Does the definition of values develop in observable and measurable terms, as per the requirements of applied behavior analysis? Does your peer provide a clear argument that supports a values-based culture of applied behavior analysis? Do current mechanisms (such as university programs and professional organizations) adequately support a values-based culture of applied behavior analysis? Respond to post with the above questions According to Krieg (2020), culture has been defined as a "set shared values, beliefs and practices that are influenced by the environment" and passed on to others (p.1). In a behavior analytic view, the two defining characteristics of culture are an individual's private thoughts (i.e., values and beliefs) and public behaviors (i.e., practices). Krieg (2020) stated that culture within a given context is influenced by the "salient features of a physical or social ecology, shared by a specific group, and transmitted by the group to new members" (p.2). Krieg (2020) mentioned an approach known as the Contextual Behavior Science (CBS) and its purpose is to analyze behavioral variation and selection within a given context across many dimensions. CBS aims on predicting and influencing both public behaviors and private events to demonstrate how these behaviors are shaped by contextual factors (p.2). CBS focus is to demonstrate functional relations between organisms' behaviors and features of the environment. According to Paliliunas (2022), values are those qualifies or beliefs that are high priority to a person or a community. In a behavioral analytic view, the concept of values and interventions that target values consistent with an acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) approach might serve in key areas of research and practice, from professional development to individualized treatment interventions (p.115). A widely agreed-upon notion among those in the ABA field is focus on increase of socially important behaviors within a framework of techniques, practices, and procedures that are aligned with Baer et al.'s seven dimensions of ABA. Paliliuna (2022) noted that the focus on socially important behavior seems critical when considering the role of values in behavioral analysis (p.115). Paliliuna (2022) mentioned that the use values as a guide to produce meaningful behavioral changes is the center of ACT-based interventions and may be useful for professional development, clinical decision making, or treatment plan development (p.115). According to Paliliuna (2022), Skinner (1971) discussed values as the discrimination between a thing and its reinforcing effect, suggesting one to examine a person's history and their current context to show what behaviors are likely to occasion reinforcement (p.116). Paliniluna (2022) mentioned that Leigland (2005) described values as a "function of variables found in environment-behaviors interactions" and emphasized the role of verbal motivating operations that produce specified reinforcers (p.116). The definition an account of values emphasizes the role of verbal established motivation and to provide a more functional perspective. This has led to a rise in basic and applied values in clinical behavior analysis, particularly within ACT. Paliliuna (2022) stated that the description of values within the context of intervention with clients and concepts of values from a behavior-analytic viewpoint use distinct terms suited for clients or professionals. In clinic work, values represent "intangible outcomes of action that are meaningful to the individual" (p. 116). A behavior analyst who values being effective as a professional and supports clients provides a sense of meaning and fulfillment that directs and maintain their behaviors. Even though it is crucial that professionals to become fluent in the terminology used to discuss values with clients and caregivers, it is essential to be able to describe values in terms of "relevant behavioral processes" (p.116). Furthermore, a behavior analyst who describes a context that produces good client outcomes as reinforcers are those that would precede the behavior analyst's behavior. This would allow the behavior analyst to maximize contact with those reinforcers through direct contingency because of the rationale between the value and the behavior (p.117). Paliliuna (2022) mentioned that this description of values in terms of behavior patterns and value-based contingencies is an important feature of an analysis. Paliliuna (2022) discussed that acceptance and commitment therapy is an approach that creates a process-based model of how to remediate psychological problems and promote behavioral effectiveness (p.118). ACT-based interventions are used to increase psychological flexibility in accordance with "value-based contingencies" while interacting all stimuli in the environment. Psychological flexibility is a crucial factor for engaging in behaviors connected with personal values. The general main objective of ACT-based interventions is to increase rationality between a person's behavior and their values. Many treatments designed to increase psychological flexibility target six core processes which includes values being one of the core processes. Pauliliuna (2022) argued that values clarification and rationale play significant roles in the design of ACT-based interventions (p.117). Ruiz and Roche (2007) discussed that scientific principles guide behavior analysts as they work to promote effective action across various cultural practices (p.1). Scientific tradition has yielded effective technology and the field of application is expanding. Values serve as guides to action and a play a major role in helping behavior analyst work through ethical predicaments. Skinner's work has been the philosophical framework of applied behavior analysis for over 60 years. According to Fong et al., (2016), Skinner viewed culture as humans controlling contingencies of reinforcement and punishment that affect behavior of a person or community (p.84) Culture may be further defined as the extent to which a person or group engage in verbal behavior that reflects learning histories and predicts how people behave in a specific context. Fong et al., (2016) noted that culturally aware behavior analysts should seek to understand the learning histories of their clients (p.84). Ruiz and Roche (2007) stated that Skinner embraced "value judgments as part of the subject matter of a science of behavior" (p.3). Even though Skinner offered a distinct approach to values, behavior analysts are committed to a goal orientation and stance on truth. Skinner shared a passion for social issues and a dedication to promoting progressive cultural practices for a better future. According to Fong et al., (2016) clinicians demonstrate cultural awareness by collecting data and testing hypotheses rather than accepting their biases as the norm (p. 87). Clinicians who analyze data rather than relying on their personal assumptions may reduce bias and foster deeper understanding of client behavior. A dependence on scientific behavior analytic knowledge is required by the Professional and Ethical Compliance Code for Behavior Analysts (p.84). Behavior analysts who express openness to learning about cultural characteristics along with an awareness of their limitations may lead to new directions that will benefit diverse populations with behavior analysis. References Fong, E., Catagnus, R., Brodhead, M., Quigley, S., & Field, S. (2016). Developing the Cultural Awareness Skills of Behavior Analysts. Behavior Analysis in Practice, 9(1), 84-94. https://doi-org.libauth.purdueglobal.edu/10.1007/s40617-016-0111-6 Krieg, A. (2020). A Contextual Behavioral Account of Culture: Example Implementation of a Functional Behavioral Approach to the Study of Cultural Differences in Social Anxiety. Frontiers in Psychology, 11. https://doi-org.libauth.purdueglobal.edu/10.3389/fpsyg.2020.00418 Paliliunas, D. (2022). Values: A Core Guiding Principle for Behavior-Analytic Intervention and Research. Behavior Analysis in Practice, 15(1), 115-125. https://doi-org.libauth.purdueglobal.edu/10.1007/s40617-021-00595-3 Ruiz, M. R., & Roche, B. (2007). Values and the Scientific Culture of Behavior Analysis. Behavior Analyst, 30(1), 1-16