Cultural and individual diversity play a central role in psychological phenomena and professional practice.
Diversity is infused into the training process for UNCW's Applied Behavior Analysis Master's and Ph.D. programs. Students are taught to respect diversity and be competent in addressing it within all professional activities.
“The Association for Behavior Analysis International encourages diversity, equity, and inclusion in the field of behavior analysis broadly, and within the organization specifically. Diversity refers to differences in race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, country of origin, religious or spiritual beliefs, ability, and socioeconomic class.”
Psychologists are held to an ethical standard that prohibits “unfair discrimination based on age, gender, gender identity, race, ethnicity, culture, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, disability, socioeconomic status or any basis proscribed by law” (Ethical Standard 3.01, p. 5, APA, 2010).
UNCW’s Applied Behavior Analysis programs infuses diversity into its didactic and experiential training. This training is:
Students are trained to respect diversity and be competent in addressing diversity in all professional activities including research, training, supervision/consultation, and service. Students develop competencies to prepare them to serve diverse individuals in our local community, and also to work with diverse individuals elsewhere, long after completion of their training.
The acquisition of knowledge and competencies related to diversity are evaluated throughout the program by a variety of measures, including course grades and practicum supervisor ratings.
There are a variety of ways faculties and students contribute to efforts to create a supportive and welcoming learning environment and departmental climate. One example, the Psychology Department Diversity Advisory Committee, is comprised of faculty and students that plan and coordinate events and implement initiatives including guest speakers, experiential projects, curricular reviews, and networking with on-and off-campus organizations that promote diversity.