Functional analysis in a bicultural context

One of the dilemmas in behavioural assessment is the extent to which both s pecific functional analyses and more general case formulations are dependen t on professional judgement and thus subject to bias. While in theory the f unctional:analysis represents hypotheses about controlling variables which can then be subjected to empirical test, the clinical reality is that many such hypotheses are only loosely evaluated, post-hoc, by: virtue of the suc cess, or otherwise, of treatment. The role of cultural variables: in the de velopment and testing of hypothesised functional, relationships is thus par ticularly difficult to evaluate This paper suggests guidelines for evaluati ng the cultural context of behavioural assessment in clinical practice. The proposed criteria are seen as having relevance in assessing clients bf bot h dominant and nondominant cultures. In Aotearoa / New Zealand these issues are examined within a bicultural framework. Legal and moral imperatives de fining a partnership between two peoples mandate additional considerations for sound clinical assessment. The practical implications of these issues f or ensuring a culturally sensitive application of behavioural assessment pr inciples are examined according to psychometric standards, principles of be haviour change, and ethics.