that are illustrative of how different programs may approach research and training in CBS.

Exploring Quality in the Applied Behavior Analysis Service Delivery Industry

As the applied behavior analysis (ABA) service industry (“the industry”) continues to rapidly expand, it faces three major problems. First, ABA service delivery quality (ASDQ) is undefined in ABA research and the industry. Second, we cannot rely exclusively on professional organizations that oversee licensure and certification to control ABA service delivery quality because they do not have control over the relevant contingencies. Third, without objective indicators of ABA service delivery quality, it is difficult for ABA organizations to distinguish the quality of their services from competitors. In this article, first we explain the need for more critical discussion of ASDQ in the field at large, briefly describe a sample of common views of quality in ABA research and the industry, and identify some of their limitations. Then we define ASDQ and present a cohesive theoretical framework which brings ASDQ within the scope of our science so that we might take a more empirical approach to understanding and strengthening ASDQ. Next, we explain how organizations can use culturo-behavioral science to understand their organization’s cultural practices in terms of cultural selection and use the evidence-based practice of ABA at the organizational level to evaluate the extent to which methods targeting change initiatives result in high ASDQ. Lastly, in a call to action we provide ABA service delivery organizations with six steps they can take now to pursue high ASDQ by applying concepts from culturo-behavioral science and total quality management.

Come On Up for the Rising: A Review of Biglan's Rebooting Capitalism

In Rebooting Capitalism: How We Can Forge a Society that Works for Everyone, Anthony Biglan (2020) explains that a free-market and capitalist narrative, sculpted by a coalition of the extremely wealthy, has led to a commonly held myth that the pursuit of individual wealth will improve the overall well-being of the populous. Instead, our current economic system and public policies have resulted in cultural practices that increase wealth inequality, incite racial tensions, and destroy the natural world. The book functions as a call to arms for behavior analysts to join a coalition of interdisciplinary professionals with a like-minded mission of creating a nurturing form of capitalism, grounded in behavior science, that improves the quality of life for all people.

Barriers and Facilitators of Access to Psychological Services for Indigenous Populations: A Scoping Review and Thematic Analysis

Background: The extent to which behavior-analytic interventions are offered to Indigenous populations across CANZUS in accessible and culturally appropriate ways is unknown. We conducted a scoping review with a thematic analysis of the extant literature to find: (1) what are the barriers and facilitators for providing effective and equitable delivery of psychological services (with a behavioral component) to Indigenous populations; and (2) what tools and practices exist for an effective and equitable service delivery. Methods: We systematically reviewed Medline, CINAHL, PubMed, PsycInfo, Web of science, Ovid and INNZ databases between 1990 and 2020. For the scoping review, we adhered to the JBI methodological approach (2015) and the PRISMA strategy for the identification, selection, and appraisal of the reviewed articles. A total of 1265 unique articles met the criteria for the screening by title; 238 by abstract; 57 were included for full text assessment; and 37 were included in the final analysis. Results: Three themes were revealed to account for the barriers and facilitators of culturally friendly practices: (1) connecting practices are about interactions shaping the relationship between service provider and service client; (2) innovative practices test new approaches and innovations that could facilitate access to psychological services and overcome barriers, and (3) reflective practices are about critically examining the processes and actions undertaken toward effective cultural adaptation of services. Conclusions: Our analysis suggests that the level of success in bringing together services and the recipients of treatment (connection), showing flexibility and persistence in finding solutions (innovation) and examining the role of our behaviors in reaching our goals (reflection) is determined by the providers' action in the aforementioned three dimensions of practice.

A systematic review of cultural adaptations in the global application of ABA-based telehealth services

With telehealth gaining acceptance as a service delivery method, behavior analysts are now providing services to individuals worldwide. This review highlights the cultural adaptations used in ABA-based telehealth treatments for individuals with ASD outside of the United States. Nine studies met our inclusion criteria and the data were synthesized narratively. All studies reported some type of cultural adaptation, with most studies reporting changes made to the service delivery method. This included using translated materials; training in the language of the client; and matching the trainer in birthplace, ethnicity, or gender with the participants. The adaptations described in published research can serve as a resource for behavior analysts who have interest in global telehealth services. However, given the emerging nature of this area of research, it is challenging to know which adaptations are necessary to achieve optimal outcomes. The review concludes with ideas for research development in this area.