Candidate: Lori H. Miller

Degree of: Doctor of Philosophy

Department: Psychology

Title: Using Behavioral Systems Analysis to Improve the Placement Service of the Association for Behavior Analysis

Committee:
Dr. Richard W. Malott, Chair
Dr. Maria E. Malott
Dr. Alan Poling
Dr. Ramona Houmanfar

Date: Friday, May 16, 2003, 3:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Wood Hall

Abstract: This dissertation demonstrated the use of behavioral systems analysis tools in the development of a useful service in a non-profit association. The purpose of this study was threefold. The first purpose was to design a placement system that would add value to the field of behavior analysis by placing behavior analysts in appropriate jobs, internships, and graduate programs. The second purpose was to develop a data collection infrastructure that would assist the Association for Behavior Analysis (ABA) in the assessment of the trends related to the human resource component of the field. The third purpose was to advance the knowledge and methodology of behavioral systems analysis.

Six objectives were specified in the design of the placement system that would lead to the purposes above: (1) to increase the number of users; (2) to ensure that the service is easy to use and manage; (3) to organize the convention process to better serve clients; (4) to include graduate training opportunities; (5) to collect data; and (6) to engage in system development efforts on a regular basis.

An on-line system was designed and implemented to address all of these objectives. Performance trends, marking results, and field-related data collected from the implementation of the system indicated that these six objectives were successfully met, but had much room for improvement.

Efforts to improve the system are presented based on the data. These efforts include those that have been implemented, those that are planned to be implemented soon, and those that should be implemented in the future.
The behavioral systems analysis approach established a clear structure for the placement system to evolve effectively. This approach, to develop the improved placement system, is intended to contribute to the progress of the field of behavior analysis and to advance the knowledge and methodology of behavioral systems analysis. This dissertation contributed to the literature on behavioral systems analysis by applying the tools in a novel and applied situation. Future research is needed to determine whether the methodology for designing a useful placement service could be replicated and generalized to any type of organization and discipline.

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