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.